Working with thousands of lenders to find the right fit…
Struggling to get a mortgage because you’re self-employed? You’re not alone. Lenders often make it harder for business owners, contractors, and sole traders to prove their income, even when they’re earning well.
At Mortgage & Finance Arena, we specialise in self-employed mortgages. Based in Derby and serving clients across Derbyshire—including Chesterfield, Long Eaton, Ilkeston, Swadlincote, and Belper—as well as nearby Nottingham, Leicester, and the wider UK, we’ve spent decades helping entrepreneurs and business owners secure the right mortgage deals, even when high street banks have said no.
We work with lenders who understand complex incomes. Whether you’re a contractor paid through an umbrella company, a director taking dividends, or a sole trader with fluctuating earnings, we know how to present your finances in the best light.
Please remember, as a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments.
Mortgage lenders typically consider you self-employed if you work for yourself rather than an employer paying a salary. You’ll also be classed as self-employed if you own more than 20% of the business that provides your main income.
A contractor
Whether you work through an umbrella company, your own limited company, or on fixed-term contracts, lenders often struggle to assess contractor income. Some will use your day rate to calculate affordability rather than requiring two years of accounts. We know which lenders take this approach and can match you with the right one for your situation.
Sole trader
As a sole trader, your business finances and personal finances are closely linked. Lenders will typically look at your net profit from your SA302 tax calculations or certified accounts. If your income varies year-on-year, we can find lenders who take an average or focus on your most recent figures.
Partner in a business
Partnership income can be complicated, especially if profit shares change annually or you’ve recently joined the partnership. We work with lenders who understand how to assess partnership drawings and can account for your share of retained profits where appropriate.
Franchise owner
Owning a franchise comes with its own lending considerations. Some lenders view established franchise brands more favourably due to their proven business models. We can help present your franchise income in a way that highlights this stability to lenders.
Director of a limited company
If you’re a company director, you likely pay yourself a mix of salary and dividends to stay tax-efficient. Many high street lenders only assess your salary, which dramatically underestimates what you can afford. We work with lenders who consider salary plus dividends, or even use your share of net profit, to give you a more realistic borrowing figure.
Get in touch Call us on 01332 300 300 or fill in our contact form. Tell us about your situation, your income structure, and what you're looking to achieve. The more detail, the better.
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Initial consultation One of our advisers will discuss your options, explain what's realistic, and answer any questions. We'll also let you know what documents you'll need.
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Finding the right mortgage We search across the market to find mortgage deals suited to self-employed applicants. We'll explain the pros and cons of each option and recommend what works best for your [...]
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Application to completion We handle the paperwork, liaise with the lender, and keep you updated throughout. Before long, you'll have the keys to your new home.
You’ll typically need SA302 tax calculations or certified accounts (usually two to three years), tax year overviews from HMRC, bank statements, proof of ID and address, and details of existing financial commitments. Limited company directors may also need company accounts.
How will my income be assessed?
It depends on your business structure. Sole traders and partners are usually assessed on net profit. Directors may be assessed on salary only, salary plus dividends, or share of net profit—depending on the lender. We’ll match you with lenders who assess your income most favourably.
Are there specialist lenders for the self-employed?
Yes. Some lenders have flexible criteria tailored to self-employed applicants, including accepting one year of accounts or using day rates for contractors. We know which lenders take this approach and can point you in the right direction.
Why Choose Our Derby Office?
Looking for something else? We also help self-employed clients with:
Local Market Know-How: We understand property values throughout Derbyshire (Derby, Chesterfield, Alfreton, Ripley, Belper, Matlock, Burton upon Trent) and across the East Midlands (Nottingham, Leicester, Mansfield, Newark)
Fast Completions: We’ve streamlined our process to get you funding significantly faster than high street alternatives
UK-Wide Connections: Licensed to help clients throughout the UK with our national lender relationships
Whole of Market: We’re not tied to any single lender – we find you the best available rates and terms
70+ Years Combined Experience | FCA Regulated (reference 706676)
While we’re based in Derby, we work with self-employed clients from across the region. Whether you’re a sole trader in Matlock, a contractor in Burton upon Trent, or a company director in Ashbourne, we can help—either in person at our Derby office, over the phone, or via video call.
We also regularly help clients from Nottingham, Leicester, and further afield who want specialist advice for their self-employed mortgage.
FAQS: Self-Employed Mortgages
You’ll need to demonstrate that your income is stable enough to afford the repayments. This usually means providing at least two years of accounts or tax returns, though some lenders accept one year. A specialist mortgage adviser can help you present your income clearly and match you with lenders who are comfortable with your type of work.
It can require more paperwork, but it’s not necessarily harder if you have the right support. The main challenge is that many lenders don’t understand self-employed income structures. With an adviser who specialises in this area, you’ll have access to lenders with flexible criteria and experience assessing business owners.
Lenders want to see that your income is sustainable. They’ll consider how long you’ve been trading, whether your income is stable, growing, or declining, your credit history, your deposit size, and any other financial commitments. A consistent trading history and clean credit record will strengthen your application.
Ready to talk?
Book a free consultation with one of our self-employed mortgage specialists. We'll review your situation, explain your options, and help you find the right deal.
There simply are no superlatives sufficient to thank you for your fantastic service! I would highly recommend mortgage and finance area to any of my friends or family looking for a mortgage. You’ve made our dreams come true! The team go above and beyond to make everything so easy.
The advice and financial services I have recently had from Charlotte at Morgage And Finance Ltd in Derby has been first class. Very professional, helpful, efficient and supportive. I wholeheartedly recommend them.
Suzanne and Charlotte were amazing and made the process of buying our first home completely stress-free for us. They were both on hand if we ever had any problems/questions and always responded with knowledgeable and completely honest answers. I would highly recommend.
If I could rate this company more than 5 stars I would. I cannot fault the service and support my partner and I have received whilst getting our first mortgage together. Ian and Megan have been amazing, making the process completely stress free. They were both on hand if we ever had any questions. I would highly recommend. Thank you!
There simply are no superlatives sufficient to thank you for your fantastic service! I would highly recommend mortgage and finance arena to any of my friends or family looking for a mortgage. You’ve made our dreams come true! The team go above and beyond to make everything so easy.
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