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Everything you need to know about getting a mortgage if you're self-employed

Becoming self-employed isn’t always for everyone and making this decision can have its consequences. You may feel alone in your journey, especially when it comes to financial advice, especially when your high street bank doesn’t understand the way in which you work when applying for a mortgage, which can hinder your opportunity.

 

self-employed mortgage

 

It’s a common myth that the self-employed will be declined a mortgage and/or would need to have been self-employed for 2 to 3 years. This isn’t necessarily true and with support and guidance from the right specialist mortgage broker you could get a mortgage that reflects your true earnings.

 

Whether you’re a self-employed first-time buyer or you’re a self-employed professional looking to re-mortgage, CMME have created this helpful guide outlining everything you need to know about getting a mortgage.

 

Preparing to apply for a self-employed mortgage is key

In recent years, there has been a huge demand for specialist mortgages for self-employed professionals, as more people than ever before are working for themselves.

A number of banks are happy to offer a self-employed mortgage, however, before agreeing to lend you money, they need to be sure that you are in a position to make the repayments.

 

With this in mind, you will be asked to provide 1-3 years of accounts prepared by a chartered or certified accountant, SA302 tax calculation forms, and 3 months of your business’ bank statements.

 

Different banks have different lending criteria, so it’s definitely worth checking what you will need to provide in advance so that you can ensure that you are prepared.

 

Some banks and building societies may also want to look at your credit report, so make sure you check it and ensure that there are no issues before applying for a mortgage.

 

Getting your deposit

The same rules as with employed applicants apply for self-employed mortgages when it comes to getting together a deposit.

 

For example, you will need to contribute at least 5% of the property’s value, however, if you can get together a 10% deposit, you will be able to access mortgages with better interest rates.

 

You should also be aware that there are different mortgages for different company types, and you will be expected to provide different forms of evidence, tailored to the circumstances, during the application process.

 

Limited Company Mortgage

If you operate a limited company and you’re applying for a mortgage, lenders will consider both your salary and dividends, which make up your salary.

 

Some lenders even take into account your operating or net profit. 

 

Sole Trader Mortgage

If you are applying for a sole trader mortgage, you will need to present at least 1 year’s trading history, however, lenders tend to look more favourably on applicants with a longer history.

 

Partnership Mortgage

Your share of the profits will be considered when applying for a partnership mortgage.

 

How much can you borrow?

Unlike in the past, when lenders would multiply your total income by 3, 4 or 5 to determine how much you can borrow; today banks use complex methods to establish how much you can safely borrow.

 

To reach a decision, your lender will look closely at your income and current expenditure.

So before applying for a mortgage, make sure that all of your accounts are in order and you have everything that you will need. 

 

 

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IPSE are not authorised to offer regulated mortgage advice. IPSE are introducers to CMME.

 

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

 

CMME is a trading name of CMME Mortgages and Protection Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA reg. 414798). Registered in England No. 04886692. Registered Office: Albany House, 5 Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QE. Please be aware that Commercial Mortgages, Overseas Mortgages and some Buy To Let Mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Calls may be recorded for training and security purposes and to improve the quality of our service.

 

Meet the author

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CMME

A specialist mortgage brokerage offering expert advice and bespoke mortgages for Independent Professionals.

Find out more about CMME.