Self-Employed Mortgages in Canada
We help business owners in Canada get approved for self-employed mortgages — even when banks say no.
- Focused on Self-Employed Mortgages
- We work with Big Banks, Credit Unions & Other Lenders
- 10+ Years Experience
Self-Employed Mortgages In Canada
Over 2.7 million Canadians are self-employed, and many dream of owning a home or need mortgage financing.
Many business owners are declined for a mortgage because their income doesn’t fit traditional bank guidelines. Tax write-offs, variable income, or bruised credit often cause lenders to say no — leaving business owners stuck, frustrated, or waiting years to buy or refinance.
That’s where working with a mortgage specialist who understands self-employed mortgages can make all the difference.
Owen Langis with Mortgage Connection specializes in self-employed mortgages, working with banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders to structure applications properly and get business owners approved — so they can move forward instead of sitting on the sidelines.
Testimonials
Kind words from my clients
The best part of my job is working with self-employed business owners and helping solve the unique challenges they face when getting a mortgage.
If you’re looking for a trusted mortgage broker who understands self-employed income, here’s what my previous clients have to say.
💡 Did you know?
Self-Employed Canadians can purchase a home with as little as a 5% downpayment?
Why Banks Decline Self-Employed Mortgage Applications
Self-employed business owners in Canada often run into a variety challenges when applying for a mortgage.
Tax write-offs, lower claimed or inconsistent income, being a newer business or past credit challenges can all make it harder to get your mortgage application approved.
Once declined by their bank, often times business owners do not seek out a second opinion on their mortgage options and can spend years waiting on the sidelines, missing out on homeownership or better financing options, putting their plans are put on hold.
We understand these challenges and can help you find the right lender & self-employed mortgage program to get your application back on track and moving in the right direction.
Self Employed – Less Than Two Years
New to being self-employed?
Many lenders want to see two full years in business before approving you for a mortgage.
Lower Taxable Income Due to Write-Offs
Business owners in Calgary often use tax write-offs to reduce their taxable income — which is great at tax time, but can make qualifying for a mortgage trickier.
Inconsistent Income
Self-employed income isn’t always the same month to month. Whether your business has busy seasons, slower periods, or fluctuating contracts, inconsistent income can affect your mortgage options.
Lower Credit Score
Business owners in Calgary sometimes have lower credit scores due to business expenses, fluctuating income, or relying on credit to manage cash flow. A lower score can affect your mortgage options.
High Debt Load
Often times business owners in Calgary carry higher debt from operating their business — things like credit cards, lines of credit, or equipment loans. While this is totally normal, it can impact how much you qualify for.
Limited Access to the Right Mortgage Programs
Many self-employed business owners have limited access to the right mortgage programs because their bank typically offers only a few self-employed mortgage options and can only review your income in just one way.
Do you have questions?
Let’s chat.
How We Help Business Owners
We Specialize in Self-Employed Mortgages
Business owners choose us because we have a passion and focus on self-employed mortgages.
We understand write-offs, variable income, and specialized self-employed mortgage programs — we know how to present your file so lenders say yes.
Approval Options Beyond Traditional Banks
Many business owners get declined at big banks for a range of reasons.
We work directly with big banks, credit unions and other mortgage lenders who specialize in self-employed income, alternative documentation, stated income programs, and flexible qualification rules tailored for entrepreneurs.
Experience with Self-Employed Mortgages
We have years of experience navigating self-employed mortgage guidelines, we know how to position your application with the right lender and program — so you can move forward with confidence and get approved.
Mortgage Solutions Built Around Your Business
Every business is unique — your mortgage should be too.
We build custom mortgage strategies around your cash flow, tax structure, business expenses, and long-term financial goals.
Fast, Stress-Free Mortgage Approvals
Business owners don’t have time for slow approvals.
We streamline the entire process with simple document lists, quick communication, and lender relationships designed to get your mortgage approved faster.
Better Rates & Terms for Business Owners
Because we specialize in self-employed borrowers, we know which lenders offer the best rates, flexible terms, and approvals for business owners.
You get options you won’t find on your own at the bank.
💡Did you know?
Did you know self-employed business owners can get great mortgae rates, just like salaried employees.
Self-Employed Mortgage Services
We offer a full range of mortgage services tailored to self-employed business owners in Canada.
