Applying for a joint mortgage when one partner is self-employed is more common than you might think. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving house, or investing in a property together, it’s entirely possible to combine a PAYE income with self-employed earnings; you just need the right preparation and lender support.
In this guide, we explain how joint mortgages work when one applicant is self-employed, what lenders look for, and how Lendese can help you move forward with confidence.
Can You Get a Joint Mortgage If One Applicant Is Self-Employed?
Yes. Most lenders will assess both applicants’ incomes, whether employed or self-employed, to determine how much you can borrow. The key is proving that your combined income is reliable and that you can afford the monthly repayments.
You don’t have to earn the same or be in similar roles. The self-employed applicant simply needs to provide the right financial documentation to show income stability over time.
What Documents Will You Need?
For the employed applicant:
- 3 months’ payslips
- P60 from your employer
- Bank statements
For the self-employed applicant:
The documents required depend on how you’re self-employed:
Sole Traders:
- 2–3 years of SA302 tax calculations and HMRC tax year overviews
- Business accounts (if available)
Limited Company Directors:
- 2–3 years of company accounts
- Personal and business bank statements
- Breakdown of salary and dividends
Partnerships:
- 2–3 years of accountant-prepared statements showing your share of the profit
Some specialist lenders may accept just one year’s trading history, especially if your income is rising and supported by a strong credit profile. Lendese can advise on this.
How Much Can You Borrow?
Most lenders will offer up to 4–4.5 times your combined annual income, though this depends on your financial commitments and credit histories.
For self-employed applicants, income is usually calculated as:
- The average of the last 2–3 years’ earnings, or
- The most recent year’s income, if it has increased, and the lender allows it
A mortgage broker like Lendese can help you understand what lenders will consider and how much you may be eligible to borrow.
What Else Do Lenders Consider?
In addition to income, lenders will review:
- Your credit histories
- Current debts or other financial commitments
- Your deposit size
- How stable the self-employed income is (year-on-year trends)
They may also ask questions about the nature of your business and whether it’s been affected by seasonal trends or recent economic changes.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Make sure your tax returns are up to date
- Avoid major spending before applying
- Provide accurate income details, don’t guess
- Work with a mortgage broker to package your application clearly
- Be transparent about any recent income changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. If one applicant has enough income to cover the mortgage on their own, that may be sufficient, but joint income often increases borrowing potential.
Some lenders are more flexible than others. If the employed applicant has a strong credit record, it may help balance the overall application. At Lendese, we can help find a lender that’s open to your situation.
Yes, but options may be limited. Some lenders require two or more years of accounts, while others will consider one year — particularly if you have a strong deposit and clear upward income trend.
Need Help With Your Joint Mortgage?
Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or a bit of both, we’re here to help you get the mortgage you need, with clear advice and access to lenders across the market.
Speak to a Lendese mortgage adviser today.