Self Employed Mortgages in Ottawa
- No Hidden Fees
- 35+ Lenders
- Same Day Pre-Approval
Your Trusted Partner for Self-Employed Mortgages in Ottawa
I’m Matt Price, an Ottawa-based mortgage agent who helps self-employed business owners, contractors, and freelancers get approved for the mortgage they actually deserve. Big banks often see write-offs and variable income and get nervous, but I see a full financial picture. I know exactly which of my 35+ lenders are built to work with it. I also live and work in Ottawa, so I know this market and its neighborhoods inside and out.
If you’re self-employed, I’ll help you navigate the extra paperwork and prove your income the right way, so you can buy with confidence.
Competitive Rates
Access to multiple lenders and competitive rates.
Unbiased Advice
Unbiased advice tailored to your goals.
Flexible Solutions
Flexible solutions the banks do not always offer.
Faster Approvals
A smoother and faster approval process.
Full Support
Support from application to closing and beyond.
Local Expertise
Ottawa-based agent who understands the local market.
Self-Employed and a First-Time Home Buyer?
You may qualify for government programs like the FHSA and Home Buyers’ Plan to boost your down payment.
Estimate Your Monthly Payment
Use our calculator to estimate your mortgage payments.
What Our Clients Say
My clients value honest advice, fast communication, and a smooth experience. Many return for future mortgages and refer friends and family because they know I am always focused on their best interests.
“As first-time buyers, we were overwhelmed. Matt made everything easy and found us a rate 0.5% lower than our bank!”
Sarah & Michael T.
Barrhaven
“Refinanced and saved $300/month. Smooth process, always available. Highly recommend!”
Robert & Patricia C.
Kanata
“Self-employed, thought a mortgage was impossible. Matt found the perfect lender. Can’t thank him enough!”
Jennifer L.
Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed?
Yes, absolutely. Self employed mortgages are something I arrange regularly here in Ottawa, and being your own boss doesn’t shut the door on homeownership — it just changes how your income gets documented. Many self employed individuals assume banks will turn them down, but as a mortgage agent working with 35+ lenders, I know exactly which ones are set up to work with your situation.
How many years of self-employment do I need to qualify for a mortgage?
Most traditional lenders want to see at least two years of consistent self employed income, verified through your personal tax returns and Notice of Assessments. If you’re newer to self-employment, some alternative lenders may still work with you, depending on how strong and consistent your income looks. I can help you navigate the process of getting a self-employed mortgage in Ottawa.
What documents do self-employed borrowers need for a mortgage application in Ottawa?
For a self employed mortgage application in Ottawa, lenders typically want two years of Notice of Assessments, your financial statements (including your business financial statements if you’re incorporated and general business statements showing your company is active), and recent bank statements or business bank statements to verify cash flow. I’ll go over exactly what applies to your file before we submit anything, so there are no surprises.
Do lenders use my gross income or net income to qualify me?
It depends on the lender. Traditional lenders typically look at your net income (what’s left after deductions), while some alternative lenders use a stated income approach based on your gross income or bank deposits instead, which can work in your favor if your write-offs are aggressive. Either way, what matters most is your taxable income as reported to the CRA, so we’ll figure out which approach gets you approved for the amount you actually need.
Can I still get a good mortgage rate if I'm self-employed?
Yes. The rate isn’t only about employment type; it’s about risk. Lenders look at your overall financial picture, including your debt-to-income ratio and how you manage your business expenses. Many self employed borrowers qualify for excellent rates once we find the lender who’s the right fit for their file.
How much do your services cost?
Nothing, in most cases. Lenders pay me directly once your self-employed mortgage closes, which means you get full access to my services (rate comparisons, application support, and guidance through closing costs and every other step) without paying anything out of pocket.
How much down payment do I need?
It scales with the home’s price. Under $500K, you’ll need 5% down. On the portion between $500K and $1.5M, it’s 5% on the first $500K plus 10% on the remainder. Above $1.5M, you’re generally looking at 20% minimum. For self employed clients, having a larger down payment can also make it easier to qualify for a mortgage with a wider range of lenders. If you’re unsure what fits your budget, including ongoing costs like property tax, we’ll map it out together at your initial consultation.
Can you help with bad credit?
Yes. Neither one closes the door on homeownership. Whether you’re worried about not meeting a minimum credit score or your income doesn’t look “traditional” on paper, access to 35+ lenders, including alternative and non-bank lenders, means there’s usually a path forward.
Do I need mortgage insurance?
Anytime your down payment falls under 20%, mortgage insurance (sometimes called default insurance) becomes a requirement. It exists to protect the lender in case of default, and rather than paying it out of pocket, the premium usually gets rolled into your mortgage amount. Before you commit to anything, I’ll break down exactly how it factors into your monthly payment and overall costs.