Skip to the content ↷ Menu 0116 464 5544 Contact details Mortgage Eligibility Contrary to popular belief, submitting your mortgage application isn’t the first step on the journey towards home ownership. Instead, it’s assessing your eligibility and determining how likely it is you’ll qualify for a mortgage. Using a mortgage calculator can be a great place to start, as can comparing mortgage deals to establish your budget and assess affordability. It is important to factor a few essential eligibility considerations into the equation. The following 10 being the most important of all – each of which could stand in your way of qualifying for a mortgage: 1) Having multiple existing debts All of your existing debts will be taken into consideration by the lenders you apply to. Debts are a normal part of everyday life but you may be considered a high-risk applicant if you have multiple existing debts or debts with a high total combined value. 2) Imperfect credit Most mainstream lenders continue to scrutinise applicants by way of their credit history. Even the slightest ‘slipups’ in your financial activities are recorded on your credit report for the next six years. It is therefore important to check your credit score thoroughly before applying for a mortgage. 3) Having no credit history at all The same also applies if you have no credit history. Major banks and lenders insist on seeing evidence of responsible financial behaviour from prospective borrowers, before granting mortgages and other everyday loans. Some lenders and brokers will offer bad credit mortgages. 4) Electoral roll exclusion Even today, banks and lenders continue to use the electoral roll to confirm the identities of those they do business with. Getting on the electoral roll is easy (check Gov.uk) but failing to do so could stand in your way of accessing a mortgage. 5) Purchasing ‘non-standard’ properties Mortgage lenders also factor in the type of properties their applicants intend to buy. Most are willing to lend money for standard homes and commercial properties, but anything considered ‘non-standard’ can raise additional complications. 6) Self-employment Self-employed individuals may find it more difficult than others to verify their financial status and income. In which case, it may be necessary to target specialist lenders with your application, rather than the usual mainstream banks and lenders. 7) Applying for too much The eligibility checks carried out by the lender will also factor in the amount you can comfortably afford to borrow. Policies and restrictions vary from one lender to the next, but attempting to borrow too much is guaranteed to result in your application being declined. 8) Major changes in your life Most lenders also want to see evidence of stability in the lives of mortgage applicants. Hence, any major changes happening in your life – divorce, starting a family, major relocation, new job etc. – could potentially stand in your way of qualifying for a mortgage. 9) Application errors It is surprising how many mortgage applications are declined each day due to simple errors and omissions. Unfortunately, any application declined for even the simplest of mistakes could adversely affect your chances of qualifying next time around. 10) Applying to the wrong lender Last up, the importance of targeting only the most appropriate lenders with your applications cannot be overstated. Particularly if you have an imperfect credit history or may struggle to provide proof of income, you will need to target specialist lenders rather than the usual High Street banks. To discuss your eligibility for a competitive deal or for help with comparing mortgage deals, contact a member of the team at UK Property Finance anytime. LET US BEAT YOUR QUOTE Data Protection - ICO Registered ZA115985 The advice and processing of all financial products introduced via this website will be handled by UK Property Finance Ltd, which is authorised by The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) no 667602. The FCA do not regulate all mortgages such as Buy to Let and Commercial. Think carefully before securing debts against your home. Your property could be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage on any other debt secured on it.