mortgage while on maternity leave?

[MamaChris]

We are trying to remortgage, and because I am on maternity leave, have been turned down, as they assume my income is 0. We have enough savings to cover the repayments till I return to work, but would like to do the remortgaging now before rates rise. Is it possible somehow?

Some providers will accept a letter from your employer confirming your return to work date and salary. Some providers will not be interested and you will have to wait. Shop around.

Thanks Jeremyess. I've been told that because my return to work date is September, I could change my mind. They will do it when my return to work date is 21 days away (FirstDirect and C&G). Will keep trying others.

Abbey/Santander accept a letter if that helps.

Yes we had this problem when I was on mat. leave (I actually think it's downright sexist to assume a woman won't return to work but not make the same assumption of a man - why is the default position for him work and me not work?) Anyway, First Direct did themselves out of selling a big mortgage to 2 solvent hardworking people with excellent credit ratings and we went elsewhere!

We ended up using a broker who found us those providers who didn't have such ridiculous rules.

HI, my experience (last January) was that most of the banks were prepared to accept a letter from my employer. My return to work date was more than 21 days away. It might be because its a re-mortgage (i.e. the banks are thinking that you're perhaps trying to raise money to enable you to stay off work??) - we were purchasing a property which might be different. I'd shop around and perhaps contant the banks that you're already associated with (have your bank account with etc). Good luck

try london and country- they are a free broker and will do all the legwork for you- they will be able to find you something am sure (used them after a reccomendation on here and found them fab)