Self Employed Mortgages in Oxford
Why choose us for a self employed mortgage?
Getting a mortgage when you're self-employed can feel like an uphill battle. Lenders want more paperwork, ask more questions, and don't always make it easy. At Mortgage Genie, we know how to present your income in the best possible light — and we work with lenders who actually understand how self-employed people earn.
- We search deals from a wide panel of high-street lenders, challenger banks and specialist providers..
- Our advice is built around your actual financial picture, not a salaried template.
- No hidden fees. We're upfront about what we charge from the very beginning.
- We help self-employed buyers across Oxford, Oxfordshire and the wider UK.
Give us a call and let's see what's possible.
What to bring to your first appointment
Self-employed mortgage applications need a bit more groundwork than a standard application — but we'll walk you through exactly what's needed.
To get the most from your first conversation, it helps to have the following to hand:
- ✓ Two to three years of SA302 forms or tax year overviews (available from HMRC)
- ✓ Your last two to three years of accounts, ideally prepared by a qualified accountant
- ✓ Three months of business and personal bank statements
- ✓ Proof of any upcoming contracts or retained clients if you're a contractor
- ✓ Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
Don't have everything together yet? That's fine — we can still have a useful first conversation and point you in the right direction.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed?
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Yes — being self-employed doesn't disqualify you from getting a mortgage. It does mean lenders will look at your income differently. Rather than payslips, they'll assess your earnings based on your tax returns and accounts, usually over the last two to three years.
Good to know: Some lenders will consider one year of accounts if you have strong earnings and a solid credit history. We know which ones — and when it's worth applying.
How do lenders calculate my income?
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It depends on how your business is set up:
| Business type | How income is assessed |
|---|---|
| Sole trader | Net profit from your SA302 / tax return, averaged over two to three years |
| Limited company director | Salary plus dividends — some lenders will also consider net profit |
| Contractor | Day rate or annualised contract value, depending on the lender |
| Freelancer / consultant | Average net profit over two to three years, or day rate if contracting |
Worth knowing: If your income has grown year on year, some lenders will use the most recent year's figure rather than an average — which can increase your borrowing potential significantly.
How much can I borrow?
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Most lenders will offer between four and five times your annual income, though this varies depending on your deposit size, credit history and the lender's own criteria. The key difference for self-employed applicants is how that income figure is calculated — which is where having the right broker makes a real difference.
Example: A limited company director taking a £30,000 salary and £40,000 in dividends has an assessable income of £70,000 — not £30,000. Getting this right can have a significant impact on what you're able to borrow.
What documents will I need?
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The exact requirements vary by lender, but as a general rule you should expect to provide:
- Two to three years of SA302 forms or HMRC tax year overviews Essential
- Two to three years of accounts prepared by a qualified accountant Essential
- Three months of personal and business bank statements Essential
- Proof of upcoming contracts or client retention (contractors) If applicable
- Photo ID — passport or driving licence Essential
Does it matter if my income has dropped in the last year?
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It can do — but it doesn't necessarily rule you out. Some lenders will average your income across two or three years, which can soften the impact of a difficult year. Others will take a more conservative view and use the lower figure. We'll assess your situation and match you to lenders whose criteria work in your favour.
Common scenario: Many self-employed people deliberately reduce their taxable income to lower their tax bill. This can affect borrowing capacity — so if you're planning to buy in the next year or two, it's worth talking to us before your next set of accounts is filed.
What other costs do I need to budget for?
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Beyond the mortgage itself, the main ones to plan for are:
- Solicitor fees — typically £1,200–£2,000 including searches and disbursements
- Stamp Duty — rates vary depending on the purchase price and whether you own other property
- Mortgage adviser fee — we'll be upfront about this from the start
- Buildings insurance — required by all mortgage lenders
- Removal costs and furnishings — easy to overlook, worth factoring in early
Contact Mortgage Broker Oxford today
