Self-Employed Mortgages in Bristol

Name: Self-Employed Mortgages
Brand: Orton Financial
Rating: 5.0 (33 reviews)

We specialise in providing mortgage solutions tailored specifically for self-employed borrowers, helping you secure the right deal for your needs. Whether you’re a freelancer, business owner, or contractor, traditional lenders might struggle to understand your unique income sources.
Our expert team knows that every self-employed journey is unique. We’ll work with you to find the best possible mortgage solution, offering access to specialist lenders, tailored advice, and a range of flexible options that cater to your financial situation.

Get a Personalised Quote

Make An Appointment



Specialist Expertise:

Our advisors are experts in navigating the complexities of self-employed income.



Access to Specialist Lenders

We connect you with lenders who understand your unique financial situation.



Tailored Advice

Every self-employed journey is different. We provide personalised guidance to secure the best deal for you.



Streamlined Process

From initial consultation to completion, we make the mortgage process seamless.

What are Self-Employed Mortgages?

Self-employed mortgages are designed for individuals whose income doesn’t come from a traditional salaried job. These mortgages take into account non-PAYE income streams, such as business profits, freelance work, or income from investments. While applying for a mortgage as a self-employed person can present challenges, such as proving income or meeting certain eligibility criteria, it’s certainly possible with the right guidance.

Many self-employed people face hurdles when applying for mortgages, especially with high-street banks that may have rigid requirements. These challenges often include proving income stability, which can be harder for individuals without consistent payslips.

This is where we excel—we connect you with specialist lenders who understand your unique situation and can offer the flexibility and support you need.

Get a Personalised Quote

Make An Appointment

A Victorian style front door. The door is black and has grand steps and columns in front

As Featured In

A female and male solicitor working on a document together

Our Self-Employed Mortgage Process

We simplify the mortgage process to ensure you get the best deal possible. First, we’ll assess your financial situation and help identify the right lender who can offer the most favourable terms based on your circumstances. Next, we will assist you with submitting the necessary documentation, ensuring everything is for a smooth approval process.

Our process is designed to make the application as seamless as possible. We work with you through every step, from initial consultation to securing the mortgage, providing expert advice at each stage to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.

How is Self-Employment Income Calculated for a Mortgage?

Lenders assess self-employed income differently than they would for salaried employees. Typically, lenders may look at your net profits over the last two or three years, depending on the lender’s criteria. Some lenders might consider average income over a period, while others may focus on more recent earnings.
It’s important to note that different lenders will have different methods for assessing income, which is why working with a mortgage broker like Orton Financial can be beneficial. We can help you understand how your income will be calculated and identify the best lenders for your situation.

Close up cropped young woman calculating household expenditures.

Self-Employed Mortgage Deals

Paying a larger deposit can significantly improve your chances of getting a self-employed mortgage. With our expertise, we’ll help you find the best mortgage deals that align with your financial goals and offer the most favourable terms.

Repayment Plans

There are two main types of mortgage repayment plans: fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgages. Fixed-rate mortgages lock in your rate for a set period, typically 2, 5, or 10 years. On the other hand, variable-rate mortgages are subject to fluctuations in the market, which means your monthly payments may change.

We’ll help you navigate each repayment plan to find the one that fits your long-term financial strategy.

Get a Personalised Quote

Make An Appointment

We Can Open Doors to Thousands of Mortgage Options

Purchase Products

Re-Mortgage Products

Mortgage Products with Private Banks

Case Study: £20 Million Purchase

Why Choose Us?

We understand the frustrations that self-employed individuals face when dealing with traditional lenders. From inconsistent income streams to complicated paperwork, it can feel overwhelming. But with our extensive experience and access to specialist lenders, we’ll guide you through the process with ease.

We understand the unique challenges that self-employed professionals face when applying for a mortgage
Our expert advisors have the knowledge and experience to navigate complex income streams
Access to a wide range of specialist lenders who are more flexible with self-employed applicants
Personalised service with tailored advice to find the best mortgage deal for you

Get a Personalised Quote

How to Get a Mortgage When Self-Employed or Freelancing

To apply for a self-employed mortgage, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can afford the mortgage, which usually involves proving your income over the past couple of years. This may include providing tax returns, bank statements, or financial statements from your business. In addition, your credit score and overall financial stability will be assessed.

