# Getting a mortgage when you're self-employed

> Most lenders want two years of self-employed income, shown by your SA302 tax calculations and tax year overviews from HMRC. A few will lend with one year. They usually work from your profit, not your turnover.

Mortgages · Published 2026-10-04 · Updated 2026-10-04 · https://firstkey.uk/articles/self-employed-mortgage

## What lenders ask for

- Your SA302s: the tax calculations HMRC works out from your Self Assessment returns.
- Tax year overviews, which show the tax was paid.
- Sometimes your accounts, signed off by an accountant, and recent business bank statements.

You can download SA302s and tax year overviews from your HMRC online account. Remember a tax year's return may not be filed until the following January, so plan when you apply.

## How your income is worked out

- Sole traders: your net profit, often an average of the last two years. If profit fell, they may use the lower year.
- Company directors: usually salary plus dividends. Some lenders use your share of the company's profit instead, which can help if you leave money in the business.
- Contractors on day rates: some lenders work from your day rate instead.

**A broker earns their keep here.** Lenders treat self-employed income very differently. A broker who knows which lenders suit your situation can save you a refusal on your credit file. See [whether you need a broker](https://firstkey.uk/articles/do-i-need-a-mortgage-broker).

[See what your income could reach](https://firstkey.uk/guide/afford): Many lenders lend around 4.5 times income. Use your average profit as a guide.

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