Whether you’re looking for a mortgage pre-approval, buying your first home, refinancing, investing in a rental property, or navigating credit challenges, we offer a wide range of mortgage services designed for self-employed business owners.
Pre-Approval
The first step in the home buying process is completing a proper mortgage pre-approval. For self-employed buyers, this means reviewing income documents upfront—not making assumptions that can lead to disappointment later. We assess your business structure, tax documents, and lender options so you clearly understand your true buying power before house shopping.
Pre-Approval >>
Refinance
A mortgage refinance can help self-employed business owners lower monthly payments, access home equity, or consolidate higher-interest debt. By reviewing your income and lender options, refinancing can improve cash flow and support your business and personal financial goals.
Refinance >>
First Time Home Buyer
Buying your first home as a self-employed business owner can feel overwhelming. We guide you through income review, down payment options, and lender requirements so you can purchase your first home with clarity and confidence.
First Time Home Buyer>>
Renewal
Mortgage renewals for self-employed business owners are a chance to reassess your lending options, and to shop for a lower rate. We review your current renewal offer and compare other lenders options to help you renew with confidence and flexibility.
Renewal >>
Bad Credit
Past credit challenges don’t have to stop self-employed business owners from moving forward. We help clients with bad credit, consumer proposals, or past bankruptcies explore mortgage options based on today’s financial picture—not just past setbacks.
Bad Credit >>
Rental Property
Purchasing a rental property can help self-employed business owners build long-term wealth, generate additional income, and diversify beyond their business. With the right mortgage strategy, rental income and equity can strengthen cash flow while supporting future investment growth.
Rental Property >>
💡Did you know?
Did you know self-employed business owners can get great mortgae rates, just like salaried employees.
Mortgage Programs To Get You Approved
Many Canadian business owners don’t realize there are many specialized mortgage programs available which are designed to help self-employed borrowers get their mortgage applications approved.
These flexible mortgage options aren’t widely advertised and are not offered by every lender, so they often go unnoticed.
Most entrepreneurs only discover these programs are available after working with a mortgage professional who understands self-employed mortgages and knows where to find the right solutions.
Self Employed – Less Than Two Years
Even if you’ve been self-employed for less than two years, you may still qualify for a mortgage. Some lenders offer flexible programs for newer business owners, especially if you have strong industry experience or stable income with as little at 5% downpayment.
Less Than Two Years >>
Gross-Up & Add-Back
Self-employed borrowers can often qualify for a larger mortgage amount by using income “gross-ups” and allowable add-backs from their tax returns. These adjustments help reflect your true earning power by adding back certain business expenses.
Gross-Up & Add Back >>
Stated Income (Insured)
We work with lenders offering Business-for-Self insured programs that allow self-employed borrowers to qualify with simplified income verification, strong credit, and a reasonable estimate of business income with as little as 10% downpayment.
Stated Income (Insured)>>
Bank Statement Mortgage Programs
Our bank statement mortgage options use 6–12 months of business bank statements to verify real business cash flow.
This is ideal for business owners with strong deposits but low net income showing on their personal tax returns due to tax write-offs who also have a minimum of 20% downpayment.
Bank Statement Program >>
Net Worth
A net-worth mortgage program is a great option for self-employed clients whose reported income doesn’t reflect their true financial strength. Instead of focusing on tax returns, lenders consider your assets, RRSP, TFSA, Stocks, Bonds, savings, and proceeds from sale of property to help you qualify. If you have a moderate net worth and a solid financial foundation, this program can make getting approved simpler and more flexible.
Net Worth >>
Alternative Programs
“B” mortgage programs can be a fantastic option for self-employed clients because they look at your situation more flexibly than traditional banks. Often times these programs are offered by “AAA” lenders, allow higher debt-service ratios, consider alternative income documentation, and are comfortable with lower credit scores — This often means you can qualify for a much larger mortgage amount than you would with a traditional “A” lender program.
Alternative Programs >>
Why Work With a Self-Employed Mortgage Specialist
- Focused on self-employed mortgages
- Understanding of Self-Employed Programs
- Access to Lenders That Support Self-Employed Borrowers
- Faster, Smoother Mortgage Approvals
Owen Langis with Mortgage Connection
Owen Langis with Mortgage Connection is a mortgage broker who is focused on self-employed mortgages & is passionate about helping business owners secure the mortgage financing they deserve.
