Self-employed borrowers are the least likely group to be approved a mortgage, according to Trussle.

Data garnered from Trussle’s service shows that 76 per cent of self-employed borrowers are likely to be offered a mortgage, while both retirees and those with bad credit are more likely to be approved a mortgage at 86 per cent and 89 per cent, respectively.

Further data shows that the self-employed make up 23 per cent of all specialist cases received by lenders.

In addition, 28 per cent of self-employed mortgage applicants and borrowers think considering future earning potential or projections would be fairer, and 26 per cent think having a specific financial test for the self-employed due to their different needs would level the playing field.

Trussle head of mortgages Miles Robinson says: “The government encourages entrepreneurship, but the mortgage industry is not keeping pace with how fast the self-employed sector is expanding.

This group is being let down time and time again with a challenging and confusing mortgage journey, which is resulting in less mortgages being approved by lenders.

“Enough is enough. The industry must work collaboratively to update its requirements and close this ‘mortgage access gap’ to support the self-employed.

“We are using our own data to design flexible products for specific under-served groups, like the self-employed. This will be a significant step in our commitment to making mortgages fairer for all.”