Lenders Want to Know About Your Income—Now and Soon
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will assess your affordability—in other words, how much you earn, how much you spend, and how much you can realistically afford to borrow.
If you’re on maternity leave (or planning to be), your income might look different for a few months. Lenders will want to know:
- Your current income (including maternity pay or statutory pay)
- What your return-to-work plan looks like (hours, role, salary)
- Whether you have supporting evidence (like a letter from your employer)
You’ll Likely Need a Letter from Your Employer
Most lenders will ask for a letter confirming:
✅ Your return-to-work date
✅ Whether you’re going back full- or part-time
✅ Your salary upon return
This helps them get a clearer picture of your long-term affordability—not just your current pay.
Some Lenders Are More Flexible Than Others
The key here is that not all lenders treat maternity leave the same way. Some will assess your full return-to-work salary right away. Others may base their decision on your current (reduced) maternity income, which could limit how much you can borrow.
This is where a mortgage broker can really help—by matching you with lenders who are understanding and flexible around maternity or shared parental leave.
Joint Applications Can Help
If you’re applying with a partner who is still on full income, that can help offset your reduced income during leave and improve your overall affordability. Lenders will assess the full household financial picture.
Other Ways to Strengthen Your Application
Here are a few tips to give your application the best shot:
💳 Keep your credit score healthy – pay down debts and avoid missed payments
📄 Have all documents ready – payslips, employer letters, return-to-work details
📉 Lower your outgoings where possible – lenders love a responsible budget
🤝 Work with a broker – we know which lenders to approach and what they’ll accept
Final Thoughts: Maternity Leave Doesn’t Stop You Getting a Mortgage
Yes, it might take a bit more paperwork. Yes, the process might feel a little more involved. But getting a mortgage while on maternity leave is absolutely possible—especially when you’ve got the right support.
📲 Need advice?
We’re here to help. Whether you’re in early pregnancy, on leave, or just planning ahead, we can talk you through your options and connect you with lenders who understand your situation.
Get in touch with us today for honest, no-pressure advice.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage
The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.
