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Maternity leave is an exciting and important time for new parents — but it can also raise concerns, especially around your finances. One of the most common questions we hear is:
👉 “Can I still get a mortgage while on maternity leave?”
The short answer is yes — but the process may be slightly different, and lenders will look closely at your income, employment plans, and affordability.
This guide explains everything you need to know about getting a mortgage while on maternity leave, what lenders look for, and how to improve your chances of approval.
Does Maternity Leave Affect Mortgage Applications?
Being on maternity leave can affect how much you’re able to borrow, because lenders assess your application based on income and stability.
- If you’re on Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or reduced pay, some lenders will base their calculations on that lower figure.
- Others will consider your return-to-work salary, provided you can show evidence from your employer.
- If you’re reducing hours or returning part-time, your borrowing power may be lower.
In short: maternity leave doesn’t stop you from getting a mortgage, but it can change how much a lender is willing to offer.
Can I Get Mortgage Approval on Maternity Leave?
Yes, you can. Many lenders are flexible when it comes to maternity leave — but they may require more evidence than usual.
Key factors lenders look at include:
- Your return-to-work salary and hours.
- A letter from your employer confirming your role and return date.
- Your recent bank statements and payslips.
- Your overall credit history and debt-to-income ratio.
If you’re planning to return to your role on the same or higher salary, this makes approval more straightforward.
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What About Paternity Leave?
Paternity leave is usually shorter and often paid closer to your regular salary. Because of this, most lenders don’t view paternity leave as a major risk, provided income resumes quickly.
Still, you’ll need to be transparent about your income and provide employer confirmation if requested.
How to Improve Your Chances of Mortgage Approval on Maternity Leave
Here are practical steps to boost your chances:
1. Work With a Specialist Broker
Not all lenders treat maternity leave the same way. At Strive, we know which lenders are more flexible with professionals and which take a stricter approach. A broker can save you wasted time and rejections.
2. Provide Clear Documentation
Gather:
- Employer letter confirming your return date and salary.
- Payslips or HR confirmation of your contracted hours.
- Bank statements showing your income and spending.
- A budget including future childcare costs to show affordability.
3. Consider a Joint Mortgage
If your partner is applying with you, their income can strengthen your case. Even if your income is temporarily reduced, the second salary helps keep affordability strong.
4. Be Honest About Your Plans
If you’re returning part-time or on lower pay, your borrowing may be reduced — but being upfront helps your broker match you with the right lender.
How Much Can I Borrow on Maternity Leave?
Lenders typically lend 4–5x your income, though this varies by lender and circumstances.
Joint mortgage: Lenders will consider both incomes, which can make a big difference.
Returning full-time on same pay: Many lenders will base affordability on your full salary.
Returning part-time/lower hours: Your borrowing potential may be reduced.
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Why Strive Mortgages?
At Strive Mortgages, we understand that maternity leave can feel like a barrier to getting a mortgage — but it doesn’t have to be. Different lenders take different views on maternity income, and knowing who to approach can make all the difference.
We’ll:
- Match you with lenders who will consider your return-to-work salary, not just statutory maternity pay.
- Guide you through the paperwork, from employer letters to affordability checks.
- Make the process smooth and stress-free, so you can focus on your family while we handle the details.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, move to a larger property, or remortgage during maternity leave, we’ll find the right solution for your circumstances.
👉 Get in touch with Strive today and let us help you move forward with confidence.
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FAQs: Mortgages and Maternity Leave
How much does having a baby impact mortgage affordability?
Having a baby can significantly impact how much you can borrow, especially if childcare makes up a large proportion of your income. Lenders will factor in ongoing expenses such as childcare costs, nursery fees, or even future school fees when assessing affordability. The higher these outgoings, the lower the amount you may be able to borrow.
Can child benefit be used for a mortgage?
Yes, some lenders will accept child benefit as part of your income, provided your household income is under around £60,000 and you’re eligible to receive it. Not all lenders will include it, so it’s important to use a broker who knows which ones do.
What if my childcare costs are going to stop soon?
If you can show that childcare costs will end within the next 6 months, some lenders may choose to ignore these in their affordability assessment. For example, this might apply if your child is about to start school. Each lender has its own policy, so getting advice is key.
Related Reading
If you’re also interested in how family circumstances affect mortgages, see our blog:
Jamie Elvin
Jamie is an expert in all things mortgages, and our most experienced broker. Connect with Jamie and get started to see how Strive Mortgages can help you.
