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Our Expertise

Contractor Mortgages

Contract work is a normal way to earn a living. The challenge is that not every lender assesses a day rate in the same way.

Overview

What is contractor mortgages?

A contractor mortgage is a mortgage where income is derived from fixed-term contracts rather than permanent employment. This is common in IT, engineering, construction, healthcare, media and professional consultancy.

Some lenders will consider a day rate annualised over a working year. Others require accounts from a limited company, or treat umbrella company income as employed earnings. Because approaches differ so widely, the right lender choice can materially change the outcome.

Who might this be suitable for?

  • IT and technology contractors on day rates
  • Construction and engineering contractors
  • Consultants and interim professionals
  • Contractors operating through a limited company
  • Contractors paid through an umbrella arrangement

How Help to Lend can help

  • 01We review your contract history, gaps between contracts and renewal record.
  • 02We present income in the format that suits the chosen lender's assessment method.
  • 03We work with limited company and umbrella arrangements alike.
  • 04We prepare the case before submission so underwriting questions are anticipated.

Assessment

What may lenders and providers consider?

Contract length and renewals

A record of renewals and continuous work often supports an application.

Time in the industry

Experience in the sector can matter as much as time in the current contract.

Trading structure

Limited company, umbrella and sole trader arrangements are assessed differently.

Gaps between contracts

Short gaps are common and may be accepted, though lender tolerance varies.

Criteria vary between providers and can change at any time. Nothing here confirms that a particular lender or insurer will accept an application.

The Process

How we work through it together.

  1. 01

    Understand

    We start with a conversation about your circumstances, plans and objectives.

  2. 02

    Assess

    We review your position, affordability and mortgage requirements in detail.

  3. 03

    Recommend

    We identify suitable mortgage and protection options and explain the reasoning.

  4. 04

    Apply

    We prepare and manage the application, liaising with the lender on your behalf.

  5. 05

    Progress

    We keep the case moving and keep you informed at every stage.

  6. 06

    Complete

    We support you through to completion and remain available afterwards.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Related

Related expertise

Speak to an adviser about your circumstances.

We'll explain the options clearly and tell you what to prepare, with no obligation.

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  • Support to Completion