Before the credit crunch, those who were self-employed or budding entrepreneurs were able to add their income to a self-cert mortgage application and purchase their dream home. Unfortunately, the system was abused and ultimately removed after the financial collapse.

Sadly, these days it can be hard enough for people with a steady salary to secure a mortgage, let alone those with a self-employed income. With that in mind, here are 5 top tips and a bonus point to help self-employed individuals secure that elusive mortgage.

Increase Your Deposit

Just like salaried applicants, one of the best things you can do is bulk up your deposit. Although there are lenders who offer mortgages with as little as 5%, enlarging your deposit will make you more favourable. While you may have been retaining profits to grow your business, consider increasing your wages to enhance your deposit and yearly income.

Prepare Your Paperwork

While you can produce bank statements showing your yearly income, most lenders will request an SA302 form as proof of earnings. If you have an accountant, they will be able to apply for this on your behalf, or if you complete a yearly self-assessment tax form, contact HMRC and apply for your hard copy using your Unique Tax Reference code.

Do Not Change Your Business

When it comes to mortgages, all lenders want proof of stability – they need to know it will be paid back. You may have been contemplating progressing from a sole trader to a limited company, but one of the worst things a self-employed person can do is make structural changes to their business. In short, delay alterations to avoid damaging your application.

Seek the Help of Mortgage Brokers

Self-employed individuals should consider mortgage brokers as they usually have extensive knowledge of the mortgage market and can navigate the complexities of lending criteria. Plus, professional mortgage brokers Red Deer or experts of comparable caliber elsewhere can connect self-employed borrowers with lenders who specialize in working with unconventional income documentation, increasing the chances of loan approval. What’s more? Brokers can help find competitive interest rates and terms tailored to the borrower’s financial situation. They can also streamline the application process, saving time and reducing stress for self-employed individuals who may have busy schedules.

Choose Lenders with Self Employed Mortgages

There are millions of mortgage offers out there, but the majority were designed for steady salaries. To increase your chances, talk to lenders who offer mortgages for self-employed borrowers. They understand that your earnings can fluctuate from year to year, so lenders like Saffron Building Society can offer mortgages on as little as one 12 months worth of accounts.

Bonus Tip: Reduce Your Yearly Expenditure

Nowadays, lenders not only want to know how much you earn but also how much you spend. To assess your suitability for a mortgage and the amount you can borrow, lenders include monthly outgoings, such as phone bills and living costs (e.g. food, petrol, etc.). Aim to reduce your spending leading up to your application, to increase your affordability.