Buying A Home

SELF-EMPLOYED HOME MOVER

SELF-EMPLOYED HOME MOVER

SELF-EMPLOYED HOME MOVER

SELF-EMPLOYED HOME MOVER

Navigating the Mortgage Market as a Self-Employed Home Mover

Navigating the Mortgage Market as a Self-Employed Home Mover

Navigating the Mortgage Market as a Self-Employed Home Mover

4 minutes

4 minutes

4 minutes

4 minutes

to read

to read

to read

to read

Saturday 21 December 2024

Saturday 21 December 2024

Saturday 21 December 2024

Saturday 21 December 2024



Moving home as a self-employed individual presents unique challenges, but it’s far from impossible. At Barrett Mortgages, we’re here to help you navigate the process and find the right solution for your needs. Many lenders understand the complexities of self-employment and have developed processes to assess how much they’re willing to lend, making moving home achievable for self-employed borrowers.

Whether you’re a sole trader, a partner, or a company director, pathways to securing a mortgage are well-defined. For sole traders and partners, lenders typically focus on net profits. For company directors, salary and dividends are key considerations. Some lenders even recognise that business owners may not draw their full entitled income and will include an applicant’s share of net profits and salary in their calculations.

Common Misconceptions About Self-Employed Mortgages

A common misconception is that self-employed individuals face insurmountable barriers when moving home. This is simply not true. Another misunderstanding is around income requirements. While many believe you must have at least two years of accounts or tax returns to qualify, some lenders are happy to consider applications with just one year of accounts or a completed tax return.

Lenders often look for income stability or alignment with previous roles and industries. Some average the last two years of income if there’s an upward trend, while others may use the most recent year’s figures. This flexibility can be a game-changer, particularly for those whose recent earnings have increased significantly.

How Long Do You Need to Show Income?

The time period for income evidence depends on the lender. Most will review the past two or three tax years, averaging income or basing calculations on the most recent year. If you have a strong financial profile, some lenders may even consider applications with just one year’s accounts or a completed tax return.

Managing Mixed Income Sources

Self-employed individuals often juggle income from multiple sources. For example, a freelance musician might earn self-employed income from performances and PAYE income from teaching. These income streams appear differently on an SA302 form. With clear documentation, lenders can treat both sources equally, ensuring they’re factored into your overall affordability.

Key Documentation for Self-Employed Mortgage Applications

Lenders typically require specific documents to assess your income. These include:

  • Tax Calculations and Tax Year Overviews: For sole traders and partnerships, these confirm income and are easily downloadable from the HMRC portal.

  • Accountant’s Reference or Certificate: Limited company directors may provide company accounts. Many lenders also accept an accountant’s reference or certificate in a prescribed format.

This documentation helps lenders accommodate the unique circumstances of self-employed borrowers, ensuring fair assessments.

Overcoming Challenges in the Application Process

Some lenders may hesitate if there are significant changes in net profits or if directors rely on retained profits. However, lenders that cater to self-employed borrowers often consider retained profits as part of the application. At Barrett Mortgages, we match you with lenders who understand these nuances and provide tailored solutions.

How Barrett Mortgages Can Help

At Barrett Mortgages, we’re dedicated to helping self-employed home movers find the right mortgage solutions. Here’s how we support you:

  • Understanding Your Situation: We take the time to understand your financial setup, whether it includes mixed income sources or limited income history.

  • Expert Guidance: Our team helps you gather the necessary documentation, explains lender requirements, and identifies the best mortgage products for your needs.

  • Tailored Recommendations: With deep market knowledge, we recommend lenders who are flexible with self-employed applicants.

  • Support Every Step of the Way: From your first inquiry to securing your new home, we guide you through the process to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

One Key Piece of Advice for Self-Employed Movers

Preparation is everything. Ensure your accounts are up to date, your income is well-documented, and your financial goals are clear. Speak with a mortgage advisor early to set yourself up for success. Our team at Barrett Mortgages is here to answer your questions, simplify the process, and help you achieve your dream of moving to a new home.

Let us show you how owning a business doesn’t have to be a barrier to moving home. Contact us today to start your journey!



Moving home as a self-employed individual presents unique challenges, but it’s far from impossible. At Barrett Mortgages, we’re here to help you navigate the process and find the right solution for your needs. Many lenders understand the complexities of self-employment and have developed processes to assess how much they’re willing to lend, making moving home achievable for self-employed borrowers.

Whether you’re a sole trader, a partner, or a company director, pathways to securing a mortgage are well-defined. For sole traders and partners, lenders typically focus on net profits. For company directors, salary and dividends are key considerations. Some lenders even recognise that business owners may not draw their full entitled income and will include an applicant’s share of net profits and salary in their calculations.

