Self-Employed Mortgages

Being self-employed shouldn’t stop you from owning your dream home. While it’s true that mortgage lenders can be stricter with self-employed applicants, Empire Mortgages specialises in helping people just like you. Whether you’re a sole trader, a limited company director, or a freelancer with fluctuating income, we provide tailored advice to help you find the best mortgage deals available across the whole market.

Self-Employed Mortgages Dunfermline

Unlike some mortgage brokers who rely on just a handful of lenders, we search the entire market, including specialist lenders who understand the unique challenges self-employed people face. With our expert advice and hands-on support, you’ll benefit from a clear, stress-free process from start to finish.

Why It’s Harder for the Self-Employed to Get a Mortgage

When you work for yourself, lenders often view your income as less predictable than a salaried employee. This means they may require more paperwork and apply stricter affordability criteria. Here’s why:

Irregular or Fluctuating Income – Many self-employed people experience seasonal highs and lows or project-based earnings. Lenders prefer steady, predictable income streams.

Complex Income Structures – If you’re a limited company director, lenders might look at your salary alone and ignore dividends or retained profits unless explained properly.

Accounts Requirements – While employed applicants may only need payslips, you’ll often be asked for 2-3 years of accounts or SA302s. Luckily, we know lenders who will accept just 1 year of trading history.

Detailed Affordability Checks – Lenders don’t just assess your income—they’ll look at your outgoings, credit commitments, and how sustainable your business is.

The good news: We know exactly which lenders to approach and how to package your application in the most attractive way to help maximise your chances of success.

Why Choose Empire Mortgages?

Whole-of-Market Mortgage Advice – We’re not tied to banks or building societies—we work for YOU.

Self-Employed Mortgage Experts – With years of experience, we’ve helped business owners, freelancers, and contractors across multiple industries.

Transparent, Friendly Service – No jargon, just clear advice that makes sense.

Flexible & Accessible – Evening or weekend appointments available via video call, phone, or face-to-face.

Don’t settle for second-best. Choose mortgage advisers who specialise in helping self-employed clients like you succeed.

How Empire Mortgages Helps You Secure Approval

What makes us different? We don’t just fill in forms—we build your case and actively work to get your mortgage approved. Here’s how we help:

Comprehensive Financial Review – We go beyond the basics to help explain your income clearly to lenders, identifying strengths in your financial profile.

Access to Specialist Lenders – Some of the best deals for self-employed borrowers come from smaller or specialist lenders who don’t advertise on the high street. We know exactly where to look.

Expert Packaging of Applications – We ensure your paperwork clearly shows why you’re a suitable borrower—even if your accounts don’t tell the full story.

Complete End-to-End Support – From explaining paperwork, to chasing lenders, liaising with solicitors, and keeping you informed, we do everything so you don’t have to.

Contact Empire Mortgages Today

Don’t let being self-employed hold you back from your next home or investment property. With Empire Mortgages, you’ll get clear advice, tailored solutions, and a team that genuinely cares about helping you succeed. Contact us today for a free consultation.

We're 5 Star Rated - What Our Clients Say

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Paula Wallace 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Craig has been helping us with our mortgage since we bought our first home in 2016. Now we are settling into our second home with yet more excellent service from Craig, Terri and his fabulous team at Empire Mortgages. Highly recommend 😊
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Lynne S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend! I have had Nathan as my mortgage advisor for a good 4 years. So helpful, always gets the best deals and super lovely and great at what he does! He was with me every step of the way when I was getting my first mortgage, he made it all so easy and no stress at all.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Sharon Millen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always a professional job, great service wouldn't use anyone else - Nathan is fabulous 😀
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Fraser Allan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant company, always guided me with expert mortgage advice.

Friendly and helpful.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Sai Chand A Pinnoju 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One year in my new home, and I couldn’t be happier with how smoothly the whole journey went. Thanks to Empire Mortgages Ltd and a special mention to Nathan Hunter for making the mortgage process completely stress-free. I genuinely had to do very little other than trust Nathan and leave everything in his capable hands.

Buying a home can be overwhelming, but having the right person guiding you makes all the difference. A year on, with no issues whatsoever, I can truly say when you choose the right people, you’re sorted for life. Hassle-free, stress-free and highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Brian Sparling 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can highly recommend both Empire Mortgages Ltd and Nathan Hunter...Nathan made the process really easy and straight-forward, talked through all the options and made some recommendations based on what I needed. He kept me updated on progress even when I was away on holiday. I wont be using anyone else for mortgages now!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Laura Pettigrew 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant service from beginning to end. Craig has been our adviser for 10 years and both and the Team done a stellar job as always. I still cannot believe how quick and easy our application to offer journey has been. Thanks again
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Nicole 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great, thorough, informative service from start to finish. And very personable too!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Michael 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nathan and the guys provide a first class service and made getting a mortgage for our first house and easy and straightforward process. They kept us up to date with everything and since then they have helped get us the best deal for us everytime we need to renew.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Abbie Pringle 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would highly recommend Nathan at Empire Mortgages Ltd. He has always been a great help. He’s friendly and very informative. We are really happy with the service provided and will continue using Empire Mortgages Ltd in the future.