Getting a Mortgage on Maternity Leave
Maternity leave can halve your monthly income on paper, but most UK lenders understand it's temporary and will underwrite on your return-to-work salary. The key is picking the right lender and packaging the paperwork correctly.
How Lenders Treat Maternity Income
There are three lender approaches:
1. Full Return-to-Work Salary
Most common approach among major lenders. They use your pre-maternity (or expected post-maternity) salary as if you were working normally, on the basis of a signed return-to-work letter from your employer.
2. Current SMP / Occupational Pay
A minority approach. The lender treats your current statutory or occupational maternity pay as your income, which is significantly less than your salary. Typically used only by lenders without manual underwriting.
3. Blended Approach
Occasionally used by specialist lenders: a weighted average of current SMP and return-to-work salary over the next 12 months. Produces a figure between the two.
Lenders by Approach
Criteria snapshot as of April 2026. Lenders update policy regularly — always check before applying.
| Lender | Maternity Income Approach |
|---|---|
| Halifax | Full return-to-work salary with employer letter |
| Nationwide | Full return salary with return date within 12 months |
| HSBC | Full return salary with employer letter |
| Barclays | Full return salary with evidence of return |
| NatWest / RBS | Full return salary, standard |
| Santander | Full return salary with employer letter |
| Virgin Money | Full return salary |
| Coventry BS | Full return salary, flexible |
| Skipton BS | Full return salary |
| Leeds BS | Full return salary |
| Yorkshire BS | Full return salary |
| Accord | Full return salary (part-time returns accepted) |
| Principality | Full return salary |
| TSB | Full return salary |
| Clydesdale | Full return salary (strong manual UW) |
| Metro Bank | Full return salary |
| Smaller BS (varies) | Often current SMP only |
The Paperwork You'll Need
- Signed employer letter confirming return date, post-maternity salary, and hours
- Latest 3 payslips (pre-maternity or SMP, depending on timing)
- 3 months of bank statements
- P60 or latest tax statement to establish baseline pre-maternity salary
- Details of childcare arrangements (some lenders factor childcare cost into outgoings when the return happens)
Common Mistakes
Applying Before Confirming Return Date
Lenders need a date. "Probably going back in 6 months" isn't enough. Confirm the date with HR in writing first, then apply.
Forgetting to Declare Part-Time Return
If you're returning at 80% hours, the lender needs to know that — and will use the pro-rata salary. Declaring the full-time figure and being caught later is a guaranteed decline at underwriting stage.
Not Factoring Childcare Into Outgoings
Most lenders will add a childcare figure to your committed outgoings from the point of return, even if you're not paying it now. Budget for £800–£1,500/month per child in nursery, which can cut your borrowing by £50k+.
Check Your Borrowing on Return-to-Work Salary
Run the numbers across all 60+ UK lenders using your full salary and return date — see who gives you the maximum and who won't lend at all.
Run My Affordability CheckFrequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage while on maternity leave?
Yes. Many UK lenders treat maternity leave as a temporary reduction in income and will underwrite on your return-to-work salary, so long as you have a return-to-work date and a signed letter from your employer. A smaller number only count statutory maternity pay (SMP).
Which lenders use my return-to-work salary?
Halifax, Nationwide, HSBC, Barclays, NatWest, Santander, Virgin Money, Coventry BS, Skipton BS, Leeds BS, Yorkshire BS will usually use your full return salary with evidence of a return date. Some require you to return within 3 months; others allow up to 12.
What counts as 'evidence of return to work'?
A signed letter from your employer confirming your post-maternity salary, expected return date, and hours (full-time or part-time). Increasingly, lenders also accept a copy of your formal maternity-return agreement. If you're returning part-time, most lenders will use the part-time pro-rata salary.
Can I remortgage while on maternity leave?
Yes, and the rules are often slightly more relaxed than a purchase. Product transfers with your existing lender rarely re-underwrite income. A full remortgage to a new lender will — but with evidence of return-to-work salary, most lenders will lend the amount you need.
What if I'm not planning to go back to work?
You'll need to apply on the earning partner's income alone, or a significantly reduced amount. A handful of specialist lenders consider part-time return salary or self-employed return — a broker familiar with the maternity-return space is usually worth the fee.
