want to work out income for a mortgage calculator, do i include tax credits? HELP!

[olsmum]

just a quickie,
i want to calculate how big (or small as the case may be!) a mortgage i can get, both my partner and i are single parents are were wondering if we should include tax credits and chb in our income calculation or is it purely the money we earn from our jobs?

Don't think you can include tax credits as they are variable and could change if you apply jointly, child benefit isn't going to add much tbh.

Some mortgage companies will include tax benefits such as The Halifax for example, have a look here www.halifax.co.uk/mortgages/affordability_calculator.asp

tax credits will decrease greatly when we apply jointly. in fact we are much better off living seperately. i was hoping tax credits would be included as it really is the difference between us buying a house or not.

I think it depends on the mortgage company as some will allow you to take them into account and some won't. You also need to be able to prove your entitlement for the future.
My mortgage advisor (fantastic bloke as I would not own my home without him) got me a mortgage with Alliance and Leicester which included my tax credits.

thanks, i just had a look, know of any nice 3 bed houses for £38,000 ha ha.

olsmum my dp an advisor can help if you need him to he has helped other mnetters you can see here
he will be able to help you find a company that takes tax credits into account if you need to

thanks, i will have a look, there is so much information out there, i googled mortgage calculator and i didnt even know where to start. my head is going to explode! we are not thinkng about buying right now as i am lucky enough to have a trust fund which i will have access to when i turn 25 (next april) and that will be our deposit.

That's fine he will still give you any advice you need if you just mail him on the link with your details. It is a minefield isn't it