You're Not Alone. This Is Fixable.
Being self-employed with credit issues feels like two strikes against you. But we help people in exactly this situation every single week.
We do this daily. Your situation isn't unique to us—it's our speciality.
Self-Employed Bad Credit Mortgages
Being self-employed with credit issues doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage. Specialist lenders consider the strength of your business income alongside your credit history, and we know exactly which ones are most flexible for your situation.
Content reviewed: January 2026
Self-Employed Bad Credit Mortgages at a Glance
- •Yes, self-employed mortgages are available even with CCJs, defaults, or IVAs
- •You'll need 1-2 years' accounts or tax returns showing consistent income
- •Expect 15-25% deposit requirement (higher than standard self-employed or bad credit alone)
- •Strong recent income can offset older credit issues
- •Some lenders specialise specifically in this combination—we know who they are
The Double Challenge Explained
Self-employed applicants and those with bad credit both face extra scrutiny from lenders. Combine the two, and you're dealing with a smaller pool of available mortgages—but that pool definitely exists.
Self-Employed Challenge
Variable income, complex tax structures, and reliance on business performance make lenders want more evidence of affordability.
Bad Credit Challenge
Past payment problems signal risk to lenders. They want reassurance you won't repeat the pattern with their mortgage.
The Good News
Strong current income can offset past credit problems. If your business is thriving and you can show stable or growing profits, lenders see that as evidence you can afford the mortgage—regardless of what happened years ago.
Self-Employment Types We Help
Day rate income calculation with adverse credit
- IR35 inside or outside considered
- Contract length and sector assessed
- 1-2 years' contracting history preferred
Salary, dividends and retained profits with credit issues
- Multiple income calculation methods
- Company accounts plus personal credit review
- 2 years' accounts typically required
Net profit assessment with CCJs or defaults
- SA302s and tax year overviews
- Business bank statements may be required
- Consistent or growing income helps
Share of profits with adverse credit history
- Partnership accounts required
- Your share of profits calculated
- Same credit criteria as sole traders
Credit Issues We Handle
| Credit Issue | Typical Timing | Deposit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCJs | Some lenders accept from day 1 (satisfied) | 15-25% | Better options after 12 months |
| Defaults | Immediately if satisfied | 15-20% | Age and amount matters |
| Missed Payments | 12+ months since last | 15% | Mortgage arrears viewed more seriously |
| IVA | 1+ year after completion | 20-25% | Certificate of completion required |
| Bankruptcy | 3+ years after discharge | 25%+ | Some consider 1 year post-discharge |
| DMP | During or after completion | 15-20% | Must disclose current arrangements |
Check Your Eligibility: Self-Employed with Bad Credit
We help self-employed borrowers with adverse credit every week. Get a free assessment of your options.
How We Assess Your Application
1. Income Strength Assessment
We review your accounts, SA302s, or contracts to understand your true earning capacity. Strong recent income is your best asset when offsetting credit issues.
2. Credit History Review
We analyse your credit file to understand exactly what lenders will see. The type, amount, age, and satisfaction status of issues all affect which lenders will consider you.
3. Lender Matching
We know which lenders specialise in self-employed applicants with adverse credit. This targeted approach means fewer applications and better chances of approval.
Common Questions: Self-Employed with Bad Credit
Frequently Asked Questions
Tell us about your situation and we'll let you know your options. No credit check, no obligation.
Get Your Personalised Mortgage Options
Free consultation • No credit search • FCA regulated
Struggled to get approved elsewhere? We specialise in complex cases including CCJs, self-employed income, and declined applications. Over 90% of our clients had concerns about their situation before speaking to us.
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Why Use a Specialist Broker?
Self-employed mortgages with bad credit require specific expertise. High street banks rarely help—you need access to specialist lenders who understand both income calculation methods and adverse credit assessment.
- We access lenders who specifically target this market
- We know which income calculation methods work best for your situation
- We present your application to maximise approval chances
- One soft search assessment protects your credit file
Real Stories: Self-Employed with Bad Credit Approved
See how we've helped self-employed borrowers with credit issues secure their mortgages:
IT Contractor with Defaults
Contractor with 2-year-old defaults approved for £295,000 mortgage. Day rate income calculation and strong deposit offset the credit history.
Read full storyDirector with Satisfied CCJ
Ltd company director with 18-month-old CCJ approved using retained profits to boost income calculation. Now on track to remortgage to standard rates.
Read full storyRelated Specialist Guides
Self-employed borrowers often have overlapping needs. Our specialist guides cover every scenario:
Protect Your New Mortgage
Self-employed income can be unpredictable. Income protection ensures you can pay your mortgage if illness or injury stops you working.
Explore Protection OptionsReady to Explore Your Options?
Call us for a free, no-obligation chat about your circumstances.