Mortgage brokers are reporting a growing number of applications from full-time content creators who earn their living on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and OnlyFans. These creators are leveraging their digital incomes to enter the property market.
Rise in Content Creator Mortgages
One broker noted that he recently completed the purchase of three buy-to-let properties for an OnlyFans creator through the same lender, illustrating the substantial revenue being generated. Another broker highlighted that many people are unaware that consistent earnings from social media side hustles can increase borrowing power if there is a proven track record.
The exponential growth of the content creation sector comes at a time when fewer firms are hiring due to higher taxes, employment regulations, a sluggish economy, and the efficiencies of artificial intelligence. Official data released this morning showed that over 170,000 people became self-employed in the first quarter of 2026. Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the Office for National Statistics, noted that there are signs of workers moving into self-employment.
Broker Insights
Katy Eatenton, a mortgage and protection specialist at Eatenton Finance in St Albans, said she has seen a definite increase in inquiries from content creators in 2026. She explained that a couple of years ago, applications from social media influencers were rare, but now they are becoming more common. Many people are realizing they can earn a decent living from content creation and live the life they want. Some are driven into the sector out of necessity, as many businesses are not hiring. Instead of seeking a job they do not want, they choose to create content. Many approach brokers expecting to be told they cannot get a mortgage, but are thrilled to discover that lenders are accommodating if there is consistency of income.
Jamie Elvin, director at Strive Mortgages in London, added that content creation is no longer a niche profession. It is a rapidly growing industry generating substantial and often diversified incomes. In many cases, a successful content creator is every bit as mortgageable as a traditional business owner or self-employed professional.
