As a taxi driver, getting the right mortgage can seem challenging, where it is far more complicated to prove your income.
However, by working with a professional mortgage broker, you have expert support at your fingertips to ensure you achieve a mortgage at competitive borrowing rates - which becomes even more crucial as a first-time buyer!
The Revolution Finance guide will explain how to apply for a mortgage, how much you are likely to be able to borrow, why your self-employment history counts, and how we can help.
For more detailed and bespoke advice about finding the mortgage lending you need, give us a ring on 0330 304 3040 or send over an enquiry at info@revolutionfinance.co.uk.
Can I get a mortgage as a taxi driver?
You certainly can - and a lot of decisions about which lenders to apply to will depend on how you trade.
As a specialist self-employment mortgage broker, Revolution regularly works with cab drivers who have found it difficult to achieve competitive lending rates from mainstream mortgage providers.
Mainstream lenders can find it challenging to accept taxi driver mortgage applications. There are multiple reasons for this, such as:
- Having a variable income that changes throughout the year.
- Using tax-deductible expenses as permitted, but which then impact your declared net profit that mortgage lenders used in their affordability assessments.
Understanding the expenses system, whereby you might be claiming back tax-deductibles such as fuel, taxi company fees, insurance costs and vehicle maintenance expenses, is vital to be able to offer a competitive mortgage.
Your credit history is also a factor, and where your income structure is more complicated, many high street lenders will reject an application where any adverse credit issues are showing on your file.
Can Uber drivers get a mortgage?
Yes, with the same criteria as you'd find on any self-employed mortgage or home loan criteria for a sole trader.
The Revolution Brokers guide to mortgages for sole traders and partnerships provides more information about this type of lending.
How can I get a more significant mortgage offer as a cab driver?
Every mortgage lender will assess your income to arrive at a maximum amount they can offer to lend. This means having to demonstrate your income.
In the past, self-cert mortgages enabled self-employed people to declare what they were earning, and for mortgage lenders to use this information in their calculations. Now, this type of mortgage no longer exists, and you must be able to prove what you are earning, backed up with official accounts and records.
There are some cases where proof of income isn't required, but this is restricted to mortgages such as a buy-to-let.
Calculating your income can itself be a complicated process. Besides, even if you know your average weekly or monthly income, this will not match your self-assessment tax return, where all of your tax-deductible business expenses have been taken off before your net profit is calculated.
Some lenders will lend up to a maximum of four times your average annual salary. Others will lend up to five times your earnings, and a small number of specialist lenders will offer up to six times your annual income.
Revolution Brokers works to secure the best rates on a range of mortgages for taxi drivers, including minicab drivers and remortgage applications.
Our experience means that we can not only find the right lenders to apply to, but that we can provide help with demonstrating your income, and putting your application together to meet the lender's criteria.
How many years do I have to have been trading as a taxi driver to apply for a mortgage?
Generally, mainstream lenders like to see at least two to three years of trading history. However, working with a niche broker can mean securing a mortgage after a much shorter period.
The team at Revolution can negotiate terms for taxi drivers who have been working for as little as nine to twelve months, so if you fall into this category give us a call, and we'll get to work.
Mortgage options for taxi drivers include:
- Fixed-rate and tracker mortgages
- Flexible repayment mortgages
- Buy to let mortgages
- Discount mortgages
Expert help with mortgages for taxi drivers
If you need a mortgage and are struggling to find the right lending, Revolution Brokers are here to help. We can also offer general advice and support, whether you are considering purchasing a property, or would like to understand more about the application process.
Give our team a call on 0330 304 3040 or send us a message to info@revolutionbrokers.co.uk and we'll be in touch!