Yes, you can get a mortgage while on maternity leave in the UK. Being on maternity leave does not automatically prevent you from buying a home or remortgaging, and some mortgage lenders can consider your normal salary when assessing affordability, even if you’re temporarily receiving reduced maternity pay.
However, not every lender approaches maternity leave in the same way.
Some will consider your expected income when you return to work. Others may place greater emphasis on your current maternity pay, the length of your leave or how you intend to cover your mortgage payments while your income is reduced.
This can make a significant difference to how much you’re able to borrow.
If you’re expecting a baby, currently on maternity leave or planning to return to work, understanding how mortgage lenders assess your circumstances could help you avoid unnecessary delays or an unsuitable mortgage application.
In this guide, we explain how getting a mortgage on maternity leave works, what documents you might need, how childcare costs affect affordability and whether you should wait until you’ve returned to work before applying.
Can I Get a Mortgage While on Maternity Leave?
Yes. Many UK mortgage lenders will consider applications from people who are currently on maternity leave or are due to start maternity leave.
The important consideration is whether the lender is satisfied that your mortgage will remain affordable both during your leave and after you return to work.
For example, you might normally earn £60,000 a year but temporarily receive substantially less while on maternity leave.
A lender that considers your confirmed return-to-work salary may assess your application differently from one that focuses on your current maternity income.
This doesn’t mean that everyone on maternity leave can borrow based on their full salary. Lenders have different requirements, and your return-to-work plans, household expenditure and overall financial circumstances will influence the assessment.
Quick Answer: Mortgages and Maternity Leave
- You can apply for a mortgage while on maternity leave.
- Some lenders can consider your confirmed return-to-work salary.
- Others may assess your current maternity pay or require additional evidence.
- You may need an employer letter confirming your return date, hours and salary.
- Future childcare costs and household expenses can affect affordability.
- You don’t necessarily need to wait until you’ve returned to work before applying.
How Do Mortgage Lenders Assess Maternity Leave Income?
One of the biggest challenges with applying for a mortgage during maternity leave is that your current payslips might not reflect your normal earnings.
Mortgage lenders need to assess whether you can afford the borrowing you’re requesting, but they don’t all use the same approach.
1. Using Your Return-to-Work Salary
Some lenders may consider the salary you’re expected to receive when you return to work.
For example, if your usual salary is £55,000 and you intend to return to the same role on the same hours and pay, certain lenders may be prepared to assess that income.
They may request confirmation from your employer and evidence of your income before maternity leave.
The lender will also need to consider how you intend to manage your mortgage repayments while you’re receiving reduced income.
2. Using Your Current Maternity Pay
Other lenders may place greater emphasis on your current income.
This can affect borrowing potential if you’re receiving Statutory Maternity Pay or a reduced salary under your employer’s maternity policy.
For example, someone who normally earns £50,000 a year might temporarily receive much less during maternity leave.
If a lender assesses affordability primarily using that reduced income, the mortgage amount available could be lower.
3. Assessing Both Your Current and Future Income
Some lenders consider your financial circumstances across both periods.
They may look at your income during maternity leave, your expected earnings when you return and whether your savings or other household income can help cover the temporary reduction.
This is why the most suitable lender isn’t necessarily the one offering the lowest advertised mortgage rate.
The important question is which lender can appropriately assess your actual circumstances.
Can Mortgage Lenders Use My Full Salary While I’m on Maternity Leave?
Potentially, yes. Some lenders are willing to consider your normal salary if you can provide suitable evidence that you intend to return to work and what your earnings will be.
However, acceptance depends on the lender’s current criteria.
They may consider:
- Your salary before maternity leave.
- Your intended return-to-work date.
- Whether you’ll return to the same job.
- Whether your working hours will change.
- Your expected salary after returning.
- Your partner’s income, where applicable.
- How you’ll meet mortgage repayments during your leave.
- Your future childcare and household costs.
If you’re returning to work on reduced hours, the lender may need to assess your expected part-time income rather than your previous full-time salary.
It’s important to provide an accurate picture of your plans.
