Mortgage Made Better
Self-Employed MortgagesToronto & GTA

Your income is real.
Your mortgage
should be too.

We help self-employed borrowers qualify using bank deposits, stated income, or insured programs — even when your tax return doesn't tell the whole story.

Insured Program
10% Down
ALTA pathway
Stated Income
20% Down
Deposit-based qualification
Self-employed business owner reviewing mortgage documents
Cafe owner reviewing mortgage documents
Shop owner speaking with mortgage advisor
Business owner talking to customers
Business owner planning growth with home equity
The challenge

Banks see your write-offs. We see your income.

Most banks use declared taxable income to qualify you — which often looks far lower than what you actually earn. If you write off significant business expenses, you may appear unqualifiable on paper while running a healthy, profitable operation.

That's where specialist lenders come in.

We work with lenders who understand self-employed income — sole proprietors, incorporated business owners, contract workers, and gig economy earners — and we match you to the right program based on your actual financial picture.

Qualification paths

Three ways self-employed borrowers qualify.

Every business structure is different. We assess your income type, down payment, and credit profile to identify the right path — and the right lender — for your situation.

10% down

ALTA / Insured

Available to business owners with 2+ years of filing history. Lenders look at deposits and cash flow rather than just declared income. Works well when expenses are written off heavily.

20% down

Stated Income

Income is supported by 6–12 months of business or personal bank deposits. Ideal for incorporated owners, sole proprietors, and contract workers whose T1 income appears low.

Lowest rates

Traditional Qualification

Uses T1 Generals, Notices of Assessment, and add-backs where permitted. Best for business owners with consistent declared income — often the most competitive rate pathway.

Not sure which path applies to you? We assess your full profile and recommend the best fit.

Beyond the tax return

What lenders actually look at.

Self-employed mortgage decisions involve far more than a single income figure. Specialist lenders evaluate the full picture — and we know how to present your file in the strongest possible light.

  • Deposit consistencyRegular, predictable deposits signal stable business income to lenders.
  • Credit historyScores of 620–680+ open the widest range of programs and rates.
  • Down payment sourceOwned funds, gifted equity, and business accounts all treated differently.
  • Business stabilityTime in operation, industry type, and client base all factor in.
  • Debt ratiosTotal debt service relative to income — calculated differently per program.
  • Property detailsLocation, type, and value affect which lenders and programs apply.
Couple reviewing mortgage documents with advisor
Toronto dream home
Document checklist

Know what to prepare before you apply.

Requirements vary by program and business type. Here's what most lenders ask for — we walk through this with every client so nothing is missed.

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The process

From first call to closing day.

01
Discovery call
We learn your business structure, income profile, and goals. No commitment required.
02
Document review
We guide you on exactly what to gather — T1s, bank statements, or contracts depending on your path.
03
Lender matching
We identify the right program and lender from 30+ options based on your specific situation.
04
Submission & approval
We handle the paperwork, respond to lender conditions, and keep you informed at every step.
05
Closing day
Your lawyer completes the transfer and registers the mortgage. You focus on what comes next.
Family enjoying their new home
Modern home in Toronto GTA
Why work with us

We speak your language.

Self-employed mortgages require a different approach — and a broker who genuinely understands your income structure. Most banks don't. We do.

"Self-employed borrowers are often declined not because their business isn't viable, but because their file wasn't presented correctly."

We know what lenders need to see, how to structure your application, and which lenders are the right fit for your business type. The result is faster approvals and better rates.

Self-employed specialists

We understand T1s, NOAs, corporate structures, and stated income — it's a core part of what we do.

30+ lenders

Banks, credit unions, trust companies, and monoline lenders — all searched on your behalf.

No surprises

We tell you upfront what programs apply, what rates to expect, and what lenders will need.

Your side of the table

We're paid by the lender when your mortgage closes. Expert guidance at no cost to you.

Local GTA expertise

Serving Toronto, the GTA, and all of Ontario with deep knowledge of local lenders and markets.

Full-file management

From your first call through closing day — we handle the paperwork and lender communication.

Questions

Self-employed borrowers usually ask us these.

No question is off the table. We've helped borrowers at every stage — from just starting a business to running an established operation for years.

Yes. ALTA/insured and stated income programs let lenders evaluate deposits, cash flow, and overall business strength — not just your taxable line income. Many self-employed borrowers qualify for significantly more than their T1 suggests.
Let's get started

Find out what you actually qualify for.

The conversation is free. No pressure, no obligation. Most self-employed borrowers are surprised by what's actually available to them.

Whether you're just starting out, newly incorporated, or have been self-employed for years — we know how to get your file in front of the right lenders.

Call 416-262-LOAN (5626)
Serving Toronto, the GTA & all of Ontario  · mortgagemadebetter.com
Lic. 13747  ·  FSRA Regulated Brokerage