Self Employed Mortgages
Specialist mortgage advice for sole traders, limited company directors and partnerships. We know which lenders offer the best terms for your type of self-employed income.
Tailored Advice for Every Self-Employed Situation
Self-employed applicants represent a significant portion of the UK workforce, yet many still face unnecessary barriers when applying for a mortgage. At Chess Mortgages, self-employed lending is one of our core specialisms. We understand how different lenders assess sole trader profits, limited company director income, salary plus dividends structures, and more complex scenarios like declining profits or recent incorporation.
What We Can Arrange
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Free, no-obligation consultation. We'll be in touch within 24 hours.
Income Assessment Methods
Sole Traders
Most lenders use an average of the last 2–3 years' net profit. Some will use the latest year if it's higher, allowing you to borrow more.
Limited Company Directors
Standard approach: salary + dividends drawn. Some lenders use salary + share of net profit (retained earnings), which can significantly increase borrowing.
Declining Profits
Where profits have dipped — whether due to investment, COVID recovery or market conditions — some lenders will still lend. We know which ones take a pragmatic view.
Sole Trader → Limited Company
If you've recently incorporated, some lenders will combine your sole trader history with your new company records to build a fuller income picture.
Common Problems We Solve
- • Declined because you only have 1 year's accounts
- • Your accountant has minimised your taxable income, reducing what you can borrow
- • Profits have declined and your lender won't consider you
- • You've recently moved from sole trader to Ltd Co and lenders want 2 years of company accounts
- • You're a director who retains profit in the company rather than drawing dividends
- • You have multiple income streams and lenders won't use all of them
How It Works
Initial Consultation
We discuss your situation, income, goals and any concerns — at our expense and without obligation.
Market Search
We search our extensive lender panel including specialist lenders to find the best deal.
Application
We prepare and submit your application, managing all lender communications.
Completion
We coordinate with solicitors and the lender through to completion day.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
Chess Mortgages is a trading style of Chess Property Services (London) Limited (Company No. 6575229), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 748976).
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Speak with one of our expert advisers today — initial consultation at our expense, and without obligation.