Getting a Mortgage With an Unusual Business Structure—What Really Matters

When a company director has multiple businesses and a tax-efficient structure, getting a mortgage isn’t always straightforward—even if they can comfortably afford it.

In this real-life case, a husband and wife running a profitable construction business were told they didn’t meet mainstream lending criteria.

However, by working closely with their accountant and presenting the right information in the right way, we helped them secure the mortgage they needed for the home they really wanted and without compromising their tax position.

The Challenge – Strong Business, Unusual Structure

The couple, referred to us by their accountant, had a unique setup. For each new building project, they created a separate limited company. When the project ended, the company was closed, and the next was started under a new business.

This approach worked well for their construction work. It was clean, efficient, and each business was profitable. However, when it came to getting a mortgage, it raised red flags for most lenders.

Why?

• They only had one year’s accounts for their current company.
  
• There was a track record of multiple closed companies, even though each one had been profitable.
  
• Most mainstream lenders require 2-3 years of continuous trading history and do not like recently formed businesses.

The clients were being pushed toward specialist lenders offering lower loan amounts and higher interest rates. That meant they risked missing out on their £1 million dream home, despite the fact that they could easily afford the mortgage.

Our Approach – Turning No Into a Yes

Instead of accepting the status quo, we took a different approach:

• We reviewed the latest company accounts, which showed healthy profits.
  
• We presented the full history of their business model, explaining that the structure was deliberate, not a sign of instability.
  
• We worked with their accountant to provide a letter confirming the profitability and sustainability of their trading strategy.

Crucially, we also spoke directly to a mainstream lender—not just about the numbers, but about the bigger picture. We showed how the business model had proven consistent and reliable over time, even if the companies had technically changed names.

The lender agreed to make an exception.

The Result – A Mortgage That Worked

Not only did the lender accept the case, they went one step further:

• They normally only consider salary and dividends (which totalled £50,000 each for the clients).
  
• In this case, they agreed to use the business profits instead of dividends as part of their affordability model.

This approach meant the couple were able to borrow £600,000 against their £1 million property – enough to proceed confidently and affordably.

Why This Matters

Business owners often build their companies around tax efficiency—but that doesn’t always align with how lenders assess affordability.

In cases like this, lenders can default to box-ticking:

• Limited accounts history?
  
• Recently formed company?
  
• Several business closures?

That can trigger rejections, lower loan offers or unnecessary tax planning changes (like drawing income you don’t need).

The right advice changes everything.

We worked closely with the clients and their accountant, selected the right lender, and presented the case clearly and persuasively. The result? The clients secured the home they really wanted—without being forced into unnecessary tax or interest payments.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a business owner with an unconventional structure or limited accounts, don’t assume you’re stuck with specialist lenders or higher rates.

With tailored advice and the right support, it’s possible to:

• Maximise your borrowing without drawing unnecessary income
  
• Avoid punitive rates or restrictive offers
  
• Keep your tax-efficient business structure intact
  

Speak to an adviser who understands limited company mortgages—and who will work with your accountant to get the right outcome.

Important Information

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances.

Symmonds de Lacey is a trading style of Easy Street Financial Services Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales. Company number 6430453. Registered address: Basepoint, 377-399 London Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3HL.

Please note, we are not tax advisers. For tax advice, speak to a specialist accountant or tax adviser.

Information correct at time of writing – July 2025.