Can Single Parents Get Mortgages?

Yes, single parents can get mortgages. Lenders assess applications based on income, credit, deposit, and affordability - the same criteria as anyone else. Benefits income (child benefit, tax credits, maintenance) is accepted by many lenders. Schemes like Shared Ownership help with affordability. Single income limits borrowing to around 4-4.5x salary, but brokers can find lenders with higher multipliers.

First time buyer mortgages

Learn more about first time buyer mortgages in our detailed guide.

Shared ownership mortgages

Learn more about shared ownership mortgages in our detailed guide.

Low deposit mortgages

Learn more about low deposit mortgages in our detailed guide.

How much can I borrow?

Learn more about how much can i borrow in our detailed guide.

Can I get a mortgage as a single parent?

Yes, single parents can get mortgages. Lenders assess your application like any other - based on income, credit history, deposit, and affordability. While a single income may limit how much you can borrow, there are schemes and options specifically helpful for single parents.

Can I use benefits income for a mortgage?

Some lenders accept certain benefits as income for mortgage applications. Child benefit, working tax credits, child tax credits, and maintenance payments are often accepted. Universal Credit and housing benefit are accepted by fewer lenders. A broker can identify which lenders accept your income sources.

What government schemes help single parents?

Shared Ownership lets you buy 25-75% and pay rent on the rest. First Homes offers 30-50% discount for first-time buyers. Help to Buy ISAs and Lifetime ISAs provide savings bonuses. Some local authorities have single parent housing initiatives.

How much can I borrow as a single parent?

Lenders typically offer 4-4.5x your annual income. For example, on £30,000 income, you might borrow £120,000-£135,000. Some lenders go higher for certain professions. Benefits income may count at reduced rates. A broker can find lenders with the best multipliers for your situation.

Can child maintenance count towards a mortgage?

Yes, many lenders accept child maintenance as income if it's regular, documented (court order or formal agreement), and has been received consistently for 6-12 months. Some lenders require it to continue for several more years. It's often counted at 100% of value.

What deposit do single parents need?

The same as any buyer - minimum 5% for most mortgages. However, a larger deposit (10-15%) opens better rates and more lender options. Gifted deposits from family are common and accepted by most lenders.

Quick Answer

How Can Single Parents Get a Mortgage?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Single parents can get mortgages based on income, credit, and deposit like any buyer. Benefits and maintenance income often count. Shared Ownership and other schemes help with affordability.

Single parents face the same mortgage criteria as any buyer - income, credit history, deposit, and affordability. The challenge is usually affordability on a single income, but there are solutions. Many lenders accept benefits income including child benefit, tax credits, and child maintenance payments. Government schemes like Shared Ownership allow you to buy a percentage of a property, reducing the mortgage needed. A specialist broker can identify lenders who maximise your borrowing potential and accept all your income sources.

Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Key Points

1Same criteria as any buyer (income, credit, deposit)
2Benefits income accepted by many lenders
3Child maintenance counts as income (if regular)
4Shared Ownership reduces mortgage needed
5Typically borrow 4-4.5x income
6Gifted deposits from family accepted

Eligibility Criteria

Regular income (employed or self-employed)
Benefits and/or maintenance documented
Minimum 5% deposit (10%+ for better rates)
Acceptable credit history
Affordability passes stress tests

Typical Timeframe

Mortgage applications take 4-8 weeks. Gather 3 months of bank statements, proof of benefits/maintenance income, and evidence of any gifted deposits. If using Shared Ownership, allow extra time for the housing association process.

Next Steps

1Calculate all income sources (salary, benefits, maintenance)
2Check credit report and address any issues
3Save for deposit (5% minimum, 10%+ better)
4Explore Shared Ownership and First Homes
5Speak to a broker about lender options

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How Can Single Parents Get a Mortgage?

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

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