Control your spending
Lenders don’t just assess how much you earn — they also look closely at how you spend.
Most applications require recent bank statements, typically covering the last three months, to verify your regular outgoings and committed expenditure.
Everyday spending such as meals out or gym memberships is rarely an issue. What matters more are ongoing commitments like:
- Credit card balances
- Personal loans
- Car finance or hire purchase agreements
- Overdraft usage
Demonstrating that you have surplus income left at the end of each month helps show that mortgage repayments are sustainable alongside the normal costs of running a home.
Improve your credit profile
Your credit history plays a major role in mortgage decisions.
Reducing outstanding credit card balances, loans, and overdrafts can improve your credit profile and increase disposable income at the same time.
- Avoid missed or late payments
- Keep credit card balances well below their limits
- Limit new credit applications before applying for a mortgage
Even small improvements can have a positive impact when lenders assess affordability and risk.
Save a larger deposit where possible
While it may not always feel fair, a larger deposit will almost always strengthen a mortgage application.
From a lender’s perspective, a higher deposit:
- Reduces their overall risk
- Improves loan-to-value ratios
- Often unlocks better rates and product choice
It also demonstrates financial discipline and the ability to retain surplus income over time.
Prepare your paperwork early
Incomplete or poorly prepared documentation is one of the most common reasons for delays or declines in self employed applications.
Before applying, it helps to ensure:
- Accounts or tax documents are up to date
- Income figures are consistent and sustainable
- Bank statements align with declared income
Taking time to prepare reduces stress and avoids last-minute issues during underwriting.
Use expert mortgage advice
Every lender assesses self employed income differently.
Applying to the wrong lender can lead to unnecessary delays or avoidable declines. An experienced mortgage broker can:
- Assess your situation before any application is made
- Identify lenders whose criteria best match your circumstances
- Present your income in a way underwriters expect
- Help you plan steps to improve eligibility if needed
Getting advice early often saves time, reduces risk, and improves the chances of success.