Mortgages for Freelancers: How to Get Approved with Flexible Income
Freelancers enjoy flexibility, creativity, and control over their work — but when it comes to getting a mortgage, things can feel less straightforward. Many lenders still prefer predictable monthly pay slips, which can make self-employed applicants think homeownership is out of reach.
At Mortgage Bridge, we know that’s not the case. Freelancers can absolutely get approved for a mortgage — you just need to understand how lenders assess your income and how to present your finances clearly.
This guide explains everything you need to know about mortgages for freelancers, from what documents you’ll need to how to improve your approval odds.
Can Freelancers Get a Mortgage?
Yes — freelancers can get a mortgage.
Lenders treat freelancers as self-employed, meaning they’ll assess your income over one or more tax years rather than looking for payslips. As long as you can show consistent earnings and affordability, you have every chance of approval.
At Mortgage Bridge, we work with freelancers across industries — from designers and consultants to developers, photographers, and contractors — helping them secure fair and flexible mortgage deals.
What Do Lenders Look for If You’re a Freelancer?
When you apply as a freelancer, lenders mainly want to see stability and proof of income.
They’ll usually ask for:
- SA302s and Tax Year Overviews (from HMRC) for the last 2–3 years
- Business accounts prepared by a certified or chartered accountant
- Bank statements (personal and/or business) covering the last 3–6 months
- Evidence of upcoming contracts or invoices, especially if your work is project-based
They’re checking that you can afford repayments and that your income is sustainable.
If you’ve only been freelancing for a short time, some specialist lenders will still consider you after just 12 months — especially if you’ve got previous experience in the same line of work.
How Do Lenders Calculate Freelance Income?
Most lenders will average your income from the last two or three tax years. If your income fluctuates, they’ll often take the lower figure or an average to stay cautious.
For example:
- Year 1 income: £45,000
- Year 2 income: £50,000
- Year 3 income: £55,000
Average used for affordability: £50,000
However, if your latest year shows steady growth, some lenders will use that figure alone — especially if your accountant can confirm the trend.
We’ll help you find lenders who interpret your income in the most favourable and realistic way.
How Much Can Freelancers Borrow for a Mortgage?
Most lenders offer around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income.
So if your average income is £50,000, you could typically borrow between £200,000 and £225,000.
The exact figure depends on your:
- Income consistency
- Credit score and history
- Deposit size
- Existing debts and financial commitments
If your income is variable, we can help structure your application to highlight stability and affordability.
What Deposit Do Freelancers Need for a Mortgage?
Freelancers generally need at least a 5–10% deposit, depending on credit history and the lender.
If you have past credit issues or very recent self-employment, a larger deposit (around 15–20%) can improve your approval odds and unlock better rates.
We’ll assess your full financial picture and help you understand what deposit level gives you the strongest position.
What Documents Should Freelancers Prepare?
To keep things smooth, get these ready before applying:
✅ SA302s and HMRC Tax Year Overviews for the last two or three years
✅ Accountant-prepared business accounts
✅ 3–6 months of personal and business bank statements
✅ Proof of ID and address
✅ Deposit evidence (savings, gifted, or equity from another property)
Having your documents ready can speed up your mortgage approval and reduce back-and-forth with lenders.
Can Freelancers Get a Mortgage with Less Than Two Years’ Accounts?
Yes — though your options will be more limited.
Some lenders are open to freelancers with just one year of accounts, particularly if:
- You have a strong track record in the same industry before going freelance
- Your income has been stable or growing
- You can provide evidence of ongoing contracts or future work
We often help newly established freelancers find specialist lenders who understand modern work patterns.
What If My Income Fluctuates?
Freelance income naturally varies — lenders know this. What matters is showing a steady flow of work and responsible money management.
Tips to strengthen your case:
- Keep clear records of invoices and payments
- Avoid large unexplained transactions on bank statements
- Maintain a consistent savings or reserve buffer
- Work with an accountant who can present your figures clearly
We’ll make sure your lender sees the full picture — not just your busiest or quietest months.
Can Freelancers Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?
Yes — bad credit doesn’t automatically rule you out.
We help many freelancers who’ve had missed payments, defaults, or even past CCJs secure mortgages through specialist lenders. These lenders look beyond the surface, considering how long ago the issues happened and how your finances have improved since.
A larger deposit and a clean recent track record make a big difference.
If this sounds like you, our guide on getting a mortgage with bad credit explains more about how to rebuild your profile.
How Can Freelancers Improve Their Chances of Mortgage Approval?
Here are some practical steps to help your case:
- Get your accounts in order – use a qualified accountant and keep everything up to date.
- Check your credit file – correct any errors and avoid unnecessary credit applications.
- Save a bigger deposit – it reduces risk for lenders and can lower your rate.
- Stay consistent – avoid big income gaps or unexplained drops before applying.
- Work with a specialist broker – like us at Mortgage Bridge, who understand how to present freelance income clearly.
We’ll take the stress out of the process and match you with lenders who actually get freelancers.
Can Freelancers Get Joint Mortgages?
Yes. You can apply jointly with a partner or another person — whether they’re employed or also self-employed.
Lenders will assess both incomes together, which can boost your borrowing power. Just make sure both applicants have clean, well-documented income streams and clear bank statements.
Final Thoughts
Getting a mortgage as a freelancer might seem more complex, but with the right preparation and guidance, it’s absolutely achievable.
At Mortgage Bridge, we specialise in helping freelancers, contractors, and self-employed clients secure mortgages that reflect their true earning potential — not just what’s on paper.
If you’d like to explore your options or find out how much you could borrow, we’re here to help. Let’s turn your freelance freedom into a home of your own.