Company director mortgages that look beyond salary alone
A low salary can be tax-efficient, but it may not show the full strength of your business. Some lenders consider salary and dividends, while others can assess your share of company profit.
Why lender choice matters for directors
If profits stay in the company, a lender using only salary and dividends may understate your available income. A lender willing to consider your share of net profit could reach a different affordability figure, subject to the full accounts and sustainability of income.
Documents you may be asked for
- Company accounts, commonly covering the latest two years
- SA302 tax calculations and tax year overviews
- Business and personal bank statements
- Details of your shareholding, salary, dividends and retained profit
Our company director mortgage guide explains the main income assessment methods and questions to ask before applying.
Expert tip: Speak to a mortgage adviser before changing how you draw income solely for an application. Tax and mortgage planning should be considered together with your accountant.
Common questions
Can retained profit count towards mortgage affordability?
Some lenders consider a director's share of company profit, while others use salary and dividends only. Accounts, ownership and sustainability are all relevant.
Can I apply with one year's company accounts?
Some lenders may consider one year, but choice is usually wider with a longer trading history. The rest of the application still needs to meet the lender's criteria.
Advice is free. A fee is payable only when a full mortgage application is submitted, and reapplications are free. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Helpful guides
How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage in the UK? (2026 Guide)
How UK lenders work out how much you can borrow, typical income multiples, and simple ways to boost your borrowing power.
Read guideSelf-Employed Mortgages: How to Get Approved in 2026
What lenders look for from sole traders, company directors and contractors, the documents you need, and how many years' accounts are required.
Read guideCompany Director Mortgages: Salary, Dividends and Retained Profit
How UK mortgage lenders assess limited-company directors and why salary, dividends and company profit can produce different results.
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