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Buy to Let Self Employed Mortgage

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What is a buy to let mortgage for the self employed?

A buy to let mortgage is designed for those who want to invest in property and rent it out to tenants.

For people who are self-employed, the process can feel a little more complex compared to those with a regular salary, as proving your income often requires more documentation.

Lenders will assess not only the potential rental income but also your personal earnings from self-employment.

While rental income is a key factor, your ability to manage the mortgage payments is also important.

This means you’ll need to provide documents like tax returns and business accounts to show you can afford the mortgage.

Typically, buy to let mortgages require a larger deposit – usually 25% or more of the property value.

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How Lenders Assess Your Income For a Buy to Let Mortgage

When you apply for a buy to let mortgage as a self-employed individual, lenders need to verify that you can manage the financial commitment.

Instead of payslips, self-employed applicants are usually asked to provide:

  • Tax returns from the last two or three years.
  • Detailed business accounts.
  • If you’re a limited company director, retained profits may also be considered.

Lenders tend to average your income over several years to account for fluctuations, which is common for those who work freelance or run their own businesses.

This gives them a clearer picture of your financial stability and helps them decide how much they’re willing to lend for your buy to let property.

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How a Mortgage Broker Can Help Self Employed Buy to Let Borrowers

Applying for a buy to let mortgage as a self-employed individual can be more challenging, but this is where a mortgage broker can make a big difference.

They understand the unique financial situations that self-employed people face and know which lenders are more flexible with their criteria.

Some lenders are more open to considering applications with shorter financial histories or variable income, which is common in self-employment.

A mortgage broker will help you gather the right documents, such as tax returns or business records, and ensure your application highlights the key information lenders look for.

They can also guide you towards lenders that specialise in buy to let mortgages for self-employed individuals, making the process smoother and more efficient.

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Buy to Let Self Employed Mortgage FAQs

How much deposit do I need for a buy to let mortgage if I’m self-employed?

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For most buy to let mortgages, lenders will require a deposit of at least 25% of the property’s value.

If your income is seen as variable or higher risk due to self-employment, you might need to provide a larger deposit.

The more you can put down, the better your chances of securing a favourable mortgage deal.

Can I get a buy to let mortgage with only one year of accounts?

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While most lenders prefer to see two or three years of accounts, some may consider applications with just one year’s worth of financial records.

This is more likely if your business has performed well in its first year, but the strength of your overall financial position will also be considered.

A mortgage broker can help identify lenders who are more flexible in this area.

What interest rates can I expect on a buy to let mortgage if I’m self-employed?

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The interest rates for buy to let mortgages vary depending on several factors, including your deposit size, income stability, and credit history.

Being self-employed doesn’t automatically result in higher rates, but lenders will carefully assess your financial situation.

A mortgage broker can help you find competitive rates based on your unique circumstances.

How does rental income factor into a buy to let mortgage?

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Lenders expect the rental income from your buy to let property to cover at least 125% to 145% of the mortgage payments.

This ensures that even if there are periods when the property is vacant or if interest rates rise, you’ll still be able to manage the repayments.

Some lenders may also consider your personal income, particularly if your rental income falls short of their expectations.

What happens if my income fluctuates as a self-employed person?

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If your self-employed income varies from year to year, lenders may take an average of your earnings over the past two or three years.

This helps them get a clearer sense of your overall financial health.

If your income has recently increased, some lenders might also consider just your latest figures, especially if your business is growing.

Can retained profits from my business be used for a buy to let mortgage?

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Yes, retained profits can sometimes be factored into a buy to let mortgage application, especially for limited company directors.

Not all lenders will consider this, but those who do can allow you to borrow more based on the overall financial health of your business.

Clear and accurate business records will make this easier to present.

Do I need a higher credit score for a buy to let mortgage if I’m self-employed?

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While a good credit score is important, being self-employed doesn’t mean you need a higher score than someone in traditional employment.

Lenders will assess your credit history alongside your financial documents, so if you have a solid credit record, your self-employed status shouldn’t hold you back.

