Self Employed Mortgages Belfast
Last Updated: 8th October 2025
Self employed mortgages can feel complicated — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a sole trader, company director, contractor or freelancer, AIMS NI offers expert guidance to help you find the right self employed mortgage.
As Northern Ireland’s trusted independent, whole-of-market mortgage brokers, we specialise in finding flexible mortgage solutions for business owners and self-employed applicants who might not fit the standard lending criteria.
We understand how your income works — and how to present it in a way lenders understand.
What Are Self Employed Mortgages?
A self employed mortgage isn’t a completely different product; it’s a standard mortgage where the application process and income checks are tailored for self-employed borrowers.
Lenders assess your finances differently from employed applicants, focusing on accounts, tax returns, or contracts instead of payslips.
Whether you’re a sole trader, partner, or limited company director, AIMS NI helps you prepare your application properly and access lenders who truly understand self-employed income.
Why Are Self Employed Mortgages More Complex?
Many high street lenders use rigid criteria that don’t reflect how self-employed income can vary from year to year. This makes it harder to prove affordability — even for financially stable applicants.
Lenders may look for:
2–3 years of accounts or SA302 tax calculations
Evidence of consistent trading or contract work
Accountant’s reference or company accounts
Business and personal bank statements
Because each lender interprets income differently, having independent, specialist mortgage advice makes a real difference. AIMS NI works with a range of lenders who can assess income from dividends, retained profits, or day-rate contracts — helping you secure the best possible deal.
How AIMS NI Helps Self Employed Clients
At AIMS NI, we’ve been helping self-employed individuals secure the right mortgages since 2003. We know that running your own business comes with unique challenges — so our role is to make the mortgage process simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Here’s how we help:
Whole-of-market access – we search thousands of mortgage products, including specialist lenders.
Tailored advice – we’ll match your income type and trading history to lenders who understand your situation.
Paperwork support – we help gather and present the documents lenders need.
Flexible appointments – speak to us in person, online, or over the phone at a time that suits you.
We’ll guide you from the first consultation to completion, ensuring everything is clear and easy to understand.
What Documents Do You Need for a Self Employed Mortgage?
To apply for a self employed mortgage, you’ll typically need:
- 2–3 years of SA302s or tax year overviews from HMRC
- Accounts prepared by a certified accountant
- Recent business bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
- Proof of ID and address
- Proof of upcoming contracts (for contractors or freelancers)
Even if you’ve only been self-employed for one year or have limited trading history, AIMS NI may still be able to find a suitable lender.
Common Challenges for Self Employed Applicants (and How We Solve Them)
Getting a mortgage while self-employed comes with a few common hurdles — but we’re here to help overcome them:
Irregular Income: We present your average earnings clearly to improve affordability assessments.
Recently Self-Employed: We work with lenders who accept 1 year of accounts or strong contract evidence.
Retained Profits: Some lenders only consider salary and dividends — we’ll find those who also count profits left in your business.
Credit Issues: Our whole-of-market access includes specialist lenders who look at your current situation, not just your past.
Why Choose AIMS NI for advice on Self Employed Mortgages?
Here’s why business owners across Northern Ireland trust AIMS NI for self employed mortgage advice:
Independent & Whole-of-Market: We’re not tied to any lender, giving you access to a wider range of products.
Over 20 Years’ Experience: We’ve helped thousands of self-employed clients since 2003.
FCA-Regulated & Award-Winning: You’re in safe, professional hands.
Local Advisors Across Northern Ireland: From Belfast to Bangor, Derry to Newry, we’ve got you covered.
Flexible, Stress-Free Service: We work around your schedule, at your home or online.
We take the time to understand your business and match you with the right mortgage options — even if you’ve been declined elsewhere.
The Process with AIMS NI
Free, No-Obligation Consultation – talk to a friendly mortgage advisor about your goals.
Document Review – we help organise and present your accounts and income records.
Whole-of-Market Search – we compare specialist self employed mortgage lenders across the UK.
Application Management – we handle the paperwork, saving you time and stress.
Completion & Beyond – we’ll continue to offer support, including remortgaging and insurance advice.
With AIMS NI, you get more than just mortgage advice — you get a partner who’s invested in helping you succeed.
Start Your Journey with AIMS NI
Being self-employed shouldn’t stop you from owning your dream home. With AIMS NI’s independent, specialist mortgage advice, you’ll get tailored support, whole-of-market access, and guidance every step of the way.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly self employed mortgage experts — and let us help you find the perfect mortgage for your circumstances.
Self Employed Mortgage FAQs
Most lenders prefer at least two years of accounts, but some accept one year if you have a strong trading history or contracts in place.
Yes. AIMS NI works with lenders who consider one year of accounts or verified income, particularly for professionals with consistent work.
It’s recommended. Lenders often prefer accounts prepared by a qualified accountant, but we can still help if you manage your own bookkeeping.
Many lenders base decisions on your salary and dividends, but some also include retained profits — which can significantly increase what you can borrow.
Yes. Specialist lenders can help those with previous credit issues, as long as you can show stable income and affordability.
Typically 10–20%, though this can vary. A larger deposit may give you access to better rates
Mortgage Brokers Belfast
Disclaimer
A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR PROPERTY. YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
