Mortgage on maternity or parental leave
You can get a mortgage while on maternity or parental leave. Many UK lenders assess your normal return-to-work salary rather than your reduced leave pay, as long as you intend to return and can evidence your contracted income, often with an employer letter confirming your return date and hours. If you are returning part-time, lenders base affordability on that lower income, so be clear about your plans.
How lenders look at leave income
The worry is understandable: on leave your pay is often reduced, sometimes to statutory levels, so it looks as if you cannot afford much. But lenders are usually interested in the income you will have when you return, not the temporary leave figure. With confirmation of your normal salary and your intention to return, many lenders will assess you on that contracted income. The lender's policy is what varies, which is where choosing well pays off.
What to have ready
- Payslips from before your leave showing your normal salary.
- An employer letter confirming your return date, role and hours.
- Clarity on whether you are returning full-time or part-time.
- An idea of childcare costs, which some lenders factor into affordability.
Be straight about your return
If you plan to return part-time or change hours, tell the lender, because affordability is based on the income you will actually have. Lenders that handle leave well will work with your real plans. A broker can point you to those lenders rather than ones likely to over-complicate it.
Common questions
Can I get a mortgage on maternity leave?
Yes. Many lenders will assess you on your normal, return-to-work salary rather than your reduced maternity pay, provided you intend to return and can evidence your contracted income. Lenders vary, so the right one matters, but being on leave is not a barrier in itself.
What will lenders ask for?
Typically confirmation of your normal salary and your intended return date and hours, often via a letter from your employer, plus your usual payslips from before leave. If you are returning part-time, lenders assess the part-time income, so be clear about your plans.
What if I am returning part-time?
Lenders will generally base affordability on the income you will actually have on return. If that is part-time, the figure is lower, and any childcare costs may also be taken into account. Honesty about your return plans avoids problems later.
Is it discrimination to be assessed on leave?
Lenders must lend responsibly and treat applicants fairly. Being on maternity or parental leave should not by itself lead to a decline if you can evidence your return-to-work income. A broker can steer you to lenders with clear, fair policies for borrowers on leave.
Changing jobs around the same time? See new job or probation.
Founder, MortgageExplained, MortgageExplained
Adam spent nearly a decade as a mortgage adviser at Just Mortgages, with further experience in commercial finance. He is CeMAP and CF qualified. He built MortgageExplained to do one thing well: explain mortgages in plain English, then introduce you to a regulated broker when you are ready. Every page is written and reviewed by Adam.
Last reviewed: 29 June 2026