Securing a mortgage can feel complex, especially when you’re working for yourself. If you’re self-employed and planning to buy a home in Dulwich, the process may differ from traditional routes, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. At Conran Mortgages, we’re here to help simplify the journey toward homeownership with a step-by-step guide tailored for self-employed professionals.

Whether you’re a sole trader, limited company director or freelancer, navigating the self-employed mortgage  process requires expert guidance. This blog outlines everything you need to know — from documents to lender expectations.

Need personal support? Give us a call on 020 8528 2251 or email hello@conranmortgages.co.uk for expert advice.

“Being your own boss shouldn’t hold you back from homeownership. Our dedicated advisers help freelancers and business owners across Dulwich get the mortgages they deserve.”

Why The Mortgage Process Is Different For Self-Employed Buyers In Dulwich

When you’re self-employed, lenders look at your finances differently. Unlike salaried employees, your income may vary month to month, making it more difficult for banks to assess affordability. Applying for a self-employed mortgage in Dulwich often involves more documentation and scrutiny, but it’s entirely achievable with the right preparation.

We specialise in supporting buyers who work for themselves, offering the clarity and experience you need to move confidently through the mortgage journey.

Step-By-Step Mortgage Process Guide For Dulwich Self-Employed Buyers

If you’re preparing to purchase a home in Dulwich while self-employed, it helps to understand how the process works. Here’s our detailed mortgage process guide for Dulwich to help you stay one step ahead.

1. Review Your Financial Situation

Start by getting a clear picture of your finances. Whether you’re a creative freelancer or a small business owner, lenders want to see evidence of consistent business income.

You’ll typically need:

• Two or more years of SA302 tax calculations
• HMRC tax year overviews
• Certified accounts (if you run a limited company)
• Recent business bank statements

This helps demonstrate your income proof and ability to meet monthly repayments.

2. Know What You Can Borrow

How much you can borrow depends on your net income, credit history, and deposit size. Many lenders will average your income over the last two years; others may accept your most recent year alone, especially if your profits have risen steadily.

We’ll assess your circumstances and connect you with a lender whose policy works for your income structure, especially important when applying for a tax return mortgage or dealing with dividend and retained profit income.

3. Work With A Broker Who Understands Freelancers

Not every bank welcomes freelance applicants. But as experts offering freelancer mortgage help in Dulwich, we’ve built strong relationships with lenders who do. These lenders recognise the unique nature of freelance and contractor income.

We match you to the right lender and mortgage product based on your working arrangement, whether that’s project-based or long-term contractual.

4. Secure An Agreement In Principle (AIP)

This is a key milestone in your mortgage journey. An Agreement in Principle gives you a better idea of your borrowing capacity and reassures estate agents that you’re a serious buyer.

We manage this step for you, making sure all income documents are correctly formatted and that your self-employment status is clearly explained to the lender.

5. Submit The Full Application

Once you’ve found the right property in Dulwich, we’ll submit your full application. This includes income verification, credit checks, and a property valuation. We’ll ensure every detail is accurately prepared, reducing the chance of delays or rejections.

Our team will also liaise directly with underwriters — especially helpful if your income includes retained profits or fluctuates month-to-month.

6. Receive Your Mortgage Offer

Upon successful assessment, the lender issues a mortgage offer. We’ll go through the details with you to make sure you fully understand your repayments, terms, and interest structure.

Then, it’s time for your solicitor to handle the legal process — and for you to start preparing for the big move.

Improving Your Chances Of Mortgage Approval

As a self-employed applicant in Dulwich, a few proactive steps can go a long way in making your mortgage application more attractive to lenders:

• File your tax returns early
• Separate business and personal finances
• Keep debts low and credit scores high
• Maintain consistent invoicing
• Save for a larger deposit where possible

We also recommend exploring sustainable housing incentives. If you’re interested in energy-efficient homes, check out our guide: Can You Get a Green Mortgage in Dulwich?

What Not To Do As A Self-Employed Mortgage Applicant

Here are common mistakes we help our clients avoid:

• Under-declaring income: While this may reduce tax, it limits your borrowing capacity.
• Switching business structure mid-year: It can confuse lenders and reduce your track record.
• Using online-only lenders: They may not understand freelance or self-employed income models.
• Skipping expert advice: A broker experienced in business income mortgage applications can make all the difference.

Why Work With Conran Mortgages?

At Conran Mortgages, we specialise in complex income scenarios. Whether you’re a contractor with variable invoices or a limited company director with retained profits, we know how to present your case to lenders.

We provide:

• Access to exclusive lender deals
• End-to-end support with paperwork and applications
• Advice tailored to freelancers, directors, and small business owners
• Trusted expertise based in Dulwich with local market knowledge

With our help, navigating a self-employed mortgage in Dulwich becomes clearer and more achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get A Mortgage With Just One Year Of Accounts?

Some lenders do consider applications with just one year of accounts, especially if you have a strong work history or a large deposit. However, more options become available with two or more years.

What Income Do Lenders Use For Company Directors?

Most lenders look at salary and dividends. Some also include retained profits. We can connect you with lenders who consider the full picture of your income.

Can I Still Get A Mortgage If My Income Fluctuates?

Yes, as long as you can demonstrate a stable income trend over time. Freelancers often experience peaks and troughs, but lenders are more flexible than ever.

How Important Is My Credit Score?

Very. A strong credit score helps lenders trust your ability to manage repayments, especially when income varies. We can advise on ways to strengthen your score before applying.

Conclusion: Let’s Make It Happen Together

Being self-employed shouldn’t stand in the way of your homeownership dream. With the right advice and a trusted mortgage adviser by your side, the process becomes far more manageable — and even empowering.

Whether you’re just starting to look at properties in Dulwich or already have your dream home in mind, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our specialist advisers today for tailored advice on securing a self-employed mortgage in Dulwich, or explore more via our freelancer mortgage help Dulwich service.

Call 020 8528 2251

Email hello@conranmortgages.co.uk

We’re ready to support you every step of the way.