Self-Employed Mortgage?
We Structure It Properly
Company directors, sole traders and contractors — we match you with lenders who understand how your income actually works.
The Problem With "Traditional" Mortgage Applications
Most banks assess company directors on salary + dividends only. If you're tax efficient, this drastically underestimates what you can really afford.
High Street Bank Approach
Only considers what you withdraw:
Apply Wise Specialist Approach
Uses your true earning capacity:
*After corporation tax deduction
See Your Potential Borrowing
Enter your figures to see how much more you could borrow using the net profit approach
Your share of profits if sole director
Standard (Salary + Dividends)
£236,565
Using Net Profit Approach
£394,065
You Could Borrow
£157,500 MORE
67% increase
Illustrative estimate only — not a mortgage offer or affordability assessment. Actual borrowing depends on lender criteria and your circumstances.
Mortgages for Every Business Structure
Whether you're a sole trader, limited company director, contractor, or partner — we know exactly how to present your income to lenders.
Limited Company Directors
Running your own Ltd company? We help lenders see beyond just your salary and dividends to your true earning potential.
Income Used
Salary + Dividends OR Salary + Share of Net Profits
Key Benefit
Borrow up to 40% more using net profit route
Sole Traders
As a sole trader, your net profit is your income. We ensure lenders see the full picture of your business success.
Income Used
Net Profit (after expenses, before tax)
Key Benefit
2-3 year average or latest year if increasing
Contractors
Whether you're inside or outside IR35, umbrella or limited company, we know how to present your income to lenders.
Income Used
Day rate x working days OR company accounts
Key Benefit
Day rate calculations can maximize borrowing
Partnerships & LLPs
Your share of partnership profits counts as income. We work with lenders who understand complex partnership structures.
Income Used
Share of Net Profit from Partnership
Key Benefit
Full share of profits considered
Common Challenges — Solved
Common obstacles for self-employed applicants, and how they are usually solved
Low Salary for Tax Efficiency
You take a minimal salary to reduce National Insurance, but banks only see your low salary.
We use lenders who assess affordability on salary PLUS your share of company net profits (after corporation tax), not just what you withdraw.
Retained Profits Ignored
You've left profits in the business for growth or tax efficiency, but most lenders won't count them.
Specialist lenders understand that retained profits represent your real earning potential. We present your case to lenders who get it.
Variable Income
Your income fluctuates year-to-year, making lenders nervous about your affordability.
We know which lenders use the latest year (if increasing), which average over 2-3 years, and which take the most favourable view.
Less Than 2 Years Trading
Most banks require 2-3 years of accounts, but your business is newer.
We have access to lenders who will consider 1 year's trading history, and even some who work with start-ups on projected income.
How Lenders Assess Self-Employed Income
Not every lender calculates your income the same way. Some lenders can use salary, dividends AND company profits. That can make a significant difference to how much you may be able to borrow.
Sole traders and partnerships
Lenders usually work from your net profit as declared on your SA302s and tax year overviews, often averaging the last two years or using the most recent figure if it is lower.
Directors taking salary and dividends
The most common approach is salary plus dividends actually drawn from the business, evidenced by your accounts and personal tax calculations.
Directors using share of net profit
A smaller number of lenders will use your salary plus your share of company net profit after corporation tax. This can help if you leave profit in the business for tax efficiency.
How much trading history do lenders expect?
Most lenders look for two to three years of finalised accounts, supported by SA302s and tax year overviews. A smaller number will consider one year of accounts, and some will assess contractors on their day rate instead. Criteria vary between lenders and change regularly, so it is worth checking your position before you apply.