BROKERS say they are dealing with a growing number of mortgage applications from full-time content creators, who make a living from platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and OnlyFans.
One broker said he recently completed the purchase of three buy-to-let properties for an OnlyFans creator through the same lender, highlighting the strength of the revenue being generated.
Another added many people are unaware that money being earned from social media side hustles can boost what they can borrow if it is consistent and there is a track record.
“I will create”
The exponential growth of the content creation sector is unsurprising at a time when fewer firms are hiring due to increased taxation and employment regulation, a stuttering economy and the efficiencies of AI.
Only this morning, official data showed that over 170,000 started working for themselves in the first quarter, with ONS director of economic statistics, Liz McKeown, noting there are “some signs of workers moving into self-employment”.
Katy Eatenton, Mortgage & Protection Specialist at St Albans-based Eatenton Finance, said she has seen a “definite increase” in enquiries from content creators in 2026.
She continued: “A couple of years ago, you’d have just one or two applications come your way from social media influencers, and it was slightly unusual, but now they’re becoming more common.
“I think many people are waking up to the fact that they can earn a decent living from content creation and, just as importantly, live the life they want to.
“I suspect some people are also being driven into the sector out of necessity, as many businesses just aren’t hiring right now. Rather than look for a job they don’t want, they’re thinking ‘I will create’.
“Many approach you half-expecting to be told they won’t be able to get a mortgage and are thrilled when they realise that lenders are pretty accommodating, at least if there is consistency of income.”
Jamie Elvin, Director at London-based Strive Mortgages, also said the sector is becoming bigger: “Content creation is no longer a niche profession. It’s a rapidly growing industry generating substantial and often highly diversified incomes.
“In many cases, a successful content creator can be every bit as mortgageable as a traditional business owner or self-employed professional.”
Evidence of income
Tracey Dixon, Owner at Cardiff-based Pure Mortgage and Protection, said a lot of content creators think they will struggle to get a mortgage, when in reality they have a number of options.
She said: “Many people assume social media income makes getting a mortgage difficult, but lenders are usually more interested in whether the income is sustainable than where it comes from.
“A successful YouTuber, TikTok creator or content creator can often be assessed in much the same way as any other self-employed applicant. The key is being able to evidence the income through accounts, tax calculations and bank statements.”
Dixon added that even part-time influencers creating content as a side hustle can potentially borrow more if the revenue being generated is consistent and seen as sustainable.
She added: “Where content creation is carried out alongside employed income, many lenders will consider both income streams, provided the additional income is regular and likely to continue.
“If the income is legal, sustainable and properly evidenced, there are often more mortgage options available than applicants expect.”
Financial strength
Thomas Boughton, Founder at London-based Artillium Real Estate Finance, reiterated that if an application is presented correctly to the right lender “these cases can proceed just like any other self-employed application”.
He continued: “Most established influencers have the documentation lenders require, including accounts, SA302s and Tax Year Overviews (often better presented than most other self-employed clients).
“A well-prepared covering letter from an experienced broker can also help provide context around income sources and sustainability.
“Recently, we helped a well known OnlyFans creator complete three buy-to-let purchases simultaneously through a limited company with the same lender.
“While the lender initially had questions about the source of income, a review of the financials quickly addressed any concerns and the case proceeded smoothly.
“As long as the income is legal, evidenced and sustainable, borrowers should be assessed on their financial strength and continuity, not their profession.”
Gaurav Shukla, CEO at Marlow-based Home Me Mortgages, also said lenders tend to look at content creators much like any other self-employed applicant, “typically looking at the last 1-2 years of earnings through tax calculations and accounts”.
Like Dixon, he said part-time content creators can also lean on their side hustle income to borrow more: “If social media income is earned alongside a regular job, many lenders will also consider it, provided it’s consistent and evidenced.
“Ultimately, there’s usually a lender for every scenario. The key is knowing where to look and how to present the case.”
Two income streams
Jamie Alexander, Mortgage Director at Romsey-based Alexander Southwell Mortgages, has also arranged mortgages for creators.
He said: “I have dealt with a handful of content creator cases and the approach is broadly the same as any other self-employed application. Two years of accounts, SA302s and bank statements showing regular income. If those stack up, there are more options than people assume.
“The trickier cases are where income is erratic or very new. A channel generating solid revenue for six months is a harder sell than one with a two year track record. Lenders want to see a pattern, not a peak.
“Where social media income sits alongside a regular salary, many lenders will consider both streams provided the additional income is evidenced and not a one-off. Unusual income is not the barrier to a mortgage people think it is. Poorly presented income is.”
