Specialist mortgage advice that understands how you’re paid — because we’re directors too

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As a limited company director, your income and accounts probably look very different from a traditional employee, even if you earn more than many. You might pay yourself a low salary, top up with dividends, or keep money in the business. Unfortunately, many lenders (and some advisers) don’t understand how to assess that properly, and it can lead to frustrating outcomes.

At Jigsaw, we know exactly how limited company directors are paid, because we’re limited company directors ourselves. That’s why we offer clear, specialist mortgage advice tailored for directors, and structure your application around how you really earn, not how it looks on paper.

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The problem: Your income doesn’t fit a tick-box

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Most limited company directors take a salary of around £12,000 per year and draw the rest of their income through dividends. But many lenders only consider your basic salary and dividend income, not your full financial picture.

Some lenders also don’t count:

  • Retained profits
  • Net profit before tax
  • Net profit after tax
  • Irregular dividend payments

This means many directors appear to “earn less” than they actually do, even though the company might be performing strongly.

The solution: Lenders who understand company accounts

At Jigsaw, we work with lenders who are familiar with limited company structures and willing to assess:

Net profit before or after corporation tax

Retained earnings (in some cases)

Director’s salary + dividend history

Multi-year income trends

Accountant-prepared figures as evidence of sustainability

We’ll also liaise directly with your accountant to clarify figures and ensure the numbers provided align with lender expectations, saving you from back-and-forth or having to explain things yourself.

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What do you need to apply?

Here’s what most lenders will require for directors:

Minimum one or two years of accounts (depending on the lender)

Minimum one or two years of accounts (depending on the lender)

SA302s and tax year overviews from HMRC

SA302s and tax year overviews from HMRC

Finalised company accounts, prepared by an accountant

Finalised company accounts, prepared by an accountant

Proof of salary and dividends (e.g. personal bank statements)

Proof of salary and dividends (e.g. personal bank statements)

Business bank statements and trading history

Business bank statements and trading history

Clean credit history (ideally)

Clean credit history (ideally)

If you’ve had a strong year, a dip in income, or retained profit for tax reasons, we’ll help present that clearly and effectively to the lender.

Why use a specialist?

Limited company mortgages are complex. Many estate agents and high-street brokers simply don’t understand how your income works, or try to fit you into a PAYE box.

At Jigsaw, we:

  • Have firsthand experience as limited company directors
  • Know which lenders to approach for your circumstances
  • Work directly with your accountant to streamline documentation
  • Use your full financial picture — not just basic payslips or dividend sheets
  • Handle the paperwork, explanation, and lender communication for you
  • Are CeMAP-qualified and FCA-regulated, with years of experience in complex cases

Step-by-step: How the process works

Step 1

Quick phone call

We’ll confirm your situation and book you in for a full appointment.

Step 1
Step 2

Fact-find & documentation

We gather your tax records, accounts, and goals, and request anything we need from your accountant.

Step 2
Step 3

Agreement in principle (AIP)

We secure an AIP based on your true affordability, so you can begin your property search or refinance with confidence.

Step 3
Step 4

Full application & offer

We manage the full mortgage application and handle all communication with the lender.

Step 4
Step 5

Completion

Typical timeframes are 2–3 weeks, depending on lender responsiveness and documentation.

Step 5

Frequently asked questions

Is it harder to get a mortgage as a company director?

Not harder, just different. With the right advice and the right lender, it’s entirely achievable.

Do I need three years of accounts?

No, some lenders are happy with just one or two years, especially if trading is strong.

Will retained profits or net profit count?

Some lenders will include them. We know who they are and how to present your case effectively.

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