MORTGAGES & PROTECTION

Most people in these industries work freelance or on short‑term contracts, so it’s natural to worry about how lenders view irregular income. The good news is that many lenders are comfortable with self‑employed applicants especially when their earnings are presented clearly by a specialist broker familiar with Media, TV, and Film income patterns.

Lenders will typically want to see tax calculations, accounts, contract summaries, or remittance slips to evidence your income.

Most lenders look for two or three years of accounts, shown on your HMRC Tax Calculation Summary. However, some will consider just one year, particularly if you have a strong contract history or were previously PAYE in the same field.

For those new to freelancing, projected earnings supported by contracts can help strengthen your case. 

Yes. Several specialist lenders are happy to consider applicants who’ve recently gone freelance or started working in production or media. They’ll want to see evidence of:

• ongoing contracts
• previous PAYE experience
• a letter confirming your current engagement

A specialist broker can package this information clearly to show stability and continuity.

Yes, this is common practice across Media, TV, and Film. Some lenders calculate annual income by multiplying your day rate over a working year, while others use contract values. This approach can often increase borrowing potential compared to using net profit alone.

Income variability is normal in your industry. Lenders handle this in different ways:

• some average your income over two or three years
• others use your latest contract
• some rely on your most recent year’s figures

A specialist broker helps present your earnings pattern clearly, so lenders understand the nature of your work.

Yes. Whether you operate through a limited company, umbrella company, or a mix of PAYE and self‑employed work, lenders can assess:

• salary
• dividends
• retained profit
• contract value

The right method depends on your structure, and a specialist broker can advise which approach best reflects your true income.

 Yes. Gaps between contracts are extremely common in Media, TV, and Film. Lenders look at your overall annual income and long‑term work pattern, rather than expecting continuous employment. Demonstrating consistent engagement in the industry helps reassure them.

Absolutely. Support is available for:

• Camera crew
• Lighting & sound technicians
• Editors & post‑production
• Journalists, reporters & presenters
• Runners & researchers
• Directors & producers
• Actors & performers
• Make‑up artists, stylists & costume
• Writers, composers & freelancers
• Digital media creatives, content creators & social media professionals
• Production managers, coordinators & schedulers

Potentially. Specialist lenders may still consider you depending on the type and age of the credit issue. A specialist mortgage adviser will take the time to understand your circumstances and match you with lenders who look beyond the numbers, helping you find a solution that fits your situation.

You can of course approach your bank, but a general mortgage adviser or bank relationship manager is unlikely to be familiar with the way freelance income in Media, TV and Film is structured including:

• contract‑based earnings
• day rates
• royalties or residuals
• production gaps
• multiple income sources
• limited company or umbrella arrangements

This can lead to unnecessary declines or being offered less than you could borrow.

A specialist adviser who regularly works with people in the creative and media industries will know which lenders are most receptive to your circumstances and how to present your case in the most favourable way.

Deborah Reeves MLIBF CeMAP is a mortgage and insurance adviser based in Leicestershire.

With over 20 years’ experience in financial services, Deborah specialises in helping clients whose income doesn’t fit a traditional mould. She supports people working in professional sport, where contracts, bonuses, sponsorships, and mixed PAYE/self‑employed earnings are common and where lenders often struggle to interpret non‑standard income.

Her expertise lies in translating complex income patterns into clear, lender‑friendly cases, helping athletes, coaches, and sports professionals secure the homes they deserve. Deborah takes the time to understand each client’s unique career path and guides them through the process with clarity and confidence.