Key Qualification Paths for Creatives
Retainer Contracts (Treated as Permanent Income)
Ongoing monthly retainers with clients can be assessed similarly to salaried income.
Example: A UX designer with £3,500/month in retainers qualifies like a £42k salaried employee.
Recurring Client Lists (Proving Income Stability)
Lenders value long-term client relationships (12+ months) as evidence of stable earnings.
Case Study: A freelance developer with 5 recurring tech startups secured 90% LTV.
Portfolio-Based Underwriting for Established Creatives
Those with 3+ years in the industry may qualify based on career history and reputation.
Awards, high-profile clients, or published work can strengthen applications.
Pro Tip: Bundle Multiple Income Streams
Maximize borrowing power by combining:
✓ Retainers (steady baseline income)
✓ Project fees (lenders may average last 12 months)