Mortgages for Contractors

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

Mortgages for Contractors

In this short guide, our chief mortgage adviser Errol Hall Cert CII (MP & SMP) will talk about mortgages for Contractors, some of the challenges you might face, and how to make the application process smoother.

If you’re an Contractor buying a new home, getting a mortgage might seem a little tricky. 

Compared to people with regular jobs, Contractors may work on different projects for various clients, which means your income can be different every month.

You might also be new to contracting, have a short or zero-hour contract, work under an umbrella company, or inside/outside IR35 rules. These things can all pose a problem with some major banks or mortgage lenders.

This doesn’t mean getting a mortgage is impossible, it just means there are a few more steps to take and things to consider. 

The Growing Acceptance of Contractors by Lenders

More people nowadays choose to work in ways that aren’t the usual 9-to-5 jobs. For instance, some freelancing or contracting roles are becoming quite popular. This change means there are more Contractors out there than before.

Banks and mortgage lenders have noticed this shift, and some are now offering loans that fit better with how Contractors earn money. 

Unlike the regular mortgage you might get with a standard fixed salaried job, these unique mortgages are made with contractors in mind, understanding that your income might go up and down. 

This is indeed good news for Contractors because it means there are more options out there for you. Lenders are getting used to the idea that not everyone has a steady income but can still be good at paying back a loan.

How Lenders Assess you

Affordability:

Lenders must carry out an affordability assessment before they can offer you a residential mortgage. They will consider your annual earnings to determine the amount they are willing to lend.

Any regular outgoings or monthly commitments you have might also influence the amount you can borrow. This includes household bills and financial dependents living with you, as well as any outstanding loans, and credit card balances etc.

Contract Length/Work History:

Longer Contracts look better because they suggest stable future income. A solid history of contracts shows lenders that you can always find work. Many lenders will require that you have a minimum 12 to 24 months track record doing contracting or previous salaried work within the same field. 

In most cases theses lenders would also like to see a few months left on your current contract and no long breaks between contracts. Generally, a 6–8-week break will be acceptable.

Day Rate:

Your daily earnings can help some lenders figure out how much you can afford to borrow. No two lenders are the same and each will use their own calculation methods based on their lending criteria. This means maximum borrowing amounts can differ wildly between lenders. Our mortgage advisers will know which lenders to choose from and will help you to find the right option.

Speak To An Expert

We’ll take care of all the heavy work. From finding the right mortgage product and providing you with a detailed quote, to submitting the mortgage application on your behalf and guiding you right through to the completion of your mortgage.

Sole Traders/Partnerships:

If you pay your own tax, you will be treated as self-employed. Lenders will usually take an average of your last 2 annual net profit amounts to determine the income they will use in their assessments.

Limited Company Directors (greater than 20% shareholders):

Will also be treated as self-employed. The difference being lenders will usually take an average of the last 2 annual dividends drawn OR your share of the company net profits. They will also include your latest annual company paid salary.

Foreign Nationals Without Indefinite Leave to Remain:

Can be considered for a loan of up to 90% of the purchase price. Having a 2 to 3 years UK address history will increase your chance of obtaining a mortgage.

Credit History

Having a good credit history to show that you’re financially stable is also important for IT contractors looking for a mortgage. Lenders will want to see that you can manage your money well, pay bills on time, and handle the ups and downs of contractor income. 

This is by no means an absolute deal breaker but will certainly give you access to more lenders with potentially cheaper mortgage products.

How We Can Help

At Mortgage Broker Services we have many years of experience in arranging mortgages for IT contractors.

Talking to a mortgage broker who knows about Contractor mortgages can make things much easier. We can help you understand what you need to do and find lenders who offer competitive deals for people like you.

We also take care of all the heavy work. From finding the right mortgage product and providing you with a detailed quote, to submitting the mortgage application on your behalf and guiding you right through to the completion of your mortgage. This can save you valuable time and money and help you to avoid any pitfalls.

Simply call us today to get straight through to a qualified mortgage adviser (we don’t do call centres) or complete our 30 second contact form and one of our advisers with be in touch.

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

HM Revenue and Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen.

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