With experience in traditional and alternative self-employed lending programs, Owen understands the challenges entrepreneurs face when qualifying for a mortgage with traditional banks.
He takes the time to listen, simplify the process, and build mortgage solutions that reflect your real financial strength — not just your taxable income.
If you’re a business owner looking for a mortgage expert who is focused on self-employed mortgages and truly understands your world, Owen is here to help you every step of the way.
💡 Did you know?
We work with Big Banks, Credit Unions and other mortgage lenders who specialize in self-employed mortgages.
Self-Employed Mortgage FAQ
Can self-employed Canadians qualify for a mortgage?
Yes — self-employed Canadians can absolutely qualify for a mortgage. The mortgage process for self-employed business owners can be simple and straightforward. With many self-employed mortgage programs available, self-employed borrowers can often times qualify for a mortgage just as easily as traditional employees.
If you’re self-employed and unsure how your income will be assessed, Owen Langis can help you navigate the best options
How do lenders calculate income for self-employed mortgages?
Lenders usually start by looking at the income showing on your last two years of personal tax returns. For many self-employed clients, that number is lower, and doesn’t reflect their real earning power. To help qualify for a larger mortgage amount, we work with lenders who use tools like add-backs, gross-ups, bank-statement programs, or other options designed specifically for business owners.
What documents do I need for a self-employed mortgage in Canada?
For a self-employed mortgage in Canada, initially most lenders ask for your last two years of personal tax returns (T1’s) and Notices of Assessment (NOAs). They also commonly ask for corporate financials, business bank statements, business registration documents and other documents related to your business.
Can I get a mortgage with less than two years of self-employment?
Yes — some lenders offer programs for borrowers with less than two years in business, especially if you have strong industry experience, solid cash flow, or a good down payment. I can help you find the mortgage lenders who support newer business owners.
How do tax write-offs affect getting a mortgage?
Tax write-offs lower your taxable income, which sometimes makes it look like you earn less than you truly do — and that can reduce the mortgage amount you qualify for. This is very common for self-employed Canadians. The good news is that many lenders offer specialized self-employed mortgage programs that use add-backs, gross-ups, or alternative income methods to help you qualify for a larger mortgage amount, even with significant write-offs.
What are the best mortgage programs for self-employed Canadians?
There are many great mortgage programs designed specifically for self-employed Canadians. Options like insured stated-income, programs for business owners with less than two years of self-employment, business bank-statement programs, net-worth solutions, and flexible alternative (B-lender) mortgages can make qualifying much easier. These programs are built for entrepreneurs and can open the door to stronger approvals and higher mortgage amounts.
Can I get a mortgage with fluctuating or irregular income?
Yes — fluctuating or irregular income is completely normal for self-employed Canadians. Lenders can look at longer income histories (2 year average), business financials, 6-12 month bank statements, or other alternative documents to confirm the income we are able to use on your mortgage application.
What credit score do I need for a self-employed mortgage?
Typically, most Banks, Credit Unions and other A lenders look for a credit score of 650+, while B lenders, alternative programs & private lenders offer more flexibility (500+). Even if your credit has dipped due to business expenses, missed payments or major credit events (bankruptcy, consumer proposal etc) you still have options.
Are B-lenders or alternative lenders good for self-employed mortgages?
Yes — B-lenders are often an excellent option for self-employed Canadians. Instead of relying on the income showing on your last two years of personal tax returns, they can often use the most recent 6–12 months of your business bank-statement deposits to verify income. They also understand business write-offs and offer more flexible guidelines, which means many clients qualify for a much larger mortgage amount through these mortgage lenders.
How much down payment do I need as a self-employed borrower in Canada?
Self-employed Canadians can qualify for a mortgage with as little as 5% down, just like salaried employees—especially when using traditional or insured mortgage programs. Your required down payment also depends on the lender, the mortgage program, your credit, and how your income is being verified. Many self-employed borrowers are able to purchase a home with the 5% minimum down payment, while others choose programs that may require 10–20%+ downpayment.
💡 Did you know?
Did you know we help Incorporated, sole proprietor & contract business owners.
Get Self-Employed Mortgage Advice Today
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owen@mortgageconnection.ca
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(403) 968-8512
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Do you have questions?
Let’s chat.