Self-Employed Mortgage: How to Prepare for 2025

If you’re self-employed and planning to buy a home in 2025, knowing how lenders approach these types of applications can make a big difference. While getting a mortgage can be a bit more complex for the self-employed, being prepared can help you navigate the process with confidence.

What is a Self-Employed Mortgage?

While there isn’t a specific “self-employed mortgage,” lenders often assess self-employed applicants differently. Rather than relying on payslips, lenders need a more detailed view of your income, usually by looking at your earnings over two to three years.

How to Prepare

Gather Your Financial Documents
Having a steady income history is essential. You’ll likely need at least two to three years of SA302 forms and tax overviews from HMRC, or accounts prepared by a certified accountant. Some lenders are more flexible and may accept just one year’s accounts if your income is stable or increasing, so it’s worth exploring your options.

Optimise Income Records
It may seem strategic to minimise taxable income, but keep in mind that lenders typically assess income based on post-tax earnings. Showing a higher income on your accounts may improve your borrowing potential.

Know About Retained Profits
If you’re a limited company director, you might be able to use retained profits to boost your borrowing power. Some lenders will consider this in addition to your salary and dividends.

Prepare for Higher Deposit Requirements
Self-employed borrowers may face higher deposit requirements. Saving up for a larger deposit can improve your chances of approval and help secure better rates.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With potential rate and lending criteria changes on the horizon, now is a great time to start preparing. By organising finances early and considering how much income to report, you can maximise your chances of securing a mortgage in 2025.

If you’d like to discuss the options available to you, why not get in touch with one of our friendly advisors

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       Dan Roberts 
 26/08/2026
 
 
  The team at Oviso, particularly Arran, were absolutely fantastic and made the whole process of applying for a mortgage really simple and straight-forward. As first time buyers, Arran made any and all time available to help answer questions and guide us through the process, it really felt that he had our best interest at heart through the entire process and no "sales" style pressure. A huge thanks and we will be recommending them to others looking for this service.
  
 
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 26/08/2026
 
 
  I recently enlisted the Help of Arran at Oviso for the purchase of my house. My job is unusual in that my wages can vary and some lenders are wary of that. Arran was brilliant in sourcing a lender that understood the nature of my job and were happy to lend. Throughout the process both he and Nicola were both pro-active with communication as well as being on hand to answer our shot questions and allay any worries we had. Arran really knows his stuff, and was able to explain everything to us simply, and in a way that wasn’t confusing with all the financial jargon that can get thrown around. With thanks to Arran, Nicola and the wider team at Oviso, we now have our wonderful home.
  
 
      Nick Smith 
 12/08/2026
 
 
  Excellent service as always from Matt and the team.  Definitely recommend their services to anyone. Thanks guys
  
 
      Kerry Toolan 
 10/08/2026
 
 
  We have just used Oviso for the sixth time in 15 years Every time we've moved or re mortgaged we have used them to get the best mortgage deal and life insurance policy. Each time the experience has been efficient, professional and friendly and all the advice we have received we feel has been delivered by expert's. Their customer service is faultless and we would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Thank you to Matt, Helen and all the team.
  
 
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 05/08/2026
 
 
  Always a pleasure dealing with Amelia, Matt and the team at OVISO
  
 
      Chewis Mahogany 
 23/07/2026
 
 
  Great service by Arran and the team, have had his help a few times now in the past 5 years, he and the team are always on hand to support and guide you through the journey with their knowledge and expertise.
  
 
      Anthony Lomas 
 22/07/2026
 
 
  This wasn’t the first time I’ve used Oviso and it certainly won’t be the last. Brilliant advice from Arran and efficient support throughout from Nicola.
  
 
      sean holland 
 22/07/2026
 
 
  We have recently re mortgaged and whilst staying with our existing lender should have been the easiest option it proved to be very difficult. I was then advised to try Oviso and we didn't look back. From an initial meeting with Matt at his office in Derby the whole process has been trouble and stress free. We can't thank the team enough
  
 
      Corey O'Hara 
 22/07/2026
 
 
  10/10 service from start to finish thank-you so much!
  
 
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 01/07/2026
 
 
  Great people to work with, sat in my new house now thanks to Arran, who widened what we thought was possible.
  
 
 
  
 
 
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Self-Employed Mortgage: How to Prepare for 2025

What is a Self-Employed Mortgage?

How to Prepare

Looking Ahead to 2025

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