At Empire Mortgages, we believe that homeownership should be achievable for everyone, regardless of income. If you have a lower-than-average income, are self-employed, working part-time, or receiving benefits, you may feel unsure about your chances of securing a mortgage. However, with the right advice and access to the right lenders, getting a mortgage on a low income is absolutely possible.
Our expert advisers specialise in helping clients overcome affordability challenges. We take time to understand your unique circumstances, assess your affordability in detail, and search the whole mortgage market to find a lender who recognises your potential, not just your payslip.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, move house, or remortgage on a tight budget, we’re here to make the process easier, clearer, and more achievable.
Yes — and we help people do it every day. Lenders don’t solely judge your application on salary. They look at the bigger financial picture, including:
Your Monthly Expenditure – Outgoings such as childcare, credit commitments, and utilities are factored into affordability assessments.
Credit History – A strong or improving credit profile can help offset concerns about lower income.
Deposit Size – The more you can put down, the stronger your application appears to lenders.
Supplementary Income – Maintenance payments, benefits, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and freelance earnings can often be considered.
Some lenders have more flexible criteria for applicants with lower incomes. We know which ones are likely to say yes.
Typical Challenges We Help Overcome:
Whatever your situation, Empire Mortgages will help find solutions, not barriers.
Getting a mortgage on a lower income requires strategy, knowledge of the market, and careful presentation of your finances. That’s where our expertise makes the difference.
Here’s how we make it happen:
Whole-of-Market Mortgage Search – We have access to hundreds of lenders, including specialist providers who are more flexible about income types and levels.
Tailored, Practical Advice – We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We assess your income, debts, savings, and future plans to create a bespoke mortgage plan.
Help Accessing Supportive Schemes – Government schemes and shared ownership options are specifically designed to help people with lower incomes onto the property ladder. We can help you benefit from them.
Transparent Communication – We’ll explain your borrowing potential clearly, break down the numbers, and show you what’s realistic for your budget. No jargon. No false hope.
Application Preparation & Management – We ensure your application is packaged correctly to give you the best chance of approval. We liaise with lenders, underwriters, and solicitors to keep things moving.
When applying for a mortgage with a lower income, you can take steps to improve your chances:
Improve Your Credit Score: Pay all bills on time, clear debts where possible, and check your credit file for errors.
Save for a Larger Deposit: A bigger deposit reduces the loan-to-value (LTV), giving lenders more confidence.
Reduce Your Outgoings: Trim unnecessary subscriptions, loans, and discretionary spending ahead of applying.
Provide Clear Documentation: Accurate, well-organised payslips, bank statements, and tax returns show lenders you’re a serious applicant.
Seek Professional Advice Early: Talking to a broker can help you avoid wasting time on unsuitable lenders or deals.
We’ll help you prepare thoroughly to give you the strongest possible position when applying.
If you’re on a lower income and unsure if a mortgage is possible for you, let’s have a conversation. There’s no obligation, just honest, friendly advice and a plan to help you move forward.
Book a Free Consultation Today and let’s discuss your mortgage options.
Lenders typically lend between 4 and 4.5 times your annual income, but this varies. Your debts, dependents, and credit score also influence this figure.
Absolutely. As long as your income and outgoings make the mortgage affordable, part-time work won’t necessarily be a barrier.
Not always. Some lenders accept deposits as low as 5%, especially with schemes like Shared Ownership or First Homes.
Some do. We work with lenders who understand the modern working world, including irregular, seasonal, and freelance income.
Refer a Friend Scheme
Recommend a friend who is new to Empire Mortgages and if they then take out their mortgage with us, you’ll each receive £50 worth of vouchers.
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The guidance provided within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore primarily targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Empire Mortgages Ltd is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of TenetLime Ltd. TenetLime Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Tenet Lime Ltd is entered on the Financial Services Register (www.fca.org.uk/register) under reference 150643.
Empire Mortgages Ltd may charge a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend on your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Our typical fee is £295 payable on receipt of a full mortgage offer.
Registered in Scotland under reference SC545434
Registered office address: Unit 9, Flexspace, Pitreavie Business Park, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
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