Mortgage options for self-employed professionals

In the first few years working as a zzp’er (self-employed professional without staff) you usually do not earn much with your business. That is why mortgage lenders were not very enthusiastic about helping starting entrepreneurs with a mortgage. They demanded positive annual figures for at least 3 years. The requirements have now been relaxed slightly.

Can new entrepreneurs get a mortgage?

Yes, they can. You do not necessarily need to have been an entrepreneur for 3 years. More and more banks are now offering mortgages if you have been running your business for at least 1 year. However, they will look at the financial situation and future prospects of your business very closely. They will also look at your personal circumstances. The more stable your income, the greater the chance that your application will be approved.

How does a bank assess your income?

As an entrepreneur, you do not have a fixed salary. That is why a bank looks at your profits from business activities. They call this the ‘assessed income’. The mortgage lender uses this income to calculate the maximum amount you can borrow.

You have been a zzp'er for 3 years or longer

Have you been running a business for 3 years or longer? In that case, banks usually take an average of your profits over those years. If your profit in the last year is lower, the bank will often use that lower figure. This way, the bank prevents your fixed costs from becoming too high.

You have been self-employed for less than 3 years

If you have been self-employed for less than 3 years, the way banks assess your situation varies. An increasing number of mortgage lenders are offering options for those who have been zzp'ers for as little as one year. They look at the last calendar year as well as the preceding years.

Were you previously in paid employment? If so, those years may also count towards your assessment. However, mortgage lenders often assess your income more cautiously, as fewer business figures are available. They also look at the future prospects of your business. That is why they often ask for an income forecast from an accountant or bookkeeper.

What if your annual income varies?

Many business owners do not have a steady income. Mortgage lenders take this into account. That is why they usually look at several years rather than focusing on a single point in time when your profits peaked or dipped. Has your income risen in recent years? If so, this is often viewed positively in the assessment.

Does your legal structure matter?

Whether you run an eenmanszaak, a VOF or a BV does not determine whether you can get a mortgage. However, a mortgage lender will assess your income differently.

Do you run an eenmanszaak or a VOF? In that case, the mortgage lender will usually look at your business profits. For a BV, a lender will often consider a combination of your salary, dividends and your business’s financial situation. The specific information required varies from lender to lender.

Are you also partly in paid employment as well as being an entrepreneur? In that case, mortgage lenders often take your income from paid employment into account when assessing your application.

What do you need to arrange for a mortgage application?

As an entrepreneur, you need to provide more documents for a mortgage application than someone in paid employment. You must demonstrate that your business generates sufficient income and has a future. Usually, the lender will ask for:

• Annual accounts for 1 to 3 years.
• Income tax returns and assessments.
• An overview of your fixed expenses and debts.
• An extract from the KVK Business Register.
• An income forecast if you have been in business for less than 3 years.

Were you in paid employment before becoming a business owner? If so, a mortgage lender may also ask about your previous income. In that case, you can show them your UWV insurance statement. This contains details of your employment history and salary. You can download it via Mijn UWV.

What is an entrepreneur’s Personal Income Statement?

Many banks require an entrepreneur’s Personal Income Statement. This is an official calculation of your assessable income, drawn up by an independent party. The bank uses this statement to assess your income in a consistent and comparable manner. Ask your bank who can draw up a personal income statement for you.

Are you taking out a mortgage with the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)? If so, a Personal Income Statement is mandatory. The statement is usually valid for 6 months and there are costs involved.

What does the NHG mean for new entrepreneurs?

The NHG offers extra security for you and for the bank. Does your relationship end, your partner die, or something else happen in your life that means you can no longer pay the mortgage? With the NHG, you face less risk in the event of payment difficulties. Because the bank also faces less risk, you often pay a lower interest rate.

New entrepreneurs can also obtain a mortgage with NHG, sometimes after just 1 year in business. In 2026, you can apply for the NHG for properties with a purchase price of up to €470,000. If you are co-financing energy-saving measures, the limit is higher.

What is the maximum amount you can borrow?

The amount you can borrow depends on your assessed income, your fixed expenses, and your debts. In most cases, you may borrow up to 100% of the property’s value. The bank usually requests a valuation report to determine the property’s value. You usually pay the buyer’s costs, such as notary fees and transfer tax, from your own funds.

Do you have debts, such as student loans, private leases, hire purchase, payment arrears, or an overdraft? If so, this will often reduce your maximum mortgage amount. Many of these debts are registered with the National Credit Register (Bureau Krediet Registratie, BKR). Via My Credit Overview (mijnkredietregistratie, in Dutch), you can request a free overview of all your registered loans, outstanding debts, and any payment arrears.

Improve your chances of getting a mortgage

Good preparation helps. Make sure your records are in order and that your figures are clear. Show that your income is stable or growing. Savings or equity capital can help improve your chances. It may also be wise to speak to an independent mortgage adviser before you start looking for a house. They can give you an estimate of the maximum mortgage you could get, and they know which lenders have experience with entrepreneurs. This will help you gain insight into your options at an early stage, and prevent you from bidding on a property that ultimately turns out to be beyond your means.