Whether you’re a freelance tech consultant in Leeds, a sole trader in the trades in Doncaster, or managing a family farm in the Dales, your income doesn't look like a standard 9-to-5 payslip.
Unfortunately, many high street banks still struggle to understand this. If you’ve been turned down because your accounts are "too complex" or your income fluctuates seasonally, you are not alone.
The good news is that Yorkshire is home to a thriving community of entrepreneurs, and there is a mortgage market to match. You don't need a perfect 9-to-5 to buy a home here; you just need an adviser who knows how to present your case.
Can I Get a Mortgage if I’m Self-Employed?
Yes. Being self-employed is not a barrier to home ownership.
The myth that you need three years of perfect accounts is just that - a myth. While some major lenders rely on rigid automated systems that reject anything outside the box, specialist lenders (and even some smarter high street ones) take a human approach to underwriting.
You may be able to secure a competitive mortgage if:
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You have only one year of accounts.
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You have seen a dip in profits (e.g., due to investing in new equipment or vans).
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You are a Limited Company Director who keeps profits in the business for tax efficiency.
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You are a Contractor working on a day-rate basis.
Why Local Knowledge Matters
Yorkshire’s economy is unique, and so are its business owners. A call centre adviser in the South East often doesn't understand the financial rhythms of a rural agricultural business in North Yorkshire or the contract structures of the digital sector in Sheffield.
Our local advisers understand:
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Diverse Income Streams: From seasonal tourism income in Whitby to project-based construction work in Barnsley, we know how to package complex income for lenders.
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Retained Profits: We know that many Yorkshire business owners pay themselves a small salary and dividends to be tax-efficient, leaving cash in the company. We work with lenders who look at your share of net profit, potentially doubling your borrowing power.
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The Local Property Market: Whether you are buying a stone-built cottage that needs renovation or a modern city apartment, we match you with lenders who are comfortable with both your income and your chosen property type.
Common Scenarios We Solve
We help self-employed clients across the region navigate the "computer says no" hurdles.
1. The "Tax Efficiency" Trap
The Problem: You run a successful Limited Company but pay yourself a minimum salary and dividends to keep your tax bill legal and low. The bank looks at your personal tax return and says you can't afford the loan. The Solution: We access lenders who use your operating profit (pre-tax) or your retained profits to calculate affordability, reflecting what your business actually earns, not just what you draw out.
2. The One-Year Trader
The Problem: You left employment 18 months ago to start your own business. It’s booming, but your bank insists on seeing two or three years of history. The Solution: Several lenders are happy to lend based on just one full year of trading, provided your previous employment history is solid and your current sector is sustainable.
3. Contractors and Freelancers
The Problem: You are on a lucrative day rate in Leeds or Sheffield, but you take weeks off between contracts. Banks see "gaps" and panic. The Solution: We use lenders who calculate income based on your gross day rate x 46 or 48 weeks. This often allows you to borrow significantly more than if you were assessed as a standard sole trader.
How a Broker Can Help You
Applying directly to a bank as a self-employed person can be a full-time job in itself. The back-and-forth over SA302s and Tax Year Overviews can be endless.
This is where we come in.
We Speak "Lender"
We know exactly which documents each lender demands - whether it’s certified accounts, SA302s, or business bank statements. We package your application perfectly the first time to avoid delays.
We Protect Your Credit File
Just like with bad credit applications, we can check your eligibility with specialist lenders before a formal application is made. This ensures you don't get rejected on a technicality, keeping your credit file clean.
We Are Local
We believe business is best done with a handshake or a proper conversation. Our advisers are based right here in Yorkshire, ready to help you navigate the market whether you are in the dales, the moors, or the city.
Get Expert Advice Today
Your business success should help you buy a home, not hinder you. If you are self-employed in Yorkshire and want a mortgage that reflects your true earnings, we can help.
Contact us today to speak with a local mortgage adviser who specialises in self-employed applications.