Yes, it’s possible — but expect a few more hurdles. While most lenders prefer two years of accounts, some specialist lenders will work with just 1 year, or even less in certain cases.
📄 What Do Lenders Want to See?
Most high street lenders ask for:
- 2+ years of SA302s or accounts
- Stable or rising income
However, specialist lenders may accept:
- 1 year’s accounts
- A strong projection from an accountant
- Evidence of pre-self-employment experience in the same field
🧠 Think Like a Lender
They want to know:
- Is your income sustainable?
- Can you prove it clearly?
- Are there big drops or spikes?
If you’ve recently gone self-employed but have a long track record in the industry, that helps. E.g., switching from PAYE to contractor.
🛠️ Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Hire an accountant — it’s worth it
- Keep business and personal finances separate
- Save a larger deposit if you can
- Work with a broker who knows flexible lenders
💬 Just Gone Self-Employed? Let’s Talk Mortgages
You don’t have to wait years to buy. If you’ve recently gone out on your own, I’ll help you explore lenders who look at the full picture — not just your accounts.
✅ Options with just 1 year’s trading
✅ Accountant-led projections accepted
✅ Advice tailored to your business setup