How to get a mortgage when you’re a freelancer

There are many misconceptions about how to get a mortgage if you’re a freelancer: mainly that it’s not possible. Thankfully this isn’t true, which is just because more people in the UK are choosing to become self-employed. In fact, according to Online Mortgage Advisor, an estimated 14.8% of the working population, nearly 5 million people, are now freelancers, and a large percentage of them certainly haven’t let it stop them from buying their dream home.

The mortgage rates for freelancers are significantly different from those for employees. Freelancers often have to pay more because they are not eligible for the same discounts as employees. They also have to pay higher interest rates.

Work out how much you can afford

You’ll need to start by doing the sums! The basic principle is that you’ll be taking out a mortgage proportionate to your ‘salary’, so it may be a mortgage that’s 3x, 4x, 4.5x, 5x your salary. Work out how much you earn and multiply it by these different multiples to see what you can afford – though it’s just an indication. Interest rates and your monthly outgoings will also matter. A mortgage calculator can give you a more accurate estimation.

Save for a deposit

The bigger the deposit you have, the stronger your case is to the lender, so you must have a decent deposit as a freelancer. For a start, it shows a lender that you’re careful with money, which proves you’re capable of managing a mortgage.

Speak to a freelance mortgage specialist

Friends and family may recommend mortgage brokers that have assisted them, but it doesn’t mean they’re right for you. It would help if you had someone who’s experienced in freelance mortgages. An easy way is to use a service like Online Mortgage Advisor, who specialises in matching people with mortgage experts.

Know your financial history

It will take you at least six months to know how much you’re earning. On the other hand, lenders may want to see three years of accounts – but that’s a ‘may want.’ Though it’s common, some lenders will accept a minimum of a year and maybe less. The key thing you need to show is that you have a steady, monthly income that doesn’t fluctuate too much, so you can afford the payments.

Understand the criteria

All mortgage applications are assessed on criteria. Alongside deposit and earnings there are other criteria that lenders will be looking for: here’s some of them:

Profession

Lenders will look at whether you’re a Sole Trader, Contractor or Ltd company owner. What you choose to freelance in is your choice, but lenders like to see solid income from specific sources rather than jumping between short contracts.

Age

Every lender operates an age criterion, which varies, as this shows them that you’ll be in a position to pay them back. If you’re over 50 for example and want a 20-year mortgage, you may have retired before the mortgage is paid off, so you may only be offered a 10-year one.

Credit history

Typically lenders want evidence that you have a high credit score, but this isn’t always possible to obtain until you’re on the property ladder. You can improve your chances by paying bills on time and not changing address too often. If you have a history of bad credit (due to bankruptcy or paying your credit card bills late), getting a mortgage will be harder, but it’s not impossible.

Breaks in earning

Lenders will notice if you take breaks from work, for example, if you have a history of illness or maternity leave coming up, they will class these as times, you’ll be earning less (or nothing), which makes the mortgage high risk. So you’ll need to show them how you’ll cover your mortgage during these times.

Considering a joint mortgage?

If you’re a freelancer and you’re applying with someone who’s employed you need to show you’re not a dependent and will be paying your share of the mortgage, in which case all the above considerations apply.

What if you get turned down?

Try again! Getting turned down isn’t an indication that you won’t ever get approved, it could just be that the lender’s criteria didn’t match your situation, in which case apply to another one. Freelancers are considered riskier to lenders, but as long as you can prove to them you can pay back their loan, you should find a lender that says yes.

If you know, you want to take out a mortgage soon or start taking the appropriate measures now in the next couple of years. Try improving your credit score, get saving for a deposit and organise your accounts as it all helps further down the line…and there’s no time like the present to get cracking!