Getting a mortgage after divorce

[GingerBeer1234]

Hello, I was wondering if anybody could share their knowledge on getting a mortgage as a divorced single income parent.

All I seem to hear is that lenders are much tougher these days - for everyone - so I'm assuming that it's even harder if you're on one income. And self-employed will only make it worse, I'm sure.

I have accounts I can show and will have a reasonable deposit - about 60% - but is it likely I can get 3 x my (lowish) income? Or 4 x, with a good deposit? Or do lenders just baulk at lending to single parents full stop?

Does anyone have any experience they could pass on? Tips on sympathetic or specialist mortgage lenders?

Thanks.

[RedHelenB]

Is it a new mortgage or taking sole ownership of an existing one? Halifax gave me one using tax credits, child benefit & earnings. Maintenance would have counted too BUT I didn't have 6 month worth to show them. They will look at any debt you have too. Not sure about self employed but if you have your figures to hand then i can't see why that would be a problem.

[losingtrust]

I went through an Independent Financial Adviser who got me four times salary but not self-employed so a bit easier. In the end went with Nat West. They did take into account child benefit but not maintenance unless you have a two year history of this. Just as well though as no longer getting any so can understand the lender.