Self Employed Mortgages
Self Employed Mortgages in Edinburgh
Considering self employed mortgages? Gateway Financial provides expert advice to help self employed borrowers secure the right mortgage.
Self Employed Mortgages
Applying for a mortgage when you’re self employed can feel more complicated than it needs to be. Different lenders assess income in different ways, paperwork requirements vary, and many borrowers are unsure how their accounts will be viewed.
At Gateway Financial, we specialise in self employed mortgages, helping contractors, sole traders, company directors, and freelancers secure the right mortgage with clear advice. As experienced mortgage brokers in Edinburgh, we understand how lenders assess self employed income and know how to present your application correctly from the outset.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
What Is a Self Employed Mortgage?
A self employed mortgage is not a separate mortgage product, but a standard mortgage assessed using self employed income. The difference lies in how lenders review your earnings, stability, and affordability.
Instead of payslips, lenders typically assess:
- Business accounts or tax returns
- Salary and dividends (for limited company directors)
- Net profit or average income over a set period
Because criteria vary between lenders, choosing the right one can make a major difference to how much you can borrow and the rates available.
Who Is Considered Self Employed?
You’re generally classed as self employed for mortgage purposes if you fall into one of the following categories:
Sole Traders – Income is usually assessed based on net profit, supported by SA302s and tax year overviews.
Limited Company Directors – Lenders may assess salary plus dividends, or company net profit – depending on the lender’s criteria.
Contractors and Freelancers – Income may be assessed using contracts, day rates, or a combination of accounts and future earnings.
Each structure is treated differently by lenders. Our role is to match your situation to lenders that assess income in the most favourable and realistic way.
TOP TIP FOR a self
employed mortgage
Self employed mortgage applications are assessed differently from employed income, with lenders closely reviewing financial documents. Preparing your accounts early helps ensure they are up to date, clearly presented, and suitable for lender assessment. This can widen your choice of lenders and reduce delays during the application process. Early preparation also helps identify any potential issues before applying.
Deposit Requirements and Borrowing
as a Self Employed Applicant
Deposit requirements for self employed mortgages are often similar to those for employed applicants, with options starting from 5–10% in some cases. A larger deposit can improve lender choice, unlock more competitive rates, and help offset fluctuations in self employed income.
How much you can borrow will depend on a range of factors, including your average income (usually assessed over two to three years), business performance and stability, credit history, existing financial commitments, and deposit size. While some lenders may consider just one year of accounts, others require a longer trading history.
Gateway Financial will assess your circumstances in detail and help you understand what’s realistically achievable before you apply, ensuring you approach the right lenders from the outset
Self Employed Mortgages for Buyers and Movers
Being self employed doesn’t prevent you from buying your first home, moving property, or reviewing your existing mortgage – but it does require careful planning. Lenders will assess income stability, trading history, and affordability differently, which is why tailored advice is essential.
Gateway Financial supports self employed clients at every stage by reviewing affordability early, explaining lender expectations clearly, and identifying lenders suited to your circumstances – whether you’re a first time buyer, moving home, or remortgaging. We’ll also help you port an existing mortgage where appropriate, secure a new deal when moving, release equity, or reassess affordability with confidence.
Why Use a Broker for
Self Employed Mortgages?
Self employed mortgages require more than a simple rate comparison. Criteria, documentation, and income treatment vary significantly between lenders. By working with Gateway Financial, you benefit from:
Whole-of-market mortgage access, including specialist lenders. Knowledge of how different lenders assess self employed income. Clear guidance on documentation and preparation. Reduced risk of declined applications. Support throughout the mortgage process. As trusted mortgage brokers in Edinburgh, we help self employed borrowers move forward with confidence and clarity.
Self Employed Mortgage
Advice from Gateway Financial
Gateway Financial was founded in Edinburgh in 2015 and has since expanded across Scotland and into England. After establishing ourselves as a one-stop shop for insurance services, we extended our expertise into mortgages, protection, and finance, bringing the same client-first approach to self employed borrowers.
We’re independent and not tied to any lender, which means our advice is always based on what’s right for you – not what’s easiest to place.
Gateway Financial Group Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re self employed and thinking about buying, moving, or remortgaging, expert advice can make all the difference. Gateway Financial offers clear, self employed mortgage advice to help you move forward with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Some lenders may consider this, depending on your circumstances and trading stability. We’ll advise on what’s realistic and suitable.
Not necessarily. With the right lender and a strong application, self employed borrowers can access competitive rates.
Certain lenders allow limited company directors to use retained profits. We’ll identify lenders that assess income this way.
It can involve more documentation, but many options are available. We’ll guide you through the process and manage lender requirements.
Options may still exist, depending on the circumstances. We’ll assess your situation honestly and explain your options clearly.
Where to find us
We’re based in the heart of Edinburgh, easily accessible from the city centre and surrounding areas. Whether you’re visiting for mortgage advice or a quick consultation, our advisers are here to help you every step of the way.