When applying for a mortgage in the UK, how you earn your income is often just as important as how much you earn. UK lenders assess income differently depending on whether you are employed, self-employed, or a company director, and these distinctions can significantly affect borrowing capacity, lender choice, and application timelines.

Not all lenders treat all locations equally. Certain postcodes, rural areas, or high-value regions can reduce the number of lenders willing to offer a mortgage — even when affordability appears strong.