Is an interest-only buy to let mortgage a good option?

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Many landlords opt for interest-only buy to let mortgages to keep monthly payments lower.

This can improve cash flow, but it’s important to have a plan for repaying the full loan when the term ends.

You’ll need to sell the property, refinance, or switch to a repayment mortgage to clear the debt at the end of the term.

Can I remortgage a buy to let property as a self-employed landlord?

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Yes, remortgaging a buy to let property is a common way for landlords to release equity or secure a better mortgage deal.

Being self-employed doesn’t limit your options, as long as you can provide up-to-date business accounts and show steady income from your rental property.

Can I still get a buy to let mortgage if I have bad credit?

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Bad credit can make it more challenging to secure a buy to let mortgage, but there are specialist lenders who cater to applicants with poor credit histories.

While you may need to provide a larger deposit or pay a higher interest rate, it’s still possible to get a mortgage.

A mortgage broker can help you find the right lender for your situation.

8 Reasons to Choose UK Moneyman

Open 7 days a week until late.

Our team are here 7 days a week early in the morning until late at night to answer any questions or enquiries you may have.

Take advantage of our free mortgage appointment.

We don't ask for any payment until we have gone through the mortgage process successfully.

Speak with your own dedicated case manager.

Throughout the mortgage journey, you will have an allocated case manager by your side.

By your side, to provide self employed mortgage advice.

Our service is tailored to the customer and their situation as we believe our customers are the heart of the company.

Beyond the mortgage to protect your future.

We want to make sure that our customers are protecting their future and taking out the correct insurance policies.

1000s of potential options.

We have worked with many self employed customers through searching 1000s of mortgage products to find the best deal for you as a self employed applicant.

We have years of experience in the mortgage industry.

Our team are experienced in dealing with many self employed cases and can provide you with the support and advice you need to help back up your application.

Helping you overcome mortgage obstacles.

Going through the mortgage journey as a self employed applicant can be quite a challenge. Our mortgage advisors utilise their experience within the mortgage industry to overcome any obstacles you may experience.

Common Scenarios for Self-Employed Buy to Let Applicants

Variable Income from Freelance Work

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Self-employed individuals, particularly freelancers, often experience income fluctuations throughout the year.

This can make lenders cautious, but many will average your income over the past two or three years to get a better sense of your overall earnings.

A mortgage broker can help you find lenders that understand the challenges of variable income and are willing to offer flexible solutions.

New Business Owner with Limited Trading History

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If you’re newly self-employed and only have one year of trading history, getting a buy to let mortgage can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.

Some specialist lenders are willing to consider applicants with limited financial history, especially if you have a strong business performance or a significant deposit.

A mortgage broker can guide you through the process and help find lenders who are open to this scenario.

Using Retained Profits to Boost Your Application

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Limited company directors who take a lower salary but retain profits in their business can sometimes struggle to show sufficient personal income on paper.

Some lenders will, though, take retained profits into account when assessing a buy to let mortgage application.

A mortgage broker experienced with these types of applications can help match you with lenders who consider the full financial picture of your business.

Bad Credit and Self-Employment

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Having bad credit can make it harder to secure a buy to let mortgage, but it’s not impossible, even if you’re self-employed.

Specialist lenders focus on applicants with adverse credit, though they may require higher deposits or offer higher interest rates.

Working with a mortgage broker can increase your chances of finding a lender who will work with your circumstances.

Managing Multiple Income Streams

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Self-employed individuals who have income from multiple sources may find it more difficult to prove consistent earnings.

Some lenders are willing to take a broader view and consider all sources of income together, particularly if they are steady.

A mortgage broker can help structure your application to present your multiple income streams in a way that appeals to lenders.

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UK Moneyman Limited is Registered in England, No. 6789312
Registered Address: 10 Consort Court, Hull, HU9 1PU.

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

We are entered on the Financial Services Register No. 627742 at www.register.fca.org.uk

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