It’s also important to have a clear understanding of your business’s financial health and the documentation you’ll need to present. We’ll help you gather everything you need and match you with lenders who will consider your non-traditional income sources.

Tablet, training and review with business people in office for networking, communication and planning. Idea, collaboration and corporate with employees for partnership, teamwork and meeting.

Am I Eligible?

When applying for a self-employed mortgage, we consider the following factors to determine your eligibility:

Your net income or profit (last 2-3 years)
Credit history and credit score
Amount of deposit (usually between 10% to 25%, depending on the lender)
Stability of your self-employed business

The more stable and consistent your income, the easier it will be to qualify. Our brokers are here to help you understand these criteria and advise you on the right documents to submit.

What Documentation Do I Need?

To help us further, we may request access to your:

Latest tax returns (SA302 form or tax year overview)
An accountant reference (some lenders may request this)
Bank statements (usually 3-6 months)
Business accounts (if applicable)
Proof of ID and address
Proof of deposit

Success Case Studies for Self-Employed Clients

Getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed can be challenging—but with the right strategy, it’s absolutely possible. At Orton Financial, we’ve helped business owners, contractors, and freelancers secure competitive mortgage terms, even with complex income structures.

Helping an Expat Secure a UK Mortgage Before Relocation

We helped a self-employed expat secure a UK mortgage before relocating from Portugal—using her UK credit history and a parental address. With just an accountant’s certificate, we bypassed the usual paperwork, and the loan was approved in just 4 days. She moved straight into her new build home without the hassle of renting or staying with family.

Unlocking Equity to Secure a Dream Property in Italy

A self-employed couple overcame valuation and income verification challenges by choosing private banking to unlock equity from their unique property. This allowed them to purchase a holiday home in Italy, fulfilling their dream of a family retreat while opening up rental income opportunities.

From Shares to Mortgages: Boosting Borrowing Capacity for Directors

Self-employed individuals face unique challenges when securing a mortgage, especially when leveraging company share incentives as income. This article explores shareholding thresholds, income assessment differences, and essential documentation. Learn how to enhance borrowing potential and secure your dream home by consulting specialist lenders.

First-Time Buyers – Navigating Self-Employed and Employed Income for Their Dream Home in Wales

A young couple, one self-employed, faced challenges proving income to buy their first £560,000 home. HSBC offered the best rates, leveraging one applicant’s Premier account eligibility. They secured a 90% LTV mortgage of £504,000 and successfully purchased their home.

Getting a Mortgage as a Seafarer: The challenges and solutions

If you are a seafarer, you may be wondering if you can get a mortgage. The answer is yes, but there are some specific requirements that you will need to meet.

How to boost your mortgage as a sole trader

Getting a mortgage as a sole trader can be more challenging than getting a mortgage as an employee.
Lenders will look at your income, your business, and your assets when assessing your application.
Work in progress (WIP) can be a valuable asset for self-employed borrowers who are looking to purchase a property.
By including WIP in your income, you can potentially qualify for a larger mortgage and move into a property that meets your needs for the foreseeable future.

A Self-Employed Client’s Journey to Buying a New Family Home in the UK

Area: Reading

Amount raised: £987k

After my first mortgage was turned down by high street lender as a self-employed, I was very stressed. As the house we found is our dream house. When I first approached Luther with my lender options I was willing to go down a bridging route or a private lender where I had to pay much high interest rate. Luther still managed to find me a high street lender with a very competitive rate, the high street lender gave me an offer based on my 1 year company account and projected profit for the current year.

Luther was extremely patient, professional, and answered all my questions.

Mr. Zhang

Orton, Your Specialist self-employed Mortgages Broker

We offer tailored mortgage services for a range of self-employed individuals. Whether you’re a sole trader, in a partnership, or a director of a limited company, we’ll advise you on the best course of action and help you prepare the required documents. Our brokers are equipped with the expertise to assist freelancers, business owners, and more complex self-employed profiles.
We’ll also guide you on the deposit you may need to pay, with flexibility depending on your income type and lender options.

