It is possible to get a mortgage without a full-time job but you will need to demonstrate to any mortgage providers that you can afford mortgage repayment with the income that you have.
Can You Get a Mortgage if You Are Unemployed?
If you are looking to take out a mortgage, and are not currently in full-time employment, it may prove difficult. Lenders typically look at a borrower’s income or annual salary in order to assess how much money they are willing to loan.
However, some mortgage providers are more flexible than others in how they define “income” and it may not mean a full-time job. If this is the case, these lenders may accept freelance income, savings accounts or even benefits as long as you can prove that your monthly income is sufficient to meet payments.
If you are unemployed, you might find it very difficult to secure a mortgage without an exemplary credit history and the ability to offer a high down-payment. Beware of no-income mortgages which may come with much higher interest rates and reduced borrowing power.
Is It Possible To Get a Mortgage When on Universal Credit?
It may be difficult to secure a mortgage on Universal Credit. However, if you are on Universal Credit with a pre-existing mortgage, you may be able to get assistance with mortgage payments but only if you have been claiming it for more than 39 weeks consistently.
How Can You Qualify for a Mortgage if You Do Not Have a Full-Time Job?
If you are applying for a mortgage and cannot prove employment, you will need to be able to demonstrate some source of regular income which could include savings. Lenders will also require a good credit history. Regardless of whether you are unemployed by choice, such as taking retirement, or have lost your job, you will need to prove to any lender that you can make regular payments on time.
One way that you may be able to qualify for a mortgage whilst unemployed is by having a co-signer; this might be a relative, spouse or friend. This co-signer will need to be employed or have a high net worth. Co-signers make the mortgage less of a risk for the lender as they are securing the loan with their income and credit history.
Is It Possible To Get a Mortgage on Benefits?
If you are currently receiving benefits, it is unlikely that your lender can use your unemployment income in order to qualify for a home loan. More often than not, lenders require you to prove a minimum of two years of income from a reliable source.
However, if you are receiving benefits it may still be possible to get a mortgage under the right circumstances. This will be contingent on many variables including credit history and alternative sources of income.
If you have a regular source of income, assets or savings, in addition to the money you are receiving through benefits, you are more likely to have your application approved.
For lenders, their biggest concern is whether or not a borrower is able to meet their monthly mortgage obligations. Thus, if the benefits are sufficient to meet payments, and borrowers can demonstrate an otherwise satisfactory financial profile, lenders may indeed approve the mortgage.
Before putting in a loan application, you should check whether the lender accepts benefits as a valid source of income as an unsuccessful application could negatively impact your credit score. Working with a mortgage advisor could help you find the right lender and best deal for your personal circumstances.
Alternatives to Full-Time Employment
In today’s working landscape, mortgage providers tend to be more flexible about what they define as full-time employment. With self-employment, freelancing and the gig economy becoming more prevalent across the UK, there are more options available when demonstrating your income.
The most important thing that lenders want to see is income stability. Whether or not you have a regular employer, your objective should be to demonstrate that you have a fairly stable income and that this has been consistent for at least two years. Whether you have a part-time job, a freelance stint or are working from gig to gig, lenders will want to see that you can demonstrate employment history and enough income to meet mortgage repayments.
How Can I Demonstrate Eligibility for a Mortgage if I Have No Job?
In order to take out a loan when you are unemployed, you will still need to demonstrate how you will be able to meet repayments and show lenders that you have a solid credit history.
If you are unable to prove employment, you will most likely need to share the following information:
- If you have missed any utility bill payments
- How much credit you currently have available
- If you have previously been declined for loans and how many times
- If you are on the electoral roll
Lenders will only accept mortgage applications for the unemployed if they can be sure that you are able to meet monthly repayments. Demonstrating that you are able to make payments on time and can manage debt in a responsible manner will make you more likely to qualify for a loan.