Getting a mortgage when you’ve only been self-employed for a year can feel like a challenge. Many high-street banks ask for two or three years of accounts, leaving new business owners locked out of the property market.
But Halifax is different. Known as one of the UK’s most flexible mainstream lenders, Halifax will consider applications from self-employed borrowers with just 1 year’s accounts or SA302s. This makes them a popular choice for sole traders, contractors, freelancers, and limited company directors looking to buy or remortgage without waiting years.
Halifax stands out because of their contractor and self-employed approach:
This puts Halifax ahead of many mainstream lenders who still insist on 2–3 years of financial history.
Amir, 31, Electrician Amir became self-employed just over a year ago and filed his first set of accounts. Halifax accepted his SA302s and approved a £210,000 mortgage at 85% LTV, allowing him to buy his first house far sooner than expected.
Chloe, 38, Marketing Consultant Chloe had been running her consultancy for 14 months. She needed a remortgage to secure a better deal. Halifax assessed her director’s salary plus dividends and approved her for £275,000, lowering her monthly payments by £260.
Daniel, 35, IT Contractor Daniel switched from permanent employment to contracting just over a year ago. With a day rate of £400, Halifax annualised his contract value and offered a mortgage of £320,000, enabling him to move into a bigger family home.
Yes. Halifax is one of the few high-street lenders to accept applicants with just 12 months of trading history.
Sole traders provide SA302s and tax overviews. Directors usually provide salary + dividends, and sometimes retained profits if policy allows.
Halifax prefers continuous trading of at least 12 months, but short gaps with strong income evidence may still be considered.
No. Halifax typically offers the same competitive rates to self-employed borrowers as employed applicants.
Yes. Halifax allows both purchases and remortgages with 1 year’s accounts.
At Mortgage Knight, we specialise in securing Halifax approvals for contractors, freelancers, and self-employed borrowers with just 1 year’s trading history. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving, or remortgaging, we’ll guide you through the process and maximise your chances of success.
Contact us today for free, expert advice and to see how much Halifax could lend you.
