Lenders

Skipton Building Society Contractor Mortgages: A Guide for Self-Employed

Professionals Securing a mortgage as a contractor can be challenging, with traditional lenders often requiring extensive proof of income or steady employment records. However, Skipton Building Society offers contractor-friendly mortgage solutions, recognising the unique income structures of self-employed professionals. By assessing income based on contract rates and providing flexible eligibility criteria, Skipton makes it possible for contractors to secure competitive mortgage options.
This guide explains Skipton’s approach to contractor mortgages, covering income assessment, eligibility criteria, Loan-to-Value (LTV) options, and the advantages of choosing Skipton Building Society for your mortgage needs.

Why Choose Skipton Building Society for a Contractor Mortgage?

Skipton Building Society has developed mortgage products that accommodate the unique income structures of contractors. Instead of relying on tax returns or lengthy self-employment records, Skipton considers contract rates to calculate affordability, providing contractors with fairer mortgage terms.

Key Benefits for Contractors

Skipton Building Society’s Income Assessment for Contractors

Traditional lenders often demand long tax histories and financial statements from contractors. Skipton, however, evaluates contractor income based on the daily contract rate, providing a straightforward and transparent picture of potential earnings.

Example of Income Calculation

  • Daily Rate: £300
  • Weekly Income: £300 x 5 days = £1,500
  • Annual Income: £1,500 x 48 weeks = £72,000

This calculation assumes up to four weeks of downtime annually, offering a realistic income assessment that reflects the flexible nature of contract work. For contractors with more significant income gaps, Skipton may adjust this calculation accordingly.

Tip: If you’re a contractor with a high daily rate, Skipton’s method accurately reflects your earnings without requiring net profit statements or complex tax returns.

Eligibility Criteria for Skipton Contractor Mortgages

Skipton Building Society’s eligibility criteria for contractor mortgages are designed to be flexible yet thorough, balancing the unique circumstances of contract workers with a need for income consistency.

Basic Eligibility Requirements
  1. Minimum Contract History: At least six months of contract history.
  2. Remaining Contract Duration: One month or more left on your current contract.
  3. Minimum Income Threshold: Contractors with annual earnings of £50,000 or more qualify for Skipton’s income assessment based on daily rates.
  4. Professional Flexibility: Skipton offers added flexibility for contractors in certain fields, such as medical and educational professionals, even considering bank work for nurses with two years of experience.

Tip: Keep records of past contracts and income statements organised and accessible, as these may be needed to verify contract history and income stability.

Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratios and Deposit Requirements

For contractors, Skipton Building Society offers high Loan-to-Value (LTV) options, enabling applicants to secure mortgages with smaller deposits. Here’s an outline of the available LTV options:

  1. Up to 95% LTV for New-Build Houses: Ideal for contractors wanting to buy a new-build home with a smaller deposit.
  2. 90% LTV for Flats and Existing Properties: Suitable for purchasing existing homes with a competitive rate on a smaller deposit.

Example: For a new-build property priced at £200,000, a 95% LTV mortgage would cover £190,000, requiring only a £10,000 deposit. High LTV ratios allow contractors to enter the property market sooner, avoiding prolonged saving for large deposits.

Tip: Aim to save as much as possible for your deposit to increase your mortgage options and potentially secure lower interest rates.

Advantages of Choosing a Contractor Mortgage with Skipton Building Society

Skipton Building Society goes beyond just flexible criteria; they offer contractor-friendly mortgage options tailored to the needs of self-employed professionals with variable incomes.

Simple, Transparent Income Verification

Skipton’s income assessment method, based on the daily contract rate, streamlines the process, removing the need for extensive tax returns or complex documentation, making it easier for contractors to present their earnings accurately.

High LTV Options for Smaller Deposits

With Skipton’s high LTV ratios, contractors with smaller deposits can enter the property market at a competitive rate, particularly appealing for new-build homes.

Contractor-Specific Support from Experienced Lenders

Skipton’s team understands the complexities of contractor mortgages, providing personalised support to guide applicants through the entire mortgage process, from initial inquiry to final approval.

Case Study: How a Contractor Secured a Mortgage with SBS

Emma, a freelance IT contractor with a daily rate of £350, wanted to buy her first home but struggled with traditional mortgage applications due to her contract-based income.

Emma, a freelance IT contractor with a daily rate of £350, wanted to buy her first home but struggled with traditional mortgage applications due to her contract-based income.

Income Verification Based on Contract Rate

Emma’s application was delayed with other lenders who required lengthy tax documents.

LTV and Deposit Needs

Emma aimed to buy a new-build home but needed a high LTV mortgage to fit her budget.

Connecting with Skipton

Skipton assessed Emma’s income based on her contract rate, accurately calculating affordability without needing detailed tax returns.

Approval with High LTV

With Skipton’s 90% LTV option, Emma secured a mortgage for her new-build home, achieving her goal of homeownership.

Outcome

Skipton’s contractor-friendly approach allowed Emma to overcome traditional application barriers, securing a competitive mortgage aligned with her income structure

Key Takeaways for Contractors Applying for a Mortgage with Skipton Building Society

Our Mission

Check Eligibility Based on Contract Rate

Ensure you have at least six months of contract history and a month remaining on your current contract.

Our Mission

Prepare CIS Payslips and Bank Statements

Having clear income records will streamline the application process and help Skipton assess your earnings accurately.

Our Mission

Consider a High LTV Mortgage

Skipton’s high LTV options make homeownership achievable for contractors with smaller deposits.

Our Mission

Seek Advice from Mortgage Knight

Mortgage Knight can provide guidance tailored to contractors, helping you connect with Skipton advisors to improve your mortgage approval chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: Skipton calculates contractor income by multiplying the daily rate by five (working days per week) and then by 48 weeks, accommodating potential income gaps.

Ans: Skipton offers up to 95% LTV for new-build houses and 90% LTV for flats and existing properties, meaning you may need a deposit of 5-10%.

Ans: Yes, Skipton requires at least six months of contract history and a minimum of one month left on your current contract at the time of application.

Ans: Skipton reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. Demonstrating stable income and providing clear financial records can help improve your chances, even with minor credit issues.

Any Questions? Ask Us!