A 5-star service you can count on
With over 4,000 TrustPilot reviews, we’ve supported thousands of customers across Kent who needed a mortgage that reflects the reality of modern self-employment. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving, remortgaging or investing, you’ll receive honest, professional advice tailored to your income structure and long-term goals.
What Lenders Typically Look For
Every lender is different, but most assess your affordability using:
- Two Years of Accounts or SA302s - Many lenders prefer two years of tax returns, though some will consider applicants with just one year’s trading history.
- Consistent or Growing Income - Lenders often average income across recent years unless your latest year is lower.
- Business Structure - Whether you operate as a sole trader, partnership or limited company, we help you present the right figures, including salary and dividends or retained profits.
- Current Commitments - Credit commitments, personal spending and ongoing business finance can influence affordability. We guide you through what lenders take into account.
Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference
Kent is one of the most diverse counties in the UK for property buyers. From coastal towns such as Whitstable and Herne Bay to commuter hotspots like Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Dartford, each area has its own price ranges, demand and buyer profile.
We help self-employed buyers understand:
- What size deposit is realistic for your chosen area
- How lenders view properties in rural, coastal or high-growth commuter locations
- Whether your situation is better suited to a mainstream lender or a specialist mortgage provider
- How remortgaging works if your business has grown since you bought your current home
Our guidance combines expert mortgage knowledge with a clear understanding of Kent’s market and lifestyle patterns.
FAQs for Self-Employed Mortgages
Most lenders require two years of self-employed trading history as a minimum. This provides them with enough evidence to assess your income and business stability. However, some specialist lenders may accept applicants with less than two years’ accounts, especially if you have a strong credit history and can demonstrate consistent income or have previously worked in the same industry.
Deposit requirements for self-employed borrowers generally start at 15-25% of the property’s value. A larger deposit may increase your chances of approval and can also help secure more competitive interest rates. Lenders view larger deposits as lower risk, especially for self-employed applicants whose income may fluctuate.
Whilst most lenders prefer three years of tax returns, some are more flexible and may consider applications with two years or even alternative proof of income, such as accountant-prepared accounts or bank statements. Mortgage Matters can help you identify lenders who offer more flexible criteria and assist you in gathering the right documentation to strengthen your application.
Getting a mortgage can be more challenging when you work for yourself, as lenders often view self-employed income as less predictable compared to salaried income. This means they require more detailed proof of your earnings and financial stability, such as multiple years of accounts and tax returns. However, with accurate documentation and professional guidance, many self-employed borrowers successfully secure mortgages.
The amount you can borrow depends on your income, credit profile, existing financial commitments, and the lender’s criteria. Lenders usually calculate affordability based on an average of your income over the last two to three years. Working with a specialist broker can help you identify lenders willing to consider your unique financial situation.
Share the love, split £100
Tell a friend about Mortgage Matters, and you’ll both get £50 if they use us.*
You’re in safe hands.
Don't wing it when it comes to protecting your nest. Our 5-star Defaqto insurance products are trusted by thousands and give you complete peace of mind.
