Self-Employed Mortgages
Straightforward Mortgage Advice for Self-Employed People
Being self-employed shouldn’t make getting a mortgage harder, but we know it often feels that way. If you’ve ever been told it’s “more complicated”, “you’ll need loads of paperwork”, or “lenders don’t like self-employed income”,… you’re not alone.
The truth is, it’s absolutely possible to get a mortgage when you’re self-employed. You just need the right lender and the right advice.
At Mewstone Mortgage Advice, our mortgage advisers in Plymouth specialise in self-employed mortgages and helping business owners, contractors, and company directors across the region secure the homes they want. We understand how lenders assess self-employed income, what documents they really need, and how to present your case properly from day one.
Book a free, no-obligation chat below, and we’ll talk through your options clearly and honestly.
Mortgages For Self-Employed People - How We Help
Every lender looks at self-employed income slightly differently.
That’s why whole-of-market advice matters — because matching you with the right lender can make all the difference.
Here’s how our mortgage advisers support different types of self-employed clients:
Sole Traders
Running your own business doesn’t limit your mortgage options as much as you might think.
Most lenders will assess your income using:
• Net profit
• SA302s
• Tax year overviews
Typically, they’ll ask for two years’ figures, but in the right circumstances, there are sometimes options available with just one year.
We know which lenders take a more common-sense view of sole trader income and how to present your accounts properly to give you the best chance of success.
Partnerships
If you’re in a partnership, lenders usually look at your share of the net profit.
They’ll typically want two years’ accounts and treat you similarly to a sole trader.
We regularly arrange mortgages for business partners across the South West and understand exactly what lenders expect to see — making the process far smoother and less daunting.
Company Directors
If you own 20%+ of your business, most lenders class you as self-employed.
But that doesn’t mean things are harder — just different.
Lenders may assess:
• Salary
• Dividends
• Retained profits
And each lender treats these differently.
Some will only look at drawings.
Others will include retained profits, which can massively improve affordability.
This is where our experience really helps.
We’ll guide you towards lenders that assess your income in the most favourable and realistic way.
CIS Contractors
Working under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) can actually work in your favour.
Many lenders assess CIS contractors using:
• Gross contract income
• Recent payslips
• Bank statements
Rather than relying solely on net profit.
This often means stronger affordability than people expect.
We’ve helped many CIS workers — from bricklayers to electricians — secure competitive mortgages with high street lenders who understand this type of income.

Why Use Mewstone Mortgage Advice?
We’re not a call centre. We’re not a faceless comparison site.
We’re a local, independent team who genuinely care about getting the right outcome for you.
✓Whole of market access
✓Straightforward, jargon-free advice
✓Personal support from start to finish
✓Technology where it helps, people where it matters
With over 57 years’ combined experience, we’ve supported hundreds of families, business owners and self-employed clients through successful mortgage applications. Family is at the heart of everything we do — and when you work with us, you’re treated like part of the Mewstone family too.
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Book A Call With Our Mortgage Advice Experts
We understand that your time is precious so you can book an appointment directly into our diary at a time to suit you!
This is our first conversation with you.
We will get an understanding of where you are now and where you want to be. We can tell you about us and how we work – and how we can help you achieve your financial goal. This is typically a 10 minute chat and is completely free of charge.
This appointment can be completed on a face to face basis, over Zoom/Teams/WhatsApp Video/Facetime - whatever works best for you!
Mewstone Mortgage Advice LTD (FCA ref 947355) is an appointed representative of New Leaf Distribution LTD (FCA ref 460421) which is authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority (FCA).
New Leaf Head Office Garfield House, 165-167 High St, Rayleigh SS6 7QA. Co registration Number 5520001.
Mewstone Mortgage Advice LTD Head Office: 22 Barton Brake, Wembury, Plymouth, Devon PL9 0BJ Co registration Number 12959322
Your home is at risk if you fail to keep up payments on your mortgage or any other loans secured against it.
Buy to Let mortgages and Commercial Lending are not usually regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Equity release may involve a lifetime mortgage which is secured against your property or a home reversion plan which requires the sale of property for a discounted price. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. You only continue to own your own home with a lifetime mortgage.
Equity release may impact the size of your estate and it could affect your entitlement to current and future means-tested benefits.
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