Mortgages for the Self-Employed
Clear mortgage advice for self-employed income
Being self-employed shouldn’t make getting a mortgage harder than it needs to be. We specialise in helping contractors, sole traders, and company directors secure mortgages using a clear, considered approach that reflects how you really earn.
We take the time to understand your income, accounts, and wider plans and then match you with lenders who are experienced in self-employed borrowing.
Most first calls with a Haupt & Co Mortgage Broker only take 15–20 minutes
No obligation, just clear advice
Mortgage Advice Built Around Your Business
Running your own business brings flexibility and opportunity, but it can also make the mortgage process feel more complex than it needs to be.
We work with self-employed clients every day and know how lenders assess different income structures from fluctuating earnings to dividends and retained profits.
Taking an accountant-friendly approach, we present your figures clearly and accurately in a way lenders expect. This helps reduce friction, avoid unnecessary delays, and improve the chances of a smooth approval.
Being self-employed doesn’t limit your options. Our role is to match you with lenders whose criteria genuinely fit your circumstances, helping you choose a mortgage that supports both your personal goals and wider financial position.
Who this is typically for:
- Sole traders and freelancers with variable or seasonal income
- Contractors working on day-rate, fixed-term, or rolling contracts
- Company directors paid through salary, dividends, or retained profits
- Business owners with shorter trading history or changing income patterns
- And anyone whose income doesn’t fit neatly into a payslip
Whether your income is straightforward or more complex, we help you understand how lenders are likely to view your circumstances and what options are realistically available.
Haupt & Co is a whole-of-market, FCA regulated Mortgage Broker, specialising in simple & complex lending.
What we'll cover in an initial conversation:
- How your income will be assessed
- Which lenders fit your structure
- Any preparation needed
- What’s realistically achievable
No obligation - just straightforward guidance, tailored to your situation.
Most of our clients are referred to us by existing customers
How it Works
Whether you’re newly self-employed or have complex accounts, we guide you through each stage, explaining how lenders assess your income and what happens next.
Understand
Research & Advice
Apply
Support
- We assess your income, accounts, and realistic borrowing range
- We identify lenders that understand self-employed income
- We explain your options clearly and without jargon
- We handle the application and lender requirements
- We stay closely involved to keep everything moving smoothly
Clear guidance, proactive support, and a considered approach so your self-employed income works for you, not against you.
Self-Employed Mortgage FAQs
No two situations are the same. These are some of the questions we’re asked most often.
Why do self-employed mortgage applications need a different approach?
Self-employed income is assessed in far more detail than a standard payslip – lenders look not just at what you earn, but how you earn it including business structure, income trends, retained profits and sustainability over time. Presenting this clearly, and matching it to lenders whose criteria fit your income model, can be the difference between a smooth approval and unnecessary delays or decline.
How many years of accounts do I need?
Many lenders prefer two years, but this isn’t a hard rule. Some will consider one year of accounts or even projected income, depending on your profession and overall profile. Knowing which lenders are flexible can make a significant difference.
Can I use my most recent year if my income has increased?
Yes, in many cases. If your income has grown, certain lenders are happy to use your latest year’s figures rather than averaging. We know which lenders take this approach and how to present your case correctly.
What if my income dropped recently?
A recent dip doesn’t automatically rule you out. Lenders look at the context behind the numbers such as market conditions or one-off expenses. We help explain this clearly so your application reflects the full picture, not just a snapshot.
Can I get a mortgage if I’ve only just gone self-employed?
It may be possible, particularly if you’ve moved from employment into a similar role or industry. Some lenders will consider applications with limited trading history where there’s continuity and stability.
Will net profits be considered when assessing affordability?
Some lenders are willing to use net profits when assessing affordability, particularly for sole traders and some company directors. This can vary significantly between lenders, which is why choosing the right lender and structuring the case correctly is so important.
Does being self-employed mean higher interest rates?
Not necessarily. If your application is well-presented and meets the lender’s criteria, you can often access the same rates as employed applicants. The key is matching your circumstances to the right lender from the outset.
Should I change how I pay myself before applying?
Sometimes small adjustments can improve affordability, but changes should never be rushed or made without advice. We’ll talk this through carefully and, where appropriate, work alongside your accountant.
Can I remortgage as a self-employed borrower?
Yes. Remortgaging is often very achievable, even if your income has changed since your original mortgage. We’ll review your current position and help you decide the best next step.