Limited Company Director Mortgages

As a limited company director, applying for a mortgage can sometimes feel more complicated than it should. Unlike salaried employees, directors often take a lower salary and top up their income with dividends or retained profits, which not all lenders understand. This can make securing the right deal challenging – especially if you go to the wrong lender.

Limited Company Director Mortgagess Dunfermline

At Empire Mortgages, we specialise in helping limited company directors and self-employed clients secure mortgages that reflect their true affordability. With access to the whole market and years of experience, we’ll guide you through the process, helping you find a lender who understands your income and circumstances.

Why Getting a Mortgage as a Limited Company Director Can Be Challenging

Many directors are surprised to learn that lenders don’t always assess their income the same way they do for PAYE employees. Common challenges include:

Salary + Dividends – Some lenders will only look at your declared salary and dividends, which may not reflect your full earnings.
Retained Profits Ignored – If you leave profits in your business, many lenders won’t consider this when assessing affordability.
Minimum Trading History – Most lenders require at least 2–3 years of accounts, although some specialist lenders accept just 1 year.
Different Criteria Across Lenders – Each bank or building society has its own rules for how they treat company director income.

These hurdles can make it harder to borrow what you need – but with the right advice, you can still access competitive deals.

How Lenders Assess Limited Company Directors

When applying for a mortgage as a company director, lenders usually ask for:

Company accounts (usually 1–3 years).
SA302s and tax calculations (to verify salary and dividend income).
Bank statements (personal and sometimes business).
Proof of ongoing contracts or revenue streams if relevant.

Some lenders will consider retained profits in addition to salary and dividends, while others won’t. This can make a significant difference to how much you can borrow. Having a specialist adviser like Empire Mortgages means we can match you with the right lender from the outset.

How Empire Mortgages Helps Company Directors

We understand the unique challenges company directors face when applying for a mortgage. Here’s how we make the process easier:

Whole-of-Market Access – We compare hundreds of lenders, from high-street banks to niche specialists.

Expert Understanding of Director Income – We know which lenders will consider retained profits, giving you more borrowing power.

Tailored Advice – Whether you’re remortgaging, buying, or expanding your portfolio, we’ll find the right solution.

Accountancy Liaison – We’ll work alongside your accountant to ensure your income is presented correctly to lenders.

Stress-Free Process – From paperwork to lender negotiations, we take care of everything.

Tips for Directors Looking to Secure a Mortgage

To maximise your chances of approval and get the best rates, we recommend:

Keep your accounts up to date – Lenders like to see the most recent trading year.
Plan with your accountant – Structuring income tax-efficiently is important, but make sure it doesn’t restrict borrowing power.
Improve your credit score – Pay bills on time and keep credit balances low.
Avoid major business expenses before applying – Large outgoings can impact how lenders view your accounts.
Seek advice early – Speaking to a specialist adviser before applying can save time, money, and stress.

Contact Empire Mortgages Today

Getting a mortgage as a limited company director doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance, you can access the same competitive deals as anyone else – and sometimes borrow more if your retained profits are considered.

Book a Free Consultation Today and let’s discuss your mortgage options.

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Limited Company Director Mortgages FAQs

Can I get a mortgage with just 1 year of accounts?

Yes – while many lenders require 2–3 years, some will consider applications with just 1 year of trading history.

Do lenders use salary + dividends or retained profit?

It depends. Some lenders only use salary and dividends, but others will include retained profit. This is where specialist advice really helps.

Will I need a bigger deposit as a director?

Not necessarily. Standard deposits of 5–10% are possible, though having more may give you access to better rates.

Can I get a mortgage if I’ve recently changed my company structure?

Yes – though it can be more complex. Some lenders may require a longer trading history under the new structure.

Refer a Friend Scheme

Recommend a friend who is new to Empire Mortgages and if they then take out their mortgage with us, you’ll each receive £50 worth of vouchers.