What If I Have Dependents? Will That Impact My Mortgage?

Introduction

When applying for a mortgage, lenders in the UK assess not just your income, but also your financial commitments. One important factor is whether you have dependents, such as children or other family members who rely on your income. Having dependents doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage, but it can influence how much you may be able to borrow. In this article, we’ll explore the key ways mortgage dependents impact UK borrowers, what lenders look for, and how you can prepare for a stronger application.

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

How Dependents Affect Mortgage Affordability

1. Lender Affordability Checks

UK mortgage lenders are required to carry out affordability assessments to ensure borrowers can realistically keep up repayments. This includes examining your income, expenditure, debts, and financial commitments. If you have dependents, lenders assume higher monthly outgoings—such as childcare, school costs, or general living expenses—which can reduce the disposable income available for mortgage repayments.

2. Income vs. Expenditure Ratios

Most lenders calculate a loan-to-income multiple (for example, around 4.0x to 4.5x your annual income). However, this figure is illustrative only and varies by lender and applicant circumstances. For borrowers with dependents, this multiple may be adjusted downwards. Two applicants earning a similar salary may qualify for different borrowing amounts depending on how many children or dependents they support. Lenders will often ask for details of childcare costs, household bills, and any other regular commitments linked to dependents.

3. Long-Term Financial Stability

Having dependents may also lead lenders to consider your long-term stability. Costs such as university fees, private tuition, or healthcare can impact your finances over time. While lenders don’t expect you to predict every future expense, they want to see that you can sustain mortgage repayments alongside family commitments. Providing clear, accurate information helps demonstrate your reliability and strengthens your case.

Key Considerations for Borrowers with Dependents

Demonstrating Affordability

• Budget planning: Keep a record of your monthly spending, including childcare, groceries, and transport. This makes it easier to show lenders your financial position.
• Evidence of stable income: Regular payslips, bank statements, and P60s will reassure lenders of your capacity to manage both dependents and mortgage costs.

Impact on Deposit Requirements

While dependents don’t directly affect the deposit amount required, your reduced affordability could mean lenders prefer a higher deposit to lower their risk. A larger deposit can also improve the mortgage rate available, helping offset affordability constraints.

Mortgage Types and Dependents

Certain products, such as longer mortgage terms, may be offered to reduce monthly repayments for borrowers with dependents. However, extending the term usually increases the total interest paid. A mortgage broker can help assess whether a fixed, tracker, or flexible deal is most suitable given your family circumstances.

Practical Tips and Recommendations

1. Track and reduce expenses: The clearer your monthly spending picture, the better positioned you are to show affordability. Cutting back unnecessary costs before applying can boost your borrowing potential.
2. Build a larger deposit: If possible, saving more towards your deposit can improve access to better mortgage deals and reassure lenders.
3. Check your credit score: Dependents don’t affect credit ratings directly, but lenders still review your creditworthiness. Ensure your file is accurate and up to date.
4. Consider term length carefully: Extending your mortgage term lowers monthly costs but increases long-term interest. Seek advice before committing.
5. Use a mortgage adviser: A broker familiar with how dependents affect affordability can compare lenders’ approaches and help position your application for success.

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

FAQ Section

1. Will having children stop me from getting a mortgage?
   No. Having children doesn’t prevent you from getting a mortgage, but it can reduce how much you can borrow.
2. Do lenders ask for childcare costs?
   Yes. Lenders often ask for details of childcare and other regular dependent-related expenses when assessing affordability.
3. Can dependents reduce my borrowing multiple?
   Yes. A borrower with dependents may be offered a lower income multiple than someone with no dependents, depending on affordability.
4. Does having dependents affect my credit score?
   No. Dependents do not impact your credit score directly. Lenders look at affordability, not your score, when assessing dependent costs.
5. Should I apply jointly with a partner if I have dependents?
   In many cases, a joint application can increase household income shown to the lender, improving affordability. However, joint mortgages also share responsibility for repayments.

Important FCA Warning

As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments.

Disclosure

We provide mortgage advice from whole-of-market . We may receive commission from lenders or charge a fee, but this does not affect the advice we give. We will always make clear any costs before proceeding.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Always speak to an FCA-authorised adviser before making financial decisions. Product availability and criteria are subject to change. Accurate as of August 2025.