Could/should we get a mortgage based on these circumstances?

[Sunrise888]

This is for a 500k+ house, but we only need a mortgage for 100-150k. I am returning to work from maternity leave, part time, my salary full time would be 36k. DP makes 32k but it's on a fixed term contract that ends early next year. I would have thought this alone would exclude us from mortgages.

The background is that I don't really want a mortgage. We can afford a nice house in similar location for less money with some family help and maybe a small bank loan. But we are being encouraged by family to look at a bigger, more expensive house in a slightly better location. It is a pretty good deal for what it is. I'm just not sure the small improvements to our lifestyle (bigger kitchen, extra bathroom, etc) are worth the bigger financial worry - it's probably a better investment in the long term but I'm scared to tie up all our money and go into debt when dp's career is not secure yet and we are hoping to get pregnant again soon.

So if it's not possible to get a mortgage based on our circumstances, I'd like to nip the idea in the bud!

See a financial advisor.
But if your gut feeling tells you not to overstretch, don’t do it.

My friend had a real issue with getting a mortgage when on a fixed term contract as there is no security and could potentially not be renewed. As it is your dh on the fixed term and he is the main earner then it may well be tricky but you have a lot of equity so it may be possible.