Common Misconceptions About Self-Employed Mortgages

A common misconception is that self-employed individuals face insurmountable barriers when moving home. This is simply not true. Another misunderstanding is around income requirements. While many believe you must have at least two years of accounts or tax returns to qualify, some lenders are happy to consider applications with just one year of accounts or a completed tax return.

Lenders often look for income stability or alignment with previous roles and industries. Some average the last two years of income if there’s an upward trend, while others may use the most recent year’s figures. This flexibility can be a game-changer, particularly for those whose recent earnings have increased significantly.

How Long Do You Need to Show Income?

The time period for income evidence depends on the lender. Most will review the past two or three tax years, averaging income or basing calculations on the most recent year. If you have a strong financial profile, some lenders may even consider applications with just one year’s accounts or a completed tax return.

Managing Mixed Income Sources

Self-employed individuals often juggle income from multiple sources. For example, a freelance musician might earn self-employed income from performances and PAYE income from teaching. These income streams appear differently on an SA302 form. With clear documentation, lenders can treat both sources equally, ensuring they’re factored into your overall affordability.

Key Documentation for Self-Employed Mortgage Applications

Lenders typically require specific documents to assess your income. These include:

  • Tax Calculations and Tax Year Overviews: For sole traders and partnerships, these confirm income and are easily downloadable from the HMRC portal.

  • Accountant’s Reference or Certificate: Limited company directors may provide company accounts. Many lenders also accept an accountant’s reference or certificate in a prescribed format.

This documentation helps lenders accommodate the unique circumstances of self-employed borrowers, ensuring fair assessments.

Overcoming Challenges in the Application Process

Some lenders may hesitate if there are significant changes in net profits or if directors rely on retained profits. However, lenders that cater to self-employed borrowers often consider retained profits as part of the application. At Barrett Mortgages, we match you with lenders who understand these nuances and provide tailored solutions.

How Barrett Mortgages Can Help

At Barrett Mortgages, we’re dedicated to helping self-employed home movers find the right mortgage solutions. Here’s how we support you:

  • Understanding Your Situation: We take the time to understand your financial setup, whether it includes mixed income sources or limited income history.

  • Expert Guidance: Our team helps you gather the necessary documentation, explains lender requirements, and identifies the best mortgage products for your needs.

  • Tailored Recommendations: With deep market knowledge, we recommend lenders who are flexible with self-employed applicants.

  • Support Every Step of the Way: From your first inquiry to securing your new home, we guide you through the process to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

One Key Piece of Advice for Self-Employed Movers

Preparation is everything. Ensure your accounts are up to date, your income is well-documented, and your financial goals are clear. Speak with a mortgage advisor early to set yourself up for success. Our team at Barrett Mortgages is here to answer your questions, simplify the process, and help you achieve your dream of moving to a new home.

Let us show you how owning a business doesn’t have to be a barrier to moving home. Contact us today to start your journey!

Click. Chat. Complete.

Click now to connect with our team. After discussing your circumstances, we’ll recommend the best path to completion.

Click. Chat. Complete.

Click now to connect with our team. After discussing your circumstances, we’ll recommend the best path to completion.

Click. Chat. Complete.

Click now to connect with our team. After discussing your circumstances, we’ll recommend the best path to completion.

Click. Chat. Complete.

Click now to connect with our team. After discussing your circumstances, we’ll recommend the best path to completion.

Click. Chat. Complete.

Click now to connect with our team. After discussing your circumstances, we’ll recommend the best path to completion.

© 2024 Barrett Mortgages. All rights reserved.

*Fees Free Remortgage” refers to the lender paying for the valuation fee and basic legal fees other cost & fees may apply.

**£50 cash referral fee payments are Subject to discretion and can be withdrawn at any time**

***Please note that some forms of Buy-To-Let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA

****For commercial lending, bridging finance, and second charge loans, we refer clients to trusted third-party specialists.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
There will be a fee for this advice. The exact amount will depend upon your circumstances but we estimate it will be £295 and will only be payable on completion of the loan.

Barrett Mortgages is a trading style of Barrett Mortgages LTD who is an Appointed Representative of Mortgage Next Network ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under number 300866 in respect of mortgage, insurance and consumer credit mediation activities only.

Registered address: Towngate House, 2-8 Parkstone Road, Poole, BH15 2PW Registered in England & Wales under number 10985778.

Copyright 2024 Barrett Mortgages | All Rights Reserved.

We always aim to provide a high quality service to our customers. However, if you encounter any problems and we are unable to resolve them you can take your complaint to an independent Ombudsman. Our advice is covered under the Financial Ombudsman Service (www.http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm).

