Getting a mortgage on maternity leave

Key takeaways

• Many lenders will consider applications during maternity leave, especially with a confirmed return to work date

• Some lenders assess future full salary, while others use maternity income, or a combined approach

• Waiting until you've returned to work usually gives you more favourable lending options

Can you get a mortgage while on maternity leave?

Yes, many lenders will consider your mortgage application if you're on maternity leave. They understand that maternity leave is often temporary, and assess whether you can afford repayments both now and when your income changes.

Mortgage providers usually look at:

• Your return to work plans

• Your expected salary after leave

• Household affordability (including a partner’s income)

• Ongoing expenses such as childcare

Each lender has its own eligibility criteria, which is why advice from a broker can be helpful if your situation isn’t straightforward.

How do lenders assess income during maternity leave?

Lenders generally take one of three approaches when calculating affordability:

Do lenders use full salary or maternity pay?

It depends on the evidence you provide and the lender’s criteria. You’re more likely to be assessed on your full salary if:

• You have a confirmed return-to-work date

• Your employer confirms your salary in writing

• You’re returning to the same role or employer

• You have a strong employment history

If your return plans are uncertain, or you’re planning reduced hours, lenders may be more cautious and use the lower maternity income instead.

What documents do lenders usually require?

When applying for a mortgage on maternity leave, you typically need to provide a bit more paperwork than a standard mortgage application.

Common documents required include:

• Recent payslips showing maternity pay

• Your latest P60

• Employment contract or HR letter confirming return-to-work details

• Bank statements

• Proof of savings or deposit

• Details of any childcare costs

Some lenders also ask for a signed declaration confirming your intention to return to work. Preparing these documents early can help prevent any delays in securing a mortgage.

Can you apply before returning to work?

Yes, you don’t necessarily have to wait until you’re back at your desk to apply for a mortgage. Applying before your return date can make sense if you've found a property you want to buy, or you want to lock in a good interest rate.

However, if your return date is very close, waiting a few weeks could improve affordability calculations. Especially if lenders can use your first full payslip after returning to work.

Does shared parental leave affect mortgage applications?

Shared parental leave is treated similarly to maternity leave. Lenders are mainly concerned with how long income will be reduced, who will return to work first, and future household earnings.

If both partners are taking leave at the same time, lenders may take a more cautious view because the temporary drop in income is larger.

Providing a clear timeline of who is returning to work and when can help reassure underwriters.

Use your free mortgage calculator to help you see how much you could borrow

Which lenders are most flexible?

This completely depends on your personal situation and how much you're looking to borrow. However, smaller building societies are generally considered more flexible than high street banks for maternity leave mortgages.

Some high street banks, such as Halifax and Santander, are happy to use your return to work salary with employer confirmation. Others prefer applicants to have already returned or be close to returning to work.

Specialist lenders may consider more complex arrangements, such as reduced hours or career changes.

Rather than focusing on one specific bank, it’s usually better to look at lenders whose criteria match your circumstances.

A mortgage broker can identify options more quickly because they know exactly which providers are currently flexible around maternity leave.

Should you wait until you return to work?

While it is possible to apply for a mortgage while on maternity leave, waiting until you return to work, or close to it, is often easier.

Lenders cannot discriminate against your situation, but they will assess affordability based on reduced income, potentially lowering the amount you can borrow.

Waiting until you return to work could offer a wider choice of lenders, better interest rates, and a smoother, less stressful application process.

Applying during maternity leave could be better if:

• You’ve found the right property now

• You want to secure a deal before rates change

• Your return-to-work salary can be used

Waiting until you’re back might help if:

• Your borrowing amount feels tight

• You’re unsure about childcare costs or working hours

• You want lenders to see stable, full income again

Tips to improve your chances of being approved

If you’re planning to apply while on maternity leave, these steps can help:

• Get a written letter from your employer confirming your return date and salary

• Be realistic about childcare and future expenses

• Keep your credit commitments low before applying

• Build a larger deposit if possible

• Consider speaking to a broker early for guidance

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