17/08/2026
Myth: self-employed buyers need a spotless credit history to be considered.
Reality: lenders look at the full picture, not a single number. A missed payment from years ago, a small amount of existing credit, or a thin credit file (common if you're newer to self-employment) doesn't automatically rule you out.
What matters more is the overall pattern — recent conduct, how you manage existing commitments, and whether your income supports the borrowing you're asking for. Different lenders weigh these things differently too, which is exactly why matching your situation to the right lender matters.
If you've been putting off even checking because you're worried your credit history will let you down, that assumption might be costing you more than the conversation ever would.
Follow for more plain-English mortgage advice for self-employed professionals.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
DJB Mortgages is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Limited which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 03/08/2026