Q&A: How Does Maternity Leave Affect Applying for a Mortgage in the UK?
Author: Andy Bedford » Publish Date: 24 June 2025
Applying for a mortgage while on maternity leave can feel daunting. Lenders scrutinise your income to assess affordability, so any deviation from standard employment (including maternity pay) can raise questions.
This article explores the topic in a Q&A format, addressing how lenders treat maternity leave and what documentation you’ll need to secure your mortgage.
Q1: Can I get a mortgage while on maternity leave?
In short — yes, you can. Most UK mortgage lenders will consider applicants on maternity leave, provided they can demonstrate a return-to-work plan and affordability based on their regular income. The key is to show that your long-term income supports the mortgage payments, even if your current income is temporarily reduced.
But every lender’s approach to calculating this is different. So, if you’ve spoken to your bank or existing lender and been told they can’t help, get in touch. It’s our job to delve through the market and find lenders whose criteria you do meet.
Q2: What income do lenders use when assessing my application?
Lenders usually base affordability on your return-to-work salary, not just your current maternity pay. You typically need to provide:
- A letter from your employer confirming:
- Your current maternity leave status
- Your expected return-to-work date
- Your contracted hours on return
- Your salary on return
- Recent payslips (from before maternity leave)
- A current payslip — unless you’re on extended leave and receiving no pay
Many lenders require your return to work to be within a set timeframe, typically three months. But not all do — competitive lenders may consider your full return-to-work income even if the return date is further away.
In such cases, most will want to see how you’ll cover any shortfall in the meantime if the mortgage starts before your return — typically using savings.
Q3: Will potential childcare costs affect how much I can borrow?
Yes, if you’re buying a residential property. For buy-to-let properties, usually not.
For residential loans, lenders will ask what childcare costs you expect upon returning to work. But affordability calculations are complex — someone with a high household income and no debts may find their maximum loans unaffected. On the other hand, those with significant commitments, lower income, or other children may see a drastic difference.
If you don’t expect to have childcare costs on return, that’s fine — as long as your explanation is realistic. Many families rely on relatives or alternate shifts to manage care, but if the lender doubts your reasoning, your application could be declined.
Buy-to-let affordability is assessed differently, with rental income taking priority. In that context, childcare costs have little or no effect on borrowing potential.
Q4: What if I don’t plan to return to work full-time?
If you’re returning part-time or not at all, lenders will assess your affordability based on your expected income — not your previous full-time salary. Be upfront about any changes.
Lenders may consider your partner’s income or accept other sources (e.g., benefits, rental income) to support the application.
On the plus side, returning part-time often reduces your childcare costs, which can help offset the lower income.
Q5: Will lenders consider statutory maternity pay (SMP)?
Some will, but it depends on the lender. SMP alone is rarely sufficient to support a mortgage on its own — but it can be included as part of total household income.
If your return to work is confirmed, SMP can still help with affordability in the short term, especially if paired with your partner’s income or savings.
Q6: Can I use Child Benefit or other family-related income?
Yes — some lenders include Child Benefit or Child Tax Credit in affordability calculations, but usually only if the child is under a certain age and payments are stable.
Universal Credit and similar benefits are treated more cautiously due to variability.
Q7: Does being on maternity leave affect my credit score?
No — maternity leave itself does not affect your credit score. However, reduced income might impact your ability to manage credit or bills, which can affect your profile. It’s important to stay on top of financial commitments during this time.
Q8: Will being pregnant or on maternity leave affect a joint application?
Only in terms of the maximum loan and the choice of lenders, as discussed above.
Your partner’s income will still be considered in full if it remains unaffected. If you’ve opted for shorter maternity leave and extended paternity leave for your partner, the assessment will be similar — lenders will still focus on return-to-work income, timing, and employer confirmation.
Q9: What if I’m self-employed and on maternity leave?
Since income assessments for self-employed applicants are usually based on tax returns up to 18 months old, it’s possible that your maternity leave won’t appear in your accounts.
That said, it’s crucial to be transparent. If your income has recently reduced due to taking time out, your broker needs to know so they can match you with lenders whose rules accommodate this.
If the income appears stable — and your break hasn’t significantly affected turnover — then lending outcomes may remain largely unaffected.
Be aware: lenders increasingly use credit reference data and open banking to cross-check income consistency, so honesty is critical.
Q10: What’s the best way to strengthen my application?
Simple: Work with a broker.
Despite what you may hear, getting a mortgage isn’t about “strengthening” your application — it’s about applying to the right lender.
Most lenders don’t make case-by-case decisions. They follow rigid lending criteria — you either fit their model or you don’t. That’s why matching your profile to the right lender matters far more than perfecting a “generic” application.
And this principle doesn’t just apply to maternity leave. It’s true for all scenarios — income type, property type, credit history, and more.
Final Thoughts
While maternity leave can complicate a mortgage application, it doesn’t have to be a barrier. Lenders ultimately care about long-term affordability, not just your income at the moment you apply.
With the right paperwork — and the right broker — you can secure a competitive mortgage and plan confidently for your family’s future.