Self-employed questions
Can I get a mortgage in Canada if I am self-employed?
Yes. Lenders ask self-employed applicants for extra support around income, credit and tax payments, but self-employed mortgages are a routine part of the market.
What documents do self-employed borrowers need for a mortgage?
Typically two years of tax returns and Notices of Assessment, business registration or incorporation documents, business bank statements, and confirmation that taxes owing are paid up to date.
What if I write off most of my income and my taxable income looks low?
There are specialized self-employed programs for exactly this — where you cannot prove income in the traditional way but have a track record of managing credit and finances responsibly.
Do self-employed borrowers pay higher mortgage rates?
Not automatically. If your income is provable in the usual way you are priced like any other borrower; alternative programs used when it is not usually carry a higher rate.
How long do I need to be self-employed before I can get a mortgage?
Most lenders look for a two-year history in the same business or field, though some programs consider a shorter track record.