How to get a mortgage when self-employed
Mortgage for the self-employed - here's what to look out for
When buying an apartment or building a house, many costs are incurred. Only rarely do real estate buyers have sufficient liquid funds to cover the purchase entirely through their own capital. This is where mortgage comes into play, which is granted through banks and credit institutions. However, the self-employed and freelancers often face some hurdles, because banks are less likely to grant them a loan due to their income situation, which is not always secure. But also freelancers have the chance to get a loan for building or buying a house and to benefit from advantageous conditions. The requirements for the application process should be noted.
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Most common obstacles when applying for a mortgage
Self-employed individuals and freelancers have a more difficult time than regular employees when applying for a real estate loan. While the latter only have to prove their income situation via their salary statements and tax assessment notices, self-employed people are required to provide significantly more documentation. The biggest issue is the fluctuating income situation, which is why lenders want a comprehensive basis on which to assess the income situation. Those who can prove high and permanently stable income have better chances of obtaining a loan. However, not every bank grants a mortgage for the self-employed - so it is important to obtain various offers beforehand. In addition, the repayment interest rates of mortgage for the self-employed are usually higher due to the greater risk.
Requirements and possibilities for the self-employed
The most obvious first step in getting a mortgage for real estate buyers is usually their own bank. However, the bank often only grants a mortgage for self-employed people under certain conditions. The self-employed income existence must have existed for at least three years. In addition regular profits and as few debts as possible are to be proven. The chances of obtaining a home loan for the self-employed are particularly good if there is a spouse with a fixed income or sufficient capital to take out the loan together with the self-employed person. When it comes to income, banks make sure that the amount of income fits the loan amount and that no loan is applied for that is too high. In addition, in the case of a real estate loan for self-employed people, the impeccable creditworthiness must be proven. This is done via the SCHUFA. Higher equity also improves the prospects of obtaining a real estate loan for the self-employed.
Documents required for real estate financing
Self-employed individuals have to expect a higher effort when applying for a loan. The documents to be submitted for a mortgage for self-employed people include the tax assessment notices for the last three years as well as balance sheets from the same period. In addition, current figures and data on ongoing business activities are usually required, for example business management evaluations from the past few months. Current costs in business operations must also be presented in writing. You also need to submit a SCHUFA report. If the documents show a stable and high income, this has a positive effect on the granting of the loan, or a blanket mortgage.
Government subsidies for the self-employed
An alternative to the classic real estate loan for the self-employed is governmental support and subsidy programs. They make it possible to obtain a mortgage even if the requirements are not met and one's own house bank does not grant a loan. A common choice in this case is a KfW loan, which is granted by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau. Borrowers receive low-interest loans and one-time grants that promote the purchase of real estate or house construction. KfW does not distinguish between employees and self-employed people when awarding the subsidy. This means that the application terms and conditions generally apply to all applicants. In addition, KfW also has special programs for the self-employed and start-ups, which have particularly favorable conditions and are not repaid immediately. Here, a detailed look at the KfW program is recommended, especially for individuals who want to take out a real estate loan. In addition to the KfW subsidies, there are public subsidies in some federal states that are granted to the self-employed.
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