For business owners, contractors and sole traders

Self-employed mortgages, clearly explained.

Being self-employed does not automatically mean your mortgage options are limited. The key is presenting your income, trading history and supporting evidence in a way that fits the lender’s criteria. Based in Edinburgh, Donlevy Mortgages advises self-employed clients across the UK.

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Sole traders & partnerships Company directors Contractors & CIS
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Different ways of working Advice shaped around how you earn

A stronger application starts with context

How do lenders assess income for a self-employed mortgage?

The important part is finding lenders whose approach fits how you earn, how long you have traded and the evidence available.

Sole traders & partners

Lenders may assess taxable profit or your share of partnership profit using accounts and tax documents.

Company directors

Assessment may use salary and dividends, while some lenders can consider company profit depending on their criteria.

Contractors & CIS

Contracts, day rate, track record, CIS statements and gaps between assignments may all be relevant.

Income treatment, minimum trading history and evidence requirements vary between lenders. Your accountant should advise on tax and remuneration decisions.

Working under CIS?

See the dedicated CIS mortgage guide.

Explore how some lenders may assess CIS income, what evidence may help and how to prepare before applying.

Explore CIS mortgages

Different working lives

One template does not fit every applicant.

A local business owner, contractor or sole trader may each need a different mix of accounts, tax records, contracts and bank statements. The aim is to make the right evidence easy to understand.

Barber shop with styling chairs and equipment
Local business ownersTrading history and sustainable income
Self-employed delivery worker unloading packages from a van
Contractors & sole tradersCurrent work, track record and evidence

The advice journey

Present your position clearly without forcing every business into one template.

Prepare

Bring the right evidence together

Start with the documents that match your trading structure and income.

Explain

Set out the full picture

Cover trading history, recent performance, commitments and future plans.

Match

Compare suitable lender approaches

Focus on criteria that reflect how your income is earned and evidenced.

Take the next step

Turn your trading history into a clearer mortgage plan.

Tell Dillon how your business is structured and what you would like the mortgage to achieve.

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