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If you work in the construction industry and get paid under the CIS Scheme, you might have heard people mention a NatWest CIS contractor mortgage. But what does that actually mean? Is it a special mortgage product, or just the way NatWest assess income for CIS workers?
At Strive Mortgages, we specialise in helping CIS contractors find the best deals. This guide covers everything you need to know about NatWest CIS mortgages — from how many CIS slips you need, to how much you can borrow, to whether NatWest really is the best choice for you.
What Is a NatWest CIS Mortgage?
Strictly speaking, there’s no unique “CIS mortgage” from NatWest. The term simply refers to how NatWest treat income from CIS workers.
- Many banks will class you as self-employed and demand 2–3 years’ accounts or tax returns.
- NatWest are more flexible — they’ll often work from your CIS payslips/statements, as long as you have 12 months of history.
- This can give you a higher assessed income than using net profits from tax returns.
So when people say “CIS mortgage with NatWest,” what they mean is: NatWest are contractor-friendly and accept CIS statements as proof of income.
What Are NatWest CIS Mortgage Rates Like?
Good news: CIS workers don’t pay higher mortgage rates.
- NatWest rates for CIS are the same as for employed or self-employed borrowers.
- They’re usually in the top 5 most competitive lenders at any given time.
- When we talk about “CIS mortgages”, we’re not talking about a special product with higher costs — just the way income is assessed.
How many months CIS slips do NatWest need?
12 consecutive months of CIS payslips/statements are required.
Does NatWest accept CIS statements for a mortgage?
Yes. NatWest are happy to use CIS statements instead of full accounts. 12 month’s are required
Can CIS workers get a mortgage with NatWest?
✅ Absolutely. You can apply either with:
- 12 months of CIS statements, or
- 2 years of self-employed tax returns/accounts.
👉 For many CIS workers, the 12-month slip route works better — especially if your accounts show lower profit than your gross CIS income.
How much can I borrow on a CIS mortgage with NatWest?
- Usually 4.5–5× your income.
- Higher multiples are available for higher earners or bigger deposits.
- NatWest often limit to 4.5× at lower incomes or higher loan-to-value.
- At 5% deposit (95% LTV), affordability may be tighter, but options still exist.
What deposit do I need for a CIS mortgage with NatWest?
- Minimum 5% deposit (95% LTV).
- Bigger deposits unlock better rates and more generous affordability.
Do NatWest deduct materials for CIS contractors?
✅ Yes — materials are deducted before calculating your gross income.
The Pros and Cons of a NatWest CIS Mortgage
✅ Advantages
- 52-week average – NatWest use your full 12 months’ income, not 46/48 weeks like some other lenders. If you’ve worked consistently, this boosts your affordability.
- Competitive rates – Same pricing as any other borrower.
- Choice of evidence – Either CIS slips or tax returns can be used.
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Need 12 months’ history – You can’t apply with just 3 months like Halifax; if you’re new to CIS, you may need to wait.
- More documents – You’ll need 12 months’ payslips plus proof your work is ongoing.
- Not always the top option – Other lenders like Halifax or Skipton may be a better fit depending on your circumstances.
Guide; CIS Mortgage mistakes
How Do NatWest Compare with Other CIS Lenders?
- Halifax – Only need 3 months’ CIS slips, but cap income at 46 weeks. Ideal for new CIS contractors.
- Skipton – Want 12 months’ CIS history and 2 years’ industry experience. Stricter, but often sharp rates.
- NatWest – Balance between the two: need 12 months, but give you credit for the full 52-week total.
Each lender has strengths. The right choice depends on your history, income pattern, deposit, and future plans.
Check out our CIS guides to these lenders & Best CIS lender guide
Halifax CIS mortgage guide Skipton CIS Mortgage guide NatWest CIS Mortgage Guide
Best CIS Mortgage Lenders Guide
Why Use a CIS Mortgage Broker?
Navigating the Construction Industry Scheme mortgage process can be confusing. Pick the wrong lender, and you might:
- Be assessed on net profit instead of gross CIS income, slashing borrowing power.
- Face unnecessary delays because you don’t fit their standard self-employed rules.
- Miss out on better rates with another lender.
At Strive Mortgages, we’ve helped thousands of CIS workers across the UK secure mortgages. We know:
- Which lenders maximise borrowing on CIS slips.
- Who will work with just 3 months, 12 months, or 2 years’ accounts.
- How to position your application to get approval first time.
👉 If you’re a CIS contractor thinking about a mortgage with NatWest — or wondering if Halifax or Skipton might suit you better — get in touch with Strive today for clear, expert advice.
