Getting a mortgage whilst on maternity leave

[PinkFondantFancy]

My DH and I have just had an offer accepted on a house. Fingers crossed the vendors will quickly find somewhere to move to and everything will be ok. However, my first baby is due at the end of September, and I was wondering if anyone knows whether it's possible to still apply for a mortgage whilst on maternity leave? We've had an agreement in principle based on both of our salaries, and during my year's maternity leave I'll be paid full pay for 6 months, and nothing for the rest (except for a bit of statutory I think?) We're confident that we can afford the mortgage during the second half of the maternity leave due to savings - but I wonder if the bank will see it that way? I'm on a permanent full-time contract in case that makes any difference. Any experience of how this works would be greatly appreciated.

Some banks wont take your salary into account whilst on maternity leave as there is no guarantee you'll return. If its based on your husbands income alone you will be fine, if its on joint incomes then it will depend on who your lender is.

I'm in a similar situation, due 1st Oct and just had an offer accepted etc. My husband and I have just been refused a mortgage from First Direct on the grounds of my pregnancy. We've found other lenders who will give us a mortgage by going through a broker who is sorting it all out for us. Let me know if you want their details.

According to the following financial service ombudsman case study 37/3, refusing on the grounds of pregnancy is unlawful: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/ombudsman-news/37/banking-equal-access.htm

First Direct won't take any of my income into consideration. Even if they only looked at my husband's salary plus 6 months of my salary and 6 months maternity allowance, that would still be more than their minimum required income, but they refuse to consider our application.

I'm following the ombudsman guide to taking action and have completed step 1, which is to formally register a complaint with First Direct: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm

I gt a mortgage whilst on maternity leave. You are legally still employed and as long as you can produce your pay slips there shouldn't be a problem.

I am a bit shocked by this! Only been here a year so not that long ago.....

We got one - we didn't tell the bank I was pregnant and moved 1 week before baby was born! remember panicking about the same thing.

Shhhhhh.... We didn't tell the bank. Actually, we did, we told the first guy we spoke to, but I don't think he told the woman who actually gave us the mortgage.