Can You Get A Mortgage While On Maternity Leave?

If you’re currently on maternity leave — or planning to start a family soon — you might be wondering whether it’s possible to get a mortgage during this time.

The short answer is: yes, you can get a mortgage on maternity leave.

But as with most things mortgage-related, it depends on your circumstances and how your income is assessed.

Here’s what you need to know.

How lenders view maternity leave

When you apply for a mortgage, lenders assess affordability. They look at your income, outgoings, existing debt, credit history and future financial stability.

If you’re on maternity leave, your income may temporarily be lower — especially if you’re receiving Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) rather than your full salary.

This is where lenders take a closer look.

Many lenders will consider your return-to-work income, not just what you’re currently receiving, as long as you can provide confirmation from your employer.

What you’ll usually need to provide

If you’re applying for a mortgage while on maternity leave, you may need to provide:

• A letter from your employer confirming your return-to-work date, your salary on return and whether you’re returning part-time or full-time.
• Recent payslips.
• Evidence of maternity pay
• Recent bank statements.

Lenders want reassurance that your lower income is temporary and that you have a clear plan to return to work.

If you’re returning to the same role, on the same salary, this often works in your favour.

What if you’re returning part-time?

This is where things can become slightly more complex.

If your income will reduce permanently because you’re returning part-time, lenders will usually base affordability on your new, lower salary.

This doesn’t mean you can’t get approved — it just means the amount you can borrow may be lower than before.

It’s important to calculate affordability based on realistic future income, especially if childcare costs will also increase once you return to work.

What about childcare costs?

Lenders will factor childcare into your monthly outgoings.

Even if your baby hasn’t started nursery yet, you may be asked about planned childcare arrangements. These costs can significantly affect affordability calculations.

Being honest and realistic at this stage is essential. You don’t want to stretch your budget too tightly once mortgage payments and childcare overlap.

Applying before maternity leave vs during

Some buyers choose to secure a mortgage before maternity leave begins, particularly if they are on full salary at the time of application.

However, lenders may still ask about upcoming maternity leave if it’s already planned. We weren’t asked during our application which happened during the early stages of pregnancy.

But transparency is key. Withholding information could cause problems later in the process.

If you’re already on leave, it may simply require additional documentation rather than being a barrier.

What if you’re self-employed?

If you’re self-employed and on maternity leave, the situation can be more complex.

Lenders typically assess self-employed applicants using two to three years of accounts, your average income over those years and your tax calculations.

If your most recent year shows reduced earnings due to maternity leave, some lenders may take this into account, but not all will.

This is where a mortgage broker can be particularly helpful, as they’ll know which lenders are more flexible.

Tips for applying on maternity leave

If you’re considering applying for a mortgage during maternity leave, it can help to speak to a mortgage broker, they’ll have a better idea of which lenders to go to.

Be clear about your return-to-work plans and get written confirmation from your employer. And during your maternity leave make sure to maintain a strong credit profile.

So, can you get a mortgage on maternity leave?

Yes — in many cases, you absolutely can.

Lenders understand that maternity leave is temporary. The key factors are:

• Evidence of returning to work.
• Stable employment.
• Realistic affordability.
• Clear documentation

Every lender has slightly different criteria, which is why getting tailored advice is important.

If you’re planning a move during maternity leave, don’t assume it’s impossible. With the right preparation and support, it can still be achievable.