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!

18 Comments
Helen
April 18 at 5:55 pm
Ahh this is really interesting! I am a freelancer and we would ideally like to move soon, so this is exactly what I need to know more about 🙂
Sabina Green
April 20 at 3:24 pm
That’s great news, I’m happy that I could provide you with some useful information. Good luck 🙂
Lyndsey O’Halloran
April 18 at 8:04 pm
I’m so glad we got our mortgage before I went self-employed. I would hate the stress of it now.
Sabina Green
April 20 at 3:24 pm
It certainly does change things, we were the same and did ours before I became a freelancer.
Laura (@dearbearandbean)
April 18 at 8:13 pm
Great advice! Mortgages are a mind field these days and not easy to get
Sabina Green
April 20 at 3:25 pm
I must admit this is one thing which I tend to defer to my husband to organise.
Lisa
April 19 at 6:45 am
We’ve still to get onto the property ladder which seems so far away from us at the moment. We’re heading the right way so hopefully we’ll get there soon x
Sabina Green
April 20 at 3:25 pm
I remember those days well, I felt like a proper grown up when I finally had a mortgage 🙂
Miranda (Anosa)
April 19 at 2:01 pm
I didn’t even know there were misconceptions about freelancers getting a mortgage, thanks for the tips.
Sabina Green
April 20 at 3:27 pm
There’s so much to think about these days, I hope it helps.
Stephanie
April 19 at 2:42 pm
Useful information, we get our mortgage based on my husband’s income but we would love to use mine towards it too but scared about applying!
Sabina Green
April 20 at 3:27 pm
Luckily we did ours before I became self-employed, I wouldn’t want to think about it now.
jennifuchs
April 19 at 9:48 pm
I didn’t realise freelancers faced a challenge applying for a mortgage. It was hard enough getting one being employed.
Sabina Green
April 20 at 3:28 pm
I know what you mean, so many hoops to fit through.
mommamack15
April 20 at 8:55 am
It’s good to know that there are specialist who can help freelancers get a mortgage, as you say there are more and more people working with their own business now so these tips are a great idea.
Sabina Green
April 20 at 3:29 pm
Yes exactly, we all need a little help from time to time and it helps to have someone who knows what they are talking about, especially with something as important as your mortgage.
mightymamabear2017
April 20 at 1:20 pm
This is so helpful. It can be difficult enough getting a mortgage when you have a regular income!
Sabina Green
April 20 at 3:29 pm
Yes I remember it well, there are so many things to think about and take into consideration.