| Report type | Expert commentary (not a statistical report) |
|---|---|
| Sample size | Not applicable — no statistical findings are claimed |
| Date range | Not applicable |
| Author | Saminder (Sami) Juneja, Mortgage Broker |
| Published | 2026-09-29 |
| Last updated | 2026-09-29 |
Why this is commentary, not statistics: we only publish statistical findings from verified, anonymized Juneja Group files with at least 100 records and a stated date range. That dataset is not yet complete for this topic, so this edition shares professional observations only. Nothing here should be read as representative of the Canadian market.
Media summary
- The income a lender can use is often lower than what a business actually earns.
- Unpaid CRA balances are a frequent reason a file needs a B-lender or private lender.
- Planning 12 months ahead gives self-employed borrowers the most options.
Suggested attribution: “Saminder (Sami) Juneja, Mortgage Broker, The Canadian Self-Employed Mortgage Report (2026).”
Methodology
This edition is based on the author's professional experience advising clients. It does not count, sample or measure files. When enough verified data exists, a statistical edition will measure:
- Share of files by income type (sole proprietor, incorporated, commission, mixed)
- Lender tier used (A, B, private) by income documentation available
- Most common missing or problem documents
- Time from first document to lender decision
All data would be anonymized: no names, addresses, lender names tied to individuals, or details that could identify a client.
Key observations
- The income a lender can use is often lower than what a business actually earns.
- Unpaid CRA balances are a frequent reason a file needs a B-lender or private lender.
- Planning 12 months ahead gives self-employed borrowers the most options.
Professional observations, not measured findings.
Why self-employed files are different
Lenders qualify income from what is on paper. Business owners often reduce taxable income through legitimate write-offs, so the income a lender can use is lower than what the business actually earns.
That gap is the core problem. It is not a credit problem and it is not a sign the borrower is a poor risk.
What lenders usually look at
Most lenders ask for two years of Notices of Assessment and T1 Generals. Incorporated owners are often asked for corporate financial statements as well.
Some lenders will consider stated income or bank-statement programs, usually at a lower loan-to-value and a higher rate. Each lender sets its own rules.
Where accountants can help
The year before a planned purchase or refinance is the time to talk about how income will be reported. Taxes owing to CRA should be paid or on an arrangement before applying.
A short conversation between the accountant and the broker early usually saves more than any rate difference.
Limitations
- This is commentary from one mortgage broker's practice, not a survey or a random sample.
- It does not measure how often anything happens and should not be quoted as a percentage or trend.
- Lender policies change. Confirm current rules with a licensed professional.
- Educational content only; not financial, legal or tax advice.
Story angles for journalists
- Why a profitable business owner can still be declined by a bank
- What accountants should know before a client applies for a mortgage
- How B-lender and private options fit as a bridge, not a destination
Related resources
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Cite this resource
Preferred title and URL for journalists and organizations:
Saminder (Sami) Juneja. “The Canadian Self-Employed Mortgage Report.” The Juneja Group, updated 2026-09-29. https://thejunejagroup.ca/research/reports/canadian-self-employed-mortgage-report
Saminder (Sami) Juneja, Mortgage Broker — Mortgage Centre Canada, independently owned and operated by Get A Better Mortgage Inc., FSRA #10874. The Juneja Group is not a licensed mortgage brokerage.