Question for those knowledgeable about mortgage applications

[Combusting]

I’ve been gradually increasing my voluntary pension contributions with pay rises over time as it’s such a tax efficient vehicle. One thing that strikes me - in a couple years time when we upsize and apply for a mortgage and bank asks to see usual payslips and bank statements will it reduce our affordability if bank seeks these sizeable voluntary pension contributions? In which case would it be wise to bring pension contributions down to minimum for the 3-6 months preceding mortgage application? Or does it not matter? I mean I’d ideally not randomly reduce pension for 6 months but I
wondered if someone who works in mortgages knows about this ..

I'm not sure, I'd ask the question on the money saving expert forums. Under the mortgages section there's an 'ask a mortgage broker' section - I'd ask on there

I'm a mortgage underwriter. We would notice it and likely make a note of it in our case notes but would still lend based on your gross salary on the basis that the additional contributions are voluntary. The bank I work for have pension contributions already factored in to our affordability model but at around 5% I believe
As an Underwriter I'd see the additional contributions as a positive thing and that you're someone who is financially aware and savvy
Obviously I can't speak for all lenders though