How Much Can I Borrow on Maternity Leave?
The amount you can borrow depends on your income, deposit, credit history, existing financial commitments and the lender’s affordability assessment.
Maternity leave can introduce an additional consideration because your income may temporarily change.
Not sure how maternity leave could affect your borrowing potential?
Different lenders assess maternity pay and return-to-work income differently. At Oportfolio Mortgages, we can help you understand which lenders may be able to consider your circumstances and what mortgage options could be available.
Speak to an Oportfolio mortgage adviser or call 020 8877 1169.
Example: Applying for a Mortgage During Maternity Leave
Imagine a couple looking to buy a property in London.
| Financial details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Applicant one's normal annual salary | £60,000 |
| Applicant two's annual salary | £50,000 |
| Combined normal annual income | £110,000 |
| Applicant one's current maternity income | Temporarily reduced |
| Planned return to work | Same role and salary |
A lender willing to consider the confirmed return-to-work salary could assess the couple differently from a lender that relies on their current reduced household income.
However, both lenders would still need to consider their expenditure, existing debts, deposit and future childcare arrangements.
This example illustrates why lender criteria matter. It is not an indication that a particular mortgage amount would be approved.
If you’d like an initial indication of your borrowing potential, read our guide to how mortgage affordability is calculated.
What Documents Do I Need for a Mortgage on Maternity Leave?
You may need to provide more information than someone whose employment income has remained unchanged.
Depending on the lender, documents could include:
- Recent payslips from before maternity leave.
- Payslips showing your current maternity pay.
- Recent bank statements.
- Your employment contract.
- A letter from your employer confirming your return-to-work arrangements.
- Evidence of savings available during maternity leave.
- Details of your partner’s income, where relevant.
- Information about expected childcare costs.
- Proof of your deposit if you’re purchasing a property.
Not every lender will require every document.
Preparing the relevant information early can make it easier to establish which mortgage options may be available.
What Should an Employer’s Maternity Leave Letter Include?
Where required, an employer letter may need to confirm:
- Your employment status and role.
- Your expected return-to-work date.
- Your salary when you return.
- Whether you’ll return on full-time or reduced hours.
- Any agreed changes to your employment arrangements.
The exact requirements vary between lenders, so it’s worth checking what evidence is needed before requesting the letter.
Do Childcare Costs Affect Mortgage Affordability?
Yes. Childcare costs can have a significant impact on mortgage affordability.
Even where a lender accepts your normal return-to-work salary, it will need to consider your expected household expenditure.
For example, returning to work could mean paying for nursery places, a childminder or other childcare arrangements.
These costs may reduce the income available for mortgage repayments.
Example: How Childcare Changes Your Budget
Imagine your household expects to pay £900 per month in childcare costs after returning to work.
That’s £10,800 a year in additional expenditure.
A mortgage lender may need to factor this into its affordability calculation, potentially reducing the amount it is prepared to lend.
The exact effect depends on the lender’s assessment and your wider finances.
If you expect to receive childcare support or have help from family members, explain your arrangements accurately rather than assuming every lender will treat those costs in the same way.
It’s also important to consider whether your proposed mortgage would remain comfortable alongside childcare, household bills and other family expenses.
Can I Get a Mortgage While Receiving Statutory Maternity Pay?
Yes, it may still be possible.
Receiving Statutory Maternity Pay does not automatically mean that your mortgage application will be declined.
However, your current income may be substantially lower than your normal salary, so lenders will need to understand how the borrowing will remain affordable.
Some may consider your expected return-to-work income, subject to their criteria and evidence requirements.
Others may take a more cautious approach.
If you’re receiving statutory maternity pay, it can be particularly useful to establish:
- When you intend to return to work.
- What salary you expect to receive.
- Whether your employment arrangements are changing.
- What other household income is available.
- Whether you have savings to help cover the temporary reduction in income.
The lender must still be satisfied that the mortgage is affordable.
Can I Remortgage While on Maternity Leave?
Yes. It may be possible to remortgage while you’re on maternity leave.
