Joint Mortgage Self-Employed

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Joint Mortgage Self-Employed (Part 1)

Joe Capon talks all about the joint mortgage process and how this works for the self-employed

Podcast approved by The Openwork Partnership on 30/12/2025.

Can I get a joint mortgage if I’m self-employed?

Yes, you can. Getting a joint mortgage with someone else is completely acceptable, whether they’re self-employed or employed. On a joint mortgage application, each individual’s income is treated exactly the same as if they’re buying on their own, but both incomes are taken into account.

How does being self-employed affect your eligibility for a joint mortgage?

Eligibility for a joint mortgage is the same as for a self-employed individual buying on their own. The self-employed person will be assessed based on how long they’ve been self-employed.

To really open up the options, it helps to have been self-employed for two years or more. But as long as it’s been at least one year, we can get you a mortgage.

If the other individual you’re buying or remortgaging with is also self-employed, their income is treated exactly the same. The two are added together, to give the total usable income for that mortgage application.

Other factors taken into account include your deposit and credit commitments such as loans, car finance, credit card debts and any dependents. We would put together a plan and confirm your maximum borrowing on a joint mortgage application.

What documentation is typically required for self-employed individuals applying for a joint mortgage?

The documentation is the same whether you buy on your own or jointly. A sole trader ideally needs to have been self-employed for at least two years and provide tax returns and tax year overview documents.

If you have just been self-employed for a year, you just need the latest tax return and tax year overview.

If you’re self-employed via your own limited company, not only would we need the tax return and tax year overviews, we would also need the company accounts for the last year or two. A mortgage adviser will run through what documentation is needed, specific to the lender.

Are there any specific requirements or restrictions for self-employed applicants considering a joint mortgage?

Your incomes will be treated just the same as if you were by buying or remortgaging on your own. The requirements are also the same.

Tax returns for one year or more are the main documentation required. The only restriction for self-employed individuals could potentially be a lower income multiplier, which will depend on your deposit and the lender that’s most suitable for you.

Again, talk to a mortgage adviser to understand the specific requirements for the recommended lender. We make sure you’ll meet those requirements before applying.

How can self-employed individuals improve their chances of being approved for a joint mortgage?

It’s always key to plan ahead. To open up as many lenders as possible, it’s always better to have two years’ tax returns than one.

You also need a clean credit profile, good bank account conduct and to be keeping credit commitments such as loans, car finance and credit card debt to a minimum. Having that all in check will improve your chances of being approved for a mortgage.

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Can self-employed applicants include their spouse or partner in a joint mortgage application?

Of course. Even if a spouse or partner has no income, they can be included in a mortgage application. With no income, though, they could be treated as a dependent which could affect affordability.

If the partner or spouse has an employed income or they’re self-employed, their earnings will be taken into account and would normally boost affordability. On a joint mortgage, you’re almost always able to borrow more money, because there’s more income to use.

Are there any additional considerations for the self-employed applying for a joint mortgage, compared to employed individuals?

Self-employed individuals will need at least one tax return, which is influenced by when they go self-employed. If they launch their business in April, at the start of the tax year, it’s going to take a full year to have a tax return.

It’s always going to take longer for a self-employed individual to get the right documentation than for someone who’s employed. Someone who’s employed could have a job for just three months and get a mortgage.

To further improve your chances, two years’ tax returns will open the doors to more lenders. That could potentially get you a better interest rate or more borrowing.

There are also schemes available for employed first-time buyers that may not be available to the self-employed. That’s a negative side to self-employment that’s worth considering.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of applying for a joint mortgage if you’re self-employed?

A joint mortgage could have two incomes to potentially boost your affordability. A disadvantage is that both applicants need a clean credit history and minimal credit commitments.

There could be options without clean credit – we always tailor mortgage advice to our clients on a case by case basis. That’s why seeking the advice of a mortgage adviser is so important, to understand exactly what options are available to you.

How can self-employed individuals navigate potential challenges or obstacles when applying for a joint mortgage?

For self-employed individuals, it’s always best to be prepared well in advance. If you only have a year’s self-employed history, potentially waiting for the second year could open more doors.

If your second year’s profits are higher, it could boost your affordability and increase your available options.

What else do we need to know about joint mortgages for the self-employed?

We’ve covered a lot here, but if anyone has questions, they can always reach out to us and we’ll get you the answers.

Key Takeaways:

Joint mortgages are available for the self-employed, and both applicants’ incomes (whether self-employed or employed) are combined to determine the total usable income for the application.
While you can secure a mortgage with just one year of self-employed history and tax returns, having two years or more significantly opens up options with more lenders and potentially better interest rates or higher borrowing amounts.
Self-employed sole traders must provide tax returns and tax year overview documents. Those with a limited company also need to provide the company accounts for the last year or two.
To increase the likelihood of approval, aim for two years of tax returns, maintain a clean credit profile, ensure good bank account conduct, and keep credit commitments to a minimum.
A spouse or partner can be included in the joint application even if they have no income, though they might be treated as a dependent. If they have an income, it will typically boost the overall affordability.

YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 30/12/2025.