Whether you have 1 year of accounts, use retained profits, or are a day-rate contractor, our experienced specialist self-employed mortgage brokers are on hand to help.
Self-Employed Mortgage Brokers
Your income is unique. Your mortgage should be too. Our expert self-employed mortgage brokers specialise in securing high-street and specialist rates for:
Sole Traders | Company Directors | CIS Workers | Contractors | Freelancers | Zero-Hour Contracts | 1 Year’s Accounts
Check your eligibility in minutes with NO CREDIT CHECKS!
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Fees & Costs: Why we have a fee
Specialist situations need a dedicated advocate, not just an automated search. While “fee-free” brokers focus on “perfect” P60 applicants, our self-employed mortgage brokers provide access to specialist lenders where our fee reflects the manual work and complex income calculations needed to turn a “no” into a “yes.”
1. Free consultation
We review your business structure and provide expert advice at our own risk. We never charge a fee just to discuss your options.
2. We prove our value first
- Success-based: Fees are only payable once you decide to move forward with an application.
- Income Optimisation: We don’t just “input numbers”; we package your case using the most favourable method (e.g. salary + dividends vs. share of net profit) to maximise your borrowing power.
3. Understanding specialist rates
- Tailored to your accounts: If you only have one year of trading or complex dividends, specialist lenders may charge a premium compared to the high street, but we search for the most competitive deal available to you.
- The long-term goal: Think of this as a gateway. Secure your home now using your current accounts, and we will help you move to high-street rates as your business history matures.
With approximately 4.4 million self-employed people in the UK, the 2026 mortgage market has evolved. We monitor the latest FCA Mortgage Roadmap flexibilities to ensure that business owners are no longer “locked out” simply because their income doesn’t fit a standard box.
How much could you borrow?
Fill out a few details to see if you are eligible for a self-employed mortgage with
NO effect on your credit score!
Your mortgage document checklist
Before we can package your case for a manual underwriter, we need to see the “business logic” behind your numbers. Having these specific documents ready will turn a “complex” application into a straightforward one.
- Proof of Identity: A valid Passport or Photo Driving License.
- Proof of Income: Your official HMRC Tax Calculations (SA302s) and Tax Year Overviews. Note: While many lenders mandate a 2-year track record, we specialise in securing mortgages for clients with only 1 year of certified trading.
- Business Bank Statements: Your last 3 months of business accounts (in addition to your personal ones) to demonstrate trading stability and “Director’s Loans” if applicable.
- Certified Accounts: If you are a Limited Company Director, we require your latest set of accounts signed by a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/FCCA). We can work with a single year of accounts where most high-street banks require two or three.
- Credit Report: A recent copy of your credit report (we recommend using Checkmyfile as it shows data from all major agencies).
- Proof of Deposit: Evidence of your savings, or if you’re using business funds, a letter from your accountant confirming the withdrawal won’t impact the company’s solvency.
- Address History: Proof of residency for the last 3 years (e.g. utility bills or council tax statements).
Bookmark this page & come back as you collect what you need. To keep this list handy, tap the share icon on your browser and select ‘Add to Home Screen’. It will save a shortcut icon directly to your phone!
2026 Market Expertise: With 1.8 million fixed-rate mortgages expiring this year (UK Finance Forecast), we use the latest Pepper Money studies and the 2026 FCA Mortgage Roadmap to find new options for those previously locked out of the market.
Ready to start?
Deposit vs. LTV for Self-Employed & 1-Year Accounts
| Deposit | LTV | Self-Employed Market Access |
|---|---|---|
| 5% – 10% | 95% – 90% | High Street. Usually requires a 2-year track record and clean credit. |
| 15% | 85% | Specialist Entry. Options open up for 1-year accounts and complex income. |
| 20% – 25% | 80% – 75% | Full Specialist Range. Access to lenders using Net Profit calculations. |
| 30% + | 70% or less | Maximum Flexibility. Best rates for 1-year accounts and minor credit blips. |
How we turn a "No" into a "Yes"
When you are self-employed or have a complex income, an automated computer search isn’t always enough. You need a self-employed mortgage broker who acts as your advocate to explain the “business logic” to the lender. Here is the step-by-step process we use to secure your mortgage:
Step 1: The Business Audit
We don’t just look at a headline figure. We dive into your accounts to understand your business’s growth, your retained profits, and your true affordability. Whether you have 1 year of trading or 10, we identify the “strengths” that a standard bank’s software will miss.
Step 2: Direct Underwriter Access
High-street banks rely on “scorecards” that often penalise entrepreneurs. We work differently. We speak directly to manual underwriters at specialist firms, presenting your case as a human story. We explain your “why” – from why you’ve chosen to retain profit in the business to how your latest contract shows a massive “trading tailwind.”
Step 3: Exclusive Specialist Tiers
Many of the most competitive lenders for 1-year accounts and complex directors’ roles do not deal with the public directly. We provide you with the “inside track” to specialist rates, lenders who specialise in self-employed cases and offer flexibility you won’t find on price-comparison sites.
Step 4: The Bridge to the High Street
We don’t just find you a mortgage today; we plan for your future. If you only have 1 year of accounts now, our goal is to secure your home today on a specialist rate, while building a clear strategy to move you to a cheaper, mainstream rate as soon as your 2nd or 3rd year of accounts are certified.
Specialist Self-Employed Mortgage Guide
This guide is designed for business owners who are tired of being told “no” by automated bank algorithms. Whether you have 1 year of accounts, complex director dividends, or use retained profits for affordability, we show you how to secure a mortgage in 2026.
Use these links to skip to the specific advice you need:
- Self-employed mortgage requirements
- How your business set-up can affect your application
- Proof of income for a self-employed mortgage
- How much can you borrow as a self-employed individual?
Learn more about self-employed mortgages
Are you a CIS worker?
CIS professionals, explore mortgage options. We assess gross payslip income and access lenders familiar with your unique employment.
For Company Directors?
Company directors, understand your mortgage options. Our experts assess complex income, including retained profits and dividends.
Are you a contractor?
Contractors, find mortgage possibilities. We assess income from daily/weekly rates, bypassing typical account requirements.
Just one year's accounts?
Explore mortgage paths. Our specialists guide self-employed clients through the unique requirements of recent trading history.
Are you working as a freelancer?
As a freelancer, overcome common mortgage hurdles. Our expertise transforms your variable income into a strong application.
Are you a sole trader?
As a sole trader, navigate mortgage complexities. We clarify your income and stability for your strong mortgage application.
On a zero hour contract?
Think a zero-hour contract prevents a mortgage? Discover how your consistent income history can open valuable mortgage doors.
How much could you borrow?
Curious about your borrowing potential? Quickly calculate how much you might borrow as a self-employed individual today with our simple tool.
Self-employed mortgage brokers you can trust
Finding the right mortgage can be overwhelming, but The Mortgage Centres team is here to help. We offer tailored solutions for first-time buyers, remortgages, and investors, specialising in clients with one year of accounts or complex business structures.
Let's talk
Our team will aim to get back to you within 24 hours.
0330 0945876 local rate.
[email protected]
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