Self-employed mortgages · Toronto & GTA
Your bank said no. Your business says otherwise.
Business owners, contractors, freelancers and commission earners: get your real income read properly and compared across 50+ bank, credit union, alternative and private lenders.
Meshesha Robel · Mortgage Agent Level 2
FSRA Mortgage Agent License #M15001135
Mortgage Alliance · FSRA Brokerage #10530
Broker, not a lender · 50+ lenders
The real problem
Write-offs that save you tax can make your income look small to a bank.
Most banks qualify you on net taxable income. Strong cash flow, low line 15000, and an automated decline. Different lenders read self-employed income differently, and that's where a broker helps. See the qualification routes →
How it works
Four steps, plain language.
- 01
Share your story
A short conversation about how you earn, what you've filed and what you want to do.
- 02
Read your income the right way
We look at T1 averages, add-backs, bank deposits and stated-income routes to see which fit.
- 03
Match with suitable lenders
Your file is positioned for the bank, credit union, alternative or private lenders most likely to fit.
- 04
Decide with clarity
You compare real options, costs and an exit plan, then choose, or wait and restructure first.
Quick answers
Self-employed mortgage questions, answered directly.
- Can I get a mortgage in Toronto if I'm self-employed?
- Yes, many self-employed borrowers qualify. Lenders typically look at your two-year average personal income (Line 15000 of your T1), and some lenders offer stated-income, bank-statement or add-back programs. Approval depends on each lender's review of your credit, income documents, down payment and the property.
- What is a stated income mortgage?
- A stated income (or self-declared income) mortgage lets you state a reasonable income supported by your business history and bank activity, rather than relying only on taxable income. These programs are mostly offered by alternative (B) lenders and some major lenders, and they generally need a larger down payment, often around 20% or more.
- Why do banks decline self-employed borrowers?
- Business write-offs lower your taxable net income. Banks usually qualify you on that net figure, so strong real-world cash flow can look small on paper. It's a documentation problem more than an affordability problem, and a broker can compare lenders that read self-employed income differently.
- How long do I need to be self-employed to qualify?
- Many traditional lenders prefer a two-year track record. Some lenders will consider less if you have been in the same line of work for longer, for example a contractor who went independent in the same trade. Requirements vary by lender.
- Is a mortgage broker the same as a lender?
- No. A mortgage broker or agent arranges financing through third-party lenders and does not lend money. Meshesha Robel is a licensed Mortgage Agent Level 2 with Mortgage Alliance who compares options across 50+ bank, credit union, alternative and private lenders.
Request a consultation
Tell me about your income. I'll tell you honestly what's realistic.
Sometimes that's a lender match today. Sometimes it's a plan to file differently and come back stronger. Outcomes vary by lender and file.