However, the process can depend on whether you’re staying with your existing lender or moving to a new one.
Remortgaging to a Different Lender
If you want to switch mortgage lenders, the new provider will normally assess your application against its current affordability and eligibility criteria.
Your maternity leave arrangements may therefore be relevant.
A lender that can consider your confirmed return-to-work income may offer different options from one that assesses your reduced current earnings.
Choosing a Product Transfer
If you’re happy to remain with your existing lender, a product transfer may be worth considering.
This involves switching to another mortgage product with your current lender rather than moving the mortgage elsewhere.
Some straightforward product transfers can be completed without a full new affordability assessment, particularly where you’re not increasing your borrowing or making other material changes.
However, requirements vary.
A product transfer may be convenient, but it isn’t automatically the cheapest or most suitable option.
Read our guide to product transfer mortgages to understand how they work.
Should I Wait Until I Return to Work Before Applying for a Mortgage?
Not necessarily.
Waiting until you’ve returned to work may make it easier to demonstrate your regular income to some lenders.
However, it isn’t always necessary.
If you have a confirmed return date, clear evidence of your future salary and an affordable borrowing requirement, certain lenders may be willing to consider your application during maternity leave.
Whether it’s better to apply now or wait depends on your individual circumstances.
Applying During Maternity Leave May Be Worth Considering If:
- You’ve found a property you want to buy.
- Your return-to-work arrangements are confirmed.
- You can demonstrate how repayments will be maintained during leave.
- Your expected household expenditure is manageable.
- A suitable lender is prepared to assess your circumstances.
Waiting May Be Worth Considering If:
- Your return-to-work arrangements are uncertain.
- You expect your working hours or salary to change.
- Your affordability is currently stretched.
- You need more time to establish your future childcare costs.
- Your lender options are limited by your current circumstances.
There is no universal answer.
The best starting point is to understand which lenders could consider your application now and whether waiting would materially improve your options.
Can I Get a Mortgage If I’m Pregnant but Haven’t Started Maternity Leave?
Yes. Pregnancy does not automatically prevent you from applying for a mortgage.
However, lenders may need to consider reasonably foreseeable changes to your income and expenditure when assessing affordability.
For example, if you’re planning to take maternity leave shortly after buying a property, the lender may need information about your expected income during that period and your plans for returning to work.
It’s important to provide accurate information about relevant financial changes rather than relying on an affordability calculation that doesn’t reflect your circumstances.
What If I’m Returning to Work Part-Time?
Returning to work part-time may affect your borrowing potential if your salary will be lower than before maternity leave.
For example, someone previously earning £60,000 on a full-time contract might expect to earn £36,000 after reducing their working hours.
Where that change has been agreed, the lender may need to use the new expected income when assessing affordability.
However, lower childcare costs or other changes to household expenditure could also affect the calculation.
The overall assessment depends on the complete financial picture.
Can I Get a Joint Mortgage If My Partner Is on Maternity Leave?
Yes. Couples can apply for a joint mortgage where one applicant is on maternity leave.
The lender will assess the income and financial commitments of both applicants.
For example, one applicant may be working full-time while the other is receiving maternity pay.
Depending on its criteria, the lender may consider the second applicant’s expected return-to-work income alongside the first applicant’s current earnings.
It will also assess relevant household expenditure and the affordability of the proposed mortgage.
This is particularly important for couples purchasing a larger property to accommodate a growing family.
Can Self-Employed Applicants Get a Mortgage During Maternity Leave?
Potentially, yes.
Self-employed applicants may face additional considerations because their income isn’t necessarily supported by a fixed employment contract or guaranteed salary.
A lender may assess:
- Previous trading income.
- Tax calculations or business accounts.
- How maternity leave will affect the business.
- Whether income is expected to continue during the leave.
- Plans for returning to work.
- Other household income and financial commitments.
For company directors, the lender’s treatment of salary, dividends and company profits may also be relevant.
Different lenders assess self-employed income differently, so the options available will depend on your circumstances.
What About Paternity Leave, Adoption Leave or Shared Parental Leave?
