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If you are a self cert borrower you might have thought about going into your local bank and seeing if you could get hold of some of their low rates – but chances are you won't be very lucky.

There are some very low rates in stores, that's true, and some of them are very good mortgages. But if you are a sepcialised borrower, like someone who cannot prove their income, you will probably find most banks will say no as soon as you walk through the door.

Banks and building societies only offer 'vanilla' mortgages in their branches – low rates, low loan-to-value mortgages that are fine for some people, but are very inflexible for borrowers who are not so straightforward. Basically, mortgages available direct to the borrower are not for self cert borrowers.

No, self cert borrowers need special mortgages. They need mortgages that can only be attained through advisers, mortgages that have been specially chosen for your special needs. And you have special financial needs – you need a loan that will work for someone who cannot prove their income with a regular monthly pay-slip.

So if you have scoured the high street for a loan without success, stop trying. Call a mortgage adviser and find out what is out there for you as a self cert borrower.

Keep up with the latest news and comments on Self Employed Mortgages at the Self Cert Mortgage Blog