Self-Employed Mortgages
Business income doesn't fit a bank's standard checklist. We work with lenders who actually understand it.
Why this needs a specialist
Banks are built around T4 employees with predictable pay stubs. If you write off business expenses, take a variable income, or pay yourself through dividends, your "reported" income on paper often looks lower than what you actually earn — and a standard lender may under-qualify you as a result.
We work with lenders who offer stated-income and alternative documentation programs designed specifically for business owners, contractors, and freelancers.
Who it's for
- Business owners and incorporated professionals
- Freelancers and independent contractors
- Commission-based earners with variable income
- Anyone declined by a bank due to "insufficient" reported income
How Nestwell helps
- Match you with lenders offering stated-income programs
- Advise on which documentation actually strengthens your application
- Look beyond your Notice of Assessment to your real earning picture
- Compare 100+ lenders instead of one bank's rigid criteria
What to have ready
Two years of Notices of Assessment, business financial statements or GST returns, and — for incorporated businesses — your articles of incorporation. We'll confirm exactly what your file needs.
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Common self-employed mortgage questions
Often, yes. Banks apply rigid criteria; broker-accessed lenders have more flexible programs built specifically for self-employed applicants.
A program where your income is reasonably estimated based on your industry and business activity, rather than relying solely on your Notice of Assessment.
Most lenders prefer two years, but some programs accept less depending on your industry and overall financial picture.
Sometimes stated-income programs require a higher down payment than a standard employee mortgage — we'll walk you through the trade-offs.
Your business income deserves a real look
Free, no-obligation assessment tailored to self-employed applicants.