Get a Personalised Quote

Make An Appointment

Tips for Securing a Home Loan as a Self-Employed Worker

Keep accurate financial records and ensure your accounts are up to date
Aim to show at least 2 years of consistent income
Save for a larger deposit to improve your chances of securing a mortgage
Work with a specialist broker who understands self-employed financials
Be prepared to provide detailed documentation of your income and expenses

Aerial view of Royal Crescent in the morning, London, UK

Get in Touch with our Specialist Mortgage Advisor in Bristol

For a personalised consultation or to start your self-employed mortgage journey in Bristol, get in touch with our local team today. Our Bristol-based mortgage experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

Make An Appointment

Get a Personalised Quote

FAQ

Can I get a mortgage if I am employed and self-employed?

Yes, you can qualify for a mortgage if you are both employed and self-employed. Lenders will typically assess your income from both sources, but they may require additional documentation for your self-employed income.

What documents do I need for a self-employed mortgage?

As a self-employed borrower, you’ll need to provide documents such as recent tax returns, business accounts, bank statements, and possibly a letter from your accountant. This helps lenders assess your income stability.

How do I prove income for a self-employed mortgage?

Lenders typically require at least two years of accounts or tax returns, but some may accept one year depending on the type of mortgage. Bank statements, invoices, and business contracts may also be required to verify income.

Are mortgage rates higher for self-employed individuals?

Not necessarily. While some lenders may offer higher rates for self-employed individuals due to perceived risk, there are plenty of competitive mortgage products available. Your credit history, income stability, and deposit size are more important factors.

How much Deposit do I need for a self-employed mortgage?

The deposit required can vary depending on the lender, but typically, a 10%-20% deposit is standard. Larger deposits can improve your chances of getting a favourable rate.

How many years of self-employment do I need to qualify for a mortgage?

Most lenders prefer at least two years of self-employment to assess income stability. However, there are some options for individuals with less than two years, especially if they can provide strong evidence of income.

How long do I need to be freelancing before I can apply for a mortgage?

Freelancers generally need at least one year of income to apply for a mortgage. However, some lenders may accept freelancers with less than a year of history if other factors, like a good credit score, are in your favour.

How much can I borrow as a freelancer?

The amount you can borrow as a freelancer depends on your income, the stability of your business, and your credit profile. Lenders typically offer a multiple of your annual income, but this can vary.

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

Some lenders may accept just one year of accounts if your income is strong and consistent. However, most prefer two years to assess your income history more thoroughly.

Can I get a self-employed remortgage?

Yes, self-employed individuals can remortgage. The process is similar to getting a new mortgage, but you may need to provide updated documentation, such as recent accounts and tax returns.

How do self-employed people get multiple mortgages?

Self-employed individuals can obtain multiple mortgages by demonstrating consistent income across different properties. Lenders will evaluate your ability to repay based on your overall financial situation.

Why is it harder to get a mortgage as a self-employed person?

It can be more challenging because self-employed income is often less predictable, which can be seen as a higher risk by lenders. However, with proper documentation and a strong credit history, self-employed individuals can still qualify for competitive mortgage deals.

Do I need a specialist self-employed mortgage broker or adviser?

While you don’t necessarily need a specialist, working with a mortgage broker or adviser who understands the specific needs of self-employed individuals can be beneficial. They can help you navigate the requirements and find the best deals for your situation.

What are the best mortgage lenders for the self-employed?

The best lenders for self-employed borrowers vary depending on factors like your income, credit history, and deposit size. A broker can help you identify which lenders are more flexible or have favourable terms for self-employed individuals.

What are the average mortgage rates for self-employed people?

Mortgage rates for self-employed individuals can range from 2% to 4% or higher, depending on factors like deposit size, income stability, and credit score. It’s important to shop around and compare rates to find the best deal for your circumstances.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of freelance and self-employed mortgages?

There are advantages and disadvantages to consider with these mortgages, including:

Advantages:

Access to specialist lenders who understand self-employment
Flexible terms and tailored mortgage solutions
Opportunities for higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios

Disadvantages:

Potential for higher rates if income is unstable
Documentation and proof of income can be more complex
Limited choices with some mainstream lenders

Can contractors who operate as a limited company apply for a mortgage?

Yes, contractors operating as a limited company can apply for a mortgage. Lenders can assess mortgage applications for limited company contractors by taking into account the higher of either the contract value or the net profit and salary in the company.