How to apply for a mortgage as a self-employed person?

apply for a mortgage as a self-employed individual

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To apply for a mortgage as a self-employed individual, you must meet a more extensive set of requirements than those required of salaried employees. This is primarily due to the need to demonstrate that the income you generate is sufficient to cover the monthly payments on the loan.

Your employment status and financial situation are key factors in determining whether a financial institution in the country will consider you a candidate for the mortgage you’re seeking. Below, you’ll learn about the necessary requirements and the factors that come into play when applying for a mortgage if you’re self-employed.

Factoren waarmee je rekening moet houden als je als zelfstandige een hypotheek wilt aanvragen

Applying for a mortgage as a self-employed individual can be a bit of a challenge. Mortgage loans are considered high-risk financing for banks. For this reason, banks must ensure that applicants can afford the monthly payments.

Given this situation, the requirements and factors to consider tend to increase. To achieve your goal, you’ll need to earn the bank’s trust, demonstrating, among many other things, that you’re financially stable even though you’re not on a fixed payroll.

Historial de ingresos que justifique la solvencia económica

Proving your actual monthly income from your employment is crucial. This will demonstrate that you are financially stable and have a steady income. To do so, you must:

  • Provide a detailed statement of the transactions in your personal bank account showing a steady income for at least the past two years.
  • Have a good payment history regarding any product (loan) you have previously taken out with the bank.

This is how the debt-to-income ratio of any applicant will be determined. In fact, the less debt you have, the better your chances will be when applying for a mortgage as a self-employed individual.

Bank savings

Having financial savings to fall back on in case of any financial emergency is one of the factors to consider.

You are required to have more than 30% of the property value saved. This way, you will be able to cover the expenses generated by the purchase, by mortgage contracting or any other cost involved in the process. Bear in mind that the mortgage only covers 80% of the property value.

Mortgage guarantor

Another key factor that works in your favor when applying for a mortgage is having a guarantor who provides security. A guarantor could cover any missed payments on the mortgage payments.

In addition, demonstrating that you have other assets or property will also be very helpful in achieving your goal. This will help you prove your financial stability and show that you have the means to secure favorable financing.

Essential requirements for applying for a mortgage as a self-employed individual

You will need to gather a set of regulatory documents that will facilitate the bank's approval of financing for the property.

  • A corporate document containing information about the history and recent developments of the company or business responsible for generating your income. This allows you to verify the soundness of the project you are working on.
  • An up-to-date income tax return, along with the required tax and accounting information (annual report), reflects the stability of your business.
  • Verification of professional background, employment history, and personal history is essential for confirming strictly necessary information. This will help build the bank's confidence.
  • Annual and quarterly VAT summary; this certification verifies the growth trend of economic revenue.
  • Bank transactions that demonstrate sound financial management.
  • Receipts for past loans or any loans that are still outstanding. This will allow the banks to review your payment history on your financial obligations.

Bear in mind that all banks in the country require these conditions in order to grant a self-employed person a specific mortgage. If you have a solid and decisive payment history, maintain a comfortable income and, at the same time, a low level of debt, you will be a clear candidate when applying for a mortgage as a self-employed person.