A 5-star service you can count on
At Mortgage Matters, we help self employed clients across Sussex every day, guiding them through the process with clear explanations, steady support and advice that reflects their individual circumstances. Our aim is to make the journey feel calm, manageable and genuinely achievable.
What Lenders Typically Look For
Lenders do not see self employed applicants as riskier. They simply need a clear understanding of your earnings. Most will ask for one or two years of accounts or tax calculations, usually supported by SA302s and tax year overviews. Some lenders average your income across these years, while others look more closely at your latest figures if they reflect consistent growth.
If you are a sole trader, lenders tend to focus on your net profit. If you are a company director, they may consider salary and dividends, or in some cases include retained profit where appropriate. Contractors may be assessed using a day rate multiplied across a typical working year. Each approach has its own criteria, but we talk you through these options in simple, practical terms so you always understand how your borrowing potential is calculated.
We also help you gather the right documents and present your income clearly so lenders can see the full picture of your financial position. This preparation forms the foundation of a strong mortgage application.
Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference
Sussex offers a wide variety of places to live, each with its own feel and property landscape. Brighton and Hove are energetic, creative and fast moving, with strong demand for well located homes. Worthing, Shoreham and nearby towns offer a quieter pace with good amenities and strong communities. In East Sussex, areas like Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings attract buyers who value coastal living and a more balanced lifestyle. In West Sussex, places such as Chichester, Horsham and Burgess Hill continue to attract families and commuters looking for space and a good mix of transport links.
We help you understand how your borrowing potential fits within these areas so you can begin your search with clarity. That may mean refining your focus to a particular part of Sussex or widening your options if that helps you find more suitable homes within your budget. Whatever your plans, our advice is always grounded in real, lived experience of how the Sussex market behaves.
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.