Similar considerations can apply.
A period of paternity, adoption or shared parental leave does not automatically prevent someone from obtaining a mortgage.
However, lenders may need to understand whether income will change temporarily, when the applicant intends to return to work and whether household expenditure is expected to increase.
Longer periods of leave or a permanent reduction in working hours may have a greater impact on affordability than a short period on normal pay.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting a Mortgage on Maternity Leave?
There are several practical steps that may help you prepare a stronger application.
Confirm Your Return-to-Work Arrangements
Where possible, obtain written confirmation of your expected return date, working hours and salary.
Prepare Your Income Documents
Have recent payslips, bank statements and any relevant employment documents available.
Calculate Your Future Childcare Costs
Make a realistic estimate of what childcare will cost after you return to work.
Review Your Existing Financial Commitments
Credit cards, personal loans, car finance and other regular commitments can affect mortgage affordability.
Consider Your Savings Position
If your income will be reduced temporarily, having accessible savings may help demonstrate how you intend to manage your finances during leave.
Speak to a Mortgage Adviser Before Applying
Different lenders have different approaches to maternity leave.
Understanding those criteria before submitting an application may help you avoid approaching a lender whose requirements don’t suit your circumstances.
Oportfolio Insight: Why Your Current Payslip Doesn’t Always Tell the Full Story
For many buyers, maternity leave happens at the same time as another major financial decision: moving to a larger family home.
Someone who normally earns a strong salary might temporarily receive substantially less during maternity leave, even though they intend to return to their previous role and income.
Looking only at their latest payslip may therefore give an incomplete picture of their financial circumstances.
However, using their normal salary without considering the temporary income reduction or future childcare costs would also be inappropriate.
The important consideration is how a lender assesses the complete situation: current income, confirmed future earnings, available savings, household commitments and longer-term affordability.
This can be particularly relevant for professional couples purchasing higher-value properties in London, where both incomes may be important to the mortgage application.
A mortgage adviser can help identify lenders whose criteria are suited to the applicant’s circumstances, while ensuring that the proposed borrowing remains affordable.
Speak to Oportfolio Mortgages About Your Options
If you’re expecting a baby, currently on maternity leave or planning to return to work, you may have more mortgage options than you initially realise.
At Oportfolio Mortgages, our advisers help clients across London and the UK understand mortgage affordability, lender criteria and more complex income arrangements.
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving to a larger property or approaching remortgage, we can help you explore suitable options based on your financial circumstances.
Want to understand how maternity leave could affect your mortgage?
Contact Oportfolio Mortgages or call 020 8877 1169 to discuss your situation with our team.
FAQ: Mortgage on Maternity Leave
Will Maternity Leave Reduce How Much I Can Borrow?
It can. Some lenders may assess your reduced maternity income, while others may consider your confirmed return-to-work salary. Future childcare costs can also affect affordability.
Can I Use My Full Salary for a Mortgage While on Maternity Leave?
Some lenders may accept your expected return-to-work salary if you can provide suitable evidence. This is subject to their criteria and an overall affordability assessment.
Do I Need to Return to Work Before Applying for a Mortgage?
Not always. Certain lenders can consider applications before you've returned to work, particularly where your future income and employment arrangements are confirmed.
Can I Remortgage While Receiving Maternity Pay?
Yes, potentially. You may be able to remortgage with a new lender or arrange a product transfer with your existing lender, depending on your circumstances and the relevant criteria.
Do Mortgage Lenders Ask About Childcare Costs?
Yes. Lenders may need to consider existing and expected childcare costs when assessing your ability to afford the mortgage.
Can I Get a Mortgage on Maternity Leave With Only One Household Income?
Potentially, provided the lender is satisfied that the mortgage is affordable. Your income, deposit, expenditure, credit history and future circumstances will all be relevant.
Will a Mortgage Offer Be Affected If I Go on Maternity Leave Before Completion?
A material change in your income or circumstances before completion may require the lender to reassess the application. Inform your mortgage adviser and lender promptly about relevant changes.
