Self-employed with bad credit is a dual challenge. The right specialist lender considers both your income structure and your credit history together — the wrong approach applies standard rules to both and declines.
Standard lenders average the last 2-3 years of income. Specialist lenders for self-employed bad credit cases can often use just the most recent year — valuable if your most recent year was significantly better than previous years. For limited company directors, some lenders allow salary plus dividends; others look at salary plus retained profit.
Indicative ranges, June 2026. Subject to individual circumstances and lender criteria.
The two most important decisions are lender selection and income presentation. A bad credit specialist who doesn't understand self-employed income will use the wrong calculation and either get you declined or under-borrow. Darryl has specific expertise in both areas — he selects lenders who use the most favourable income assessment for your specific trading structure alongside the most appropriate adverse credit criteria.
CeMAP and CeRER qualified independent mortgage broker. FCA regulated — No. 301173. Based in Bedford, serving clients across the UK since 2015. Specialises in adverse credit, complex income and specialist mortgage cases. Every client works directly with Darryl — no handoffs, no call centres.
For Ltd company directors, some specialist lenders use salary plus dividends drawn. Others use salary plus 100% of retained profit. The methodology varies by lender and can significantly affect the mortgage available. Darryl selects the lender whose calculation produces the best outcome for your specific income structure.
Limited options with 1 year of accounts plus adverse credit, but options do exist. Darryl will identify whether this is viable now or whether waiting for a second year of accounts significantly improves outcomes — including the cost comparison between waiting and proceeding now.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Darryl Dhoffer is an appointed representative of Access Financial Services Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority — FCA No. 301173. Registered England No. 04427489. General information only — not regulated financial advice.
Free, no-obligation call. No credit check. Darryl responds personally within 2 hours Mon–Fri 9am–6pm.