Can I apply if I’m self-employed?

Yes — you can apply for an Enclave property if you’re self-employed. The process is very similar to that for employed applicants, but you’ll need to provide a different set of documents to verify your income and affordability.

What you’ll need to provide

To show your income is sufficient to cover the rent, you may be asked for:

• Recent tax returns (SA302s) from HMRC.
• An accountant’s reference confirming your earnings.
• Business and/or personal bank statements from the past 3–6 months.
• Any additional evidence that demonstrates regular, reliable income.

Affordability requirement

As with employed tenants, your income should generally be at least 3 x the annual rent value. 

If your income doesn’t meet the threshold

Enclave offers flexibility if you don’t meet the standard requirement or your self-employed income varies:

• Guarantor: A UK-based guarantor with a steady income may be accepted.
• Upfront rent: Paying several months of rent in advance can also help secure the property.
• Combination of income: If applying with a partner, friend, or group, your combined income will be considered.

Support from the team

Because self-employment can involve different financial situations, the local enquiries team will talk you through what’s required and let you know which documents are most suitable for your application.