Documents Needed for a Self-Employed Mortgage

How does a Self-Employed mortgage differ from other mortgages?

Self-Employed mortgages are not a specific type of mortgage product and the term simply refers to when a Self-Employed applicant applies for any mortgage. There is actually no difference at all in the mortgage, just a slightly more incumbent application process. 

As Self-Employed income is still viewed by Mortgage Lenders to be less stable than PAYE income, they use an average of your income over the most recent two to three years, to mitigate some of the perceived risk in lending to a Self Employed applicant. 

From the applicant’s point of view, this just means that you will need to go further to prove your income, by providing evidence of earnings that cover the lender’s requested period of two to three years.

What specific documents do you need?

The documents will vary slightly by applicant, as it depends what type of Self-Employed work you participate in. Lenders can also have slightly different requirements, based on their individual criterias.

Regardless of your income, you will always need to provide current ID and proof of address when you apply for a mortgage. To prove your income, follow the guidance from the different Self-Employed business types below:

Limited Company Directors

Ordinarily, your personal income and dividends are used in support of your mortgage application, although a few lenders may also be willing to consider your net business profits.

In order to prove this income, you will need to provide the past two to three years worth of:

• Certified accounts
• SA302 tax calculations
• HMRC tax year overviews
• Business bank statements
• Projected income and business plans may also be requested, especially for small businesses or those with a shorter trading history

Partnership

Income derived from owning part of a business can only be considered where you own 25% or more. In this case, your share of the net business profits will be used.

To prove your income,  see the list of documents for Limited Company Directors above.

Sole Traders or Freelancers

For those trading independently, it’s slightly more straightforward proof of income, as your personal income is the only thing to be considered. You will need to provide two to three years worth of:

• Certified accounts 
• SA302 tax returns

Contractors

Contractors can have a hard time proving their income, although some lenders are willing to use an annualised version of your day-rate, if you earn one. To evidence your income, you will need two to three years of:

• Certified accounts
• SA302 forms
• It’s common to have to show proof of ongoing work availability, such as a signed contracts from clients