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Mortgage Broker in Leicester

Written by Simon Baker BSc (Hons)  |  Reviewed by The Complete Mortgage Shop, FCA regulated (FRN 728880)  |  Last updated 1 May 2026

Leicester is the East Midlands’ largest city and one of the UK’s most ethnically diverse cities. It has a strong manufacturing and retail heritage and a growing professional and student population. Property prices in Leicester are lower than Nottingham and significantly below equivalent properties in the South East, making the city an accessible market for first-time buyers and a competitive one for buy-to-let investors.

The Self-Employed Community

Leicester has a particularly large and well-established self-employed community, with significant numbers running businesses in manufacturing, textiles, retail, restaurants and professional services. Self-employed mortgage applications require at least two years of accounts or SA302 tax returns, and lenders differ significantly in how they assess self-employed income. Some will use net profit; others use salary plus dividends; some will look at average income over two or three years; and others use the most recent year’s figures.

A broker who deals regularly with self-employed borrowers can identify which lenders offer the most generous assessment of your specific income structure, potentially making a significant difference to how much you can borrow.

The University Market

The University of Leicester and De Montfort University bring around 40,000 students to the city. Areas around the universities — Clarendon Park, Highfields and the New Walk area — see strong student rental demand. Leicester City Council operates a mandatory HMO licensing scheme and selective licensing in several wards. Landlords should check the licensing position for any property they intend to let as an HMO before purchase.

Affordable Entry for First-Time Buyers

Leicester’s relative affordability compared to southern cities makes it accessible for first-time buyers on average incomes. Areas such as Braunstone, Aylestone and Beaumont Leys offer terraced housing at prices where standard income multiples are sufficient to fund a purchase without needing specialist high-multiple products.

Getting the Right Mortgage in Leicester

Whether you are self-employed buying in Clarendon Park, a first-time buyer in Braunstone, or a landlord investing in student accommodation near De Montfort, a whole-of-market broker can compare lenders and find the most suitable product for your circumstances.

To speak to a qualified adviser, please submit an online enquiry or call 0800 310 1340.

YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.