© 2024 Barrett Mortgages. All rights reserved.

*Fees Free Remortgage” refers to the lender paying for the valuation fee and basic legal fees other cost & fees may apply.

**£50 cash referral fee payments are Subject to discretion and can be withdrawn at any time**

***Please note that some forms of Buy-To-Let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA

****For commercial lending, bridging finance, and second charge loans, we refer clients to trusted third-party specialists.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
There will be a fee for this advice. The exact amount will depend upon your circumstances but we estimate it will be £295 and will only be payable on completion of the loan.

Barrett Mortgages is a trading style of Barrett Mortgages LTD who is an Appointed Representative of Mortgage Next Network ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under number 300866 in respect of mortgage, insurance and consumer credit mediation activities only.

Registered address: Towngate House, 2-8 Parkstone Road, Poole, BH15 2PW Registered in England & Wales under number 10985778.

Copyright 2024 Barrett Mortgages | All Rights Reserved.

We always aim to provide a high quality service to our customers. However, if you encounter any problems and we are unable to resolve them you can take your complaint to an independent Ombudsman. Our advice is covered under the Financial Ombudsman Service (www.http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm).

© 2024 Barrett Mortgages. All rights reserved.

*Fees Free Remortgage” refers to the lender paying for the valuation fee and basic legal fees other cost & fees may apply.

**£50 cash referral fee payments are Subject to discretion and can be withdrawn at any time**

***Please note that some forms of Buy-To-Let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA

****For commercial lending, bridging finance, and second charge loans, we refer clients to trusted third-party specialists.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
There will be a fee for this advice. The exact amount will depend upon your circumstances but we estimate it will be £295 and will only be payable on completion of the loan.

Barrett Mortgages is a trading style of Barrett Mortgages LTD who is an Appointed Representative of Mortgage Next Network ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under number 300866 in respect of mortgage, insurance and consumer credit mediation activities only.

Registered address: Towngate House, 2-8 Parkstone Road, Poole, BH15 2PW Registered in England & Wales under number 10985778.

Copyright 2024 Barrett Mortgages | All Rights Reserved.

We always aim to provide a high quality service to our customers. However, if you encounter any problems and we are unable to resolve them you can take your complaint to an independent Ombudsman. Our advice is covered under the Financial Ombudsman Service (www.http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm).

© 2024 Barrett Mortgages. All rights reserved.

*Fees Free Remortgage” refers to the lender paying for the valuation fee and basic legal fees other cost & fees may apply.

**£50 cash referral fee payments are Subject to discretion and can be withdrawn at any time**

***Please note that some forms of Buy-To-Let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA

****For commercial lending, bridging finance, and second charge loans, we refer clients to trusted third-party specialists.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
There will be a fee for this advice. The exact amount will depend upon your circumstances but we estimate it will be £295 and will only be payable on completion of the loan.

Barrett Mortgages is a trading style of Barrett Mortgages LTD who is an Appointed Representative of Mortgage Next Network ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under number 300866 in respect of mortgage, insurance and consumer credit mediation activities only.

Registered address: Towngate House, 2-8 Parkstone Road, Poole, BH15 2PW Registered in England & Wales under number 10985778.

Copyright 2024 Barrett Mortgages | All Rights Reserved.

We always aim to provide a high quality service to our customers. However, if you encounter any problems and we are unable to resolve them you can take your complaint to an independent Ombudsman. Our advice is covered under the Financial Ombudsman Service (www.http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm).

© 2024 Barrett Mortgages. All rights reserved.

*Fees Free Remortgage” refers to the lender paying for the valuation fee and basic legal fees other cost & fees may apply.

**£50 cash referral fee payments are Subject to discretion and can be withdrawn at any time**

***Please note that some forms of Buy-To-Let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA

****For commercial lending, bridging finance, and second charge loans, we refer clients to trusted third-party specialists.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
There will be a fee for this advice. The exact amount will depend upon your circumstances but we estimate it will be £295 and will only be payable on completion of the loan.

Barrett Mortgages is a trading style of Barrett Mortgages LTD who is an Appointed Representative of Mortgage Next Network ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under number 300866 in respect of mortgage, insurance and consumer credit mediation activities only.

Registered address: Towngate House, 2-8 Parkstone Road, Poole, BH15 2PW Registered in England & Wales under number 10985778.

Copyright 2024 Barrett Mortgages | All Rights Reserved.

We always aim to provide a high quality service to our customers. However, if you encounter any problems and we are unable to resolve them you can take your complaint to an independent Ombudsman. Our advice is covered under the Financial Ombudsman Service (www.http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm).