If you’re self-employed and thinking about buying a home or remortgaging, you may have already heard that securing a mortgage can feel more complicated than if you were in a traditional salaried role. But with the right preparation and understanding, it’s absolutely possible to get a mortgage that suits your needs. Here’s a closer look at what lenders really look for when assessing applications from self-employed borrowers.

1. Proof of Income

Lenders need to see that your income is reliable and consistent. For the self-employed, this usually means:

Two to three years’ worth of accounts prepared by a qualified accountant.
SA302 forms or tax calculations from HMRC for the same period.
Evidence of regular work or contracts, especially if you’re a freelancer or contractor.

Some lenders may consider just one year of accounts, but generally the more history you can show, the stronger your application.

2. Stability and Sustainability

It’s not just about how much you earn – it’s about how sustainable that income is. Lenders want to know:

Is your income steady or does it fluctuate significantly?
Do you have a long track record in your industry?
Have you been trading for at least two years?

Showing that you’ve built a stable business reassures lenders that you’ll be able to keep up with repayments long-term.

3. Credit History

Your credit history matters whether you’re employed or self-employed. Lenders will check:

Your personal credit score.
How you’ve managed previous credit (loans, credit cards, etc.).
Whether you have any missed payments, defaults, or CCJs.

A clean credit file helps demonstrate financial responsibility and can improve the deals available to you.

4. Deposit Size

The bigger your deposit, the less risky you appear to a lender. While first-time buyers might secure mortgages with 5–10% deposits, self-employed applicants may find it easier with 15–20% or more. A larger deposit can also unlock better rates.

5. Affordability Assessment

Just like with employed applicants, lenders will assess what you can afford. This involves:

Reviewing your income and outgoings.
Looking at household bills, debts, and lifestyle spending.
Stress-testing your finances to check you can manage repayments if interest rates rise.

6. Professional Presentation

How your accounts are presented can make a difference. Using a qualified accountant to prepare your records not only ensures accuracy but also gives lenders confidence in the figures.

Final Thoughts

Being self-employed doesn’t mean mortgages are out of reach – it just means lenders need a little extra reassurance. By keeping your accounts up to date, building a solid credit history, and saving for a healthy deposit, you can put yourself in a strong position.

At Keevelia, as independent mortgage brokers, we specialise in helping self-employed clients navigate the mortgage market. If you’d like tailored advice and access to lenders who understand self-employed borrowers, get in touch with us today using the booking links below – we’d love to help you secure your next home.

https://link.keeveliamortgagesolutions.co.uk/widget/bookings/kms (Siobhan, Kent, London)

https://calendly.com/toner1187/30min (Suzanne, Sussex)

✅ Tip: Start getting your paperwork in order early – the more organised your finances, the smoother your mortgage journey will be!

Self-Employed Mortgages: What Lenders Really Look For.