The self employed are generally defined by Mortgage lenders as people who are responsible for paying their own tax and national insurance.

People who own a sizeable stake in their own Limited company are also classed as self employed. A limited company is owned by the shareholders. Mortgage lenders will typically ask what percentage shareholding is owned by the applicant.

If the shareholding is above a certain threshold - normally 20 - 25% then lenders take a view that the companies fortunes are inextricably linked to those of the applicant.

If the shareholding is below 20% then mortgage lenders will often treat the applicant as an employee. The proof of income for an employee would normally be payslips plus most recent P60.

Proof of income for self employed mortgage applicants

Typically mortgage lenders require 2 or 3 sets of accounts.

For a sole trader or partnership, it is the net profit figure from the profit and loss account that is used in the income calculation. The net profit figure is arrived at by deducting the business expenses from the total income. If the business is a partnership then the profits are shared in proportion with the percentage ownership

Generally lenders use the net profits from the most recent year, although some lenders will average the last 2 or 3 years.

Lenders may raise a query if the profits have fallen sharply.

Mortgages with one set of accounts

You can get a mortgage with one set of accounts.

Please contact us to discuss which mortgage lenders will lend with one set of accounts

The income on the accounts must be sufficient to cover the mortgage loan.

For a sole trader, it is the net profit figure from the profit and loss account that is used. Mortgage lenders will lend about 4x's the net profit figure. For a joint mortgage application it will be 4 x's the joint income.

For a limited company, the mortgage lender will look at both the directors salary plus the dividends drawn. The dividends drawn should not exceed the net profits of the limited company

Mortgage deposit for self employed

With a minimum 2 years accounts, the lowest deposit required would be 10%. Much better rates and terms are available if you can increase this deposit.

With one set of accounts you will need a minimum 20% deposit. Better rates and terms will apply if you can increase this deposit