Can Contractors Get Buy-to-Let Mortgages?

Can Contractors Get Buy-to-Let Mortgages?

Blog Article

If you’re a contractor looking to invest in property, you might be wondering if a buy-to-let mortgage is within reach. The good news is—yes, contractors can absolutely qualify for buy-to-let mortgages, and often on competitive terms.

Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Buy-to-Let Mortgages
Buy-to-let mortgages are designed for those purchasing property to rent out, not live in. The key difference from residential mortgages is that lenders focus more on:

The rental income potential of the property

Your personal income and credit score (to some extent)

Do Contractors Qualify?
Yes! Lenders are becoming more flexible with contractors, especially those who:

Have a history of successful contracts

Earn a consistent daily or hourly rate

Have a deposit of 20–25% or more

Even if you don’t have permanent employment, many lenders will accept your contractor income—especially if it’s backed by a strong contract history.

What Do Lenders Look For?
While the property’s rental income is central, lenders also consider:

Your current contract and work history

Your credit file and financial commitments

Whether you have other buy-to-let properties

Your age and exit strategy (important for older borrowers)

Tips to Improve Approval Chances
Save for a larger deposit—the more you can put down, the more options you’ll have

Work with a specialist contractor mortgage broker

Have your contract and bank statements ready

Consider purchasing through a limited company, if tax-efficient for you

Final Thought
Buy-to-let can be a smart move for contractors seeking to invest in property. With expert advice and the right lender, your contractor status doesn’t have to hold you back—it can actually work in your favour.

At Contractor Mortgage Solutions, we help contractors like you build their property portfolio with tailored mortgage solutions.