Single-person mortgages explained

Yes—you can get a mortgage on your own. While a solo application can feel more uncertain than applying with a partner, lenders still assess your application in the same core way: your income, your outgoings, your credit history, and whether the mortgage is affordable for you to manage alone.

The key difference is that there’s no second income to “buffer” affordability, so getting your application right matters.

Can you get a mortgage on your own?

A single applicant mortgage may be available for many different situations, including:

• First-time buyers buying their first home
• Moving home when you’re not applying with a partner
• Separations or divorce where one person is taking on the mortgage
• Buying with a single income even if you previously expected to apply jointly

If your application meets the lender’s criteria, approval is possible. If it doesn’t, it may mean you need a different lender, a different mortgage structure, or a different approach to affordability.

Why solo applications can be harder (and how to handle it)

Applying on your own often comes down to two practical pressures:

1. Affordability is assessed on one income Lenders will look closely at your salary (or other income), your regular commitments, and how much of your monthly budget is left after mortgage payments.

2. Credit history still matters—adding someone usually doesn’t “fix” it If you’re thinking about bringing another person in to improve your chances, it’s important to know that lenders will still check everyone’s credit and affordability. The right solution depends on the underlying issue.

Can you get a mortgage on your own if you’re self-employed?

Yes, it’s possible. The main difference is usually the evidence lenders ask for to verify income.

For self-employed applicants, lenders commonly want to see evidence such as:

• Certified accounts (often covering the most recent years)
• Tax overview statements
• Bank statements that support your income pattern

Because self-employed income can be variable, having a clear picture of your earnings and stability can make a meaningful difference.

Can you get a mortgage on your own with bad credit?

Bad credit doesn’t automatically rule you out. What matters is the type of issue, how long ago it happened, and how it affects affordability.

Some lenders are more experienced with certain credit circumstances than others. The most effective approach is usually:

• Check your credit file first so you understand what the lender will likely see
• Be clear about the timeline and context of any adverse marks
• Consider specialist options where appropriate

A broker can help you avoid wasting time with lenders that are unlikely to be a fit.

How much deposit do you need?

Deposit requirements vary by lender and mortgage type. Many mortgages are available with a deposit of 10% or more, but some options may be available with lower deposits, depending on your circumstances.

It’s also worth remembering that the deposit isn’t the only upfront cost. You may need to budget for:

• Legal fees
• Surveys/valuations
• Mortgage arrangement fees (where applicable)
• Ongoing costs of owning a home (which can affect affordability)

How much can you borrow on a single income?

Lenders calculate borrowing based on affordability. They typically consider:

• Your income (and how reliable it appears)
• Your monthly outgoings (including existing credit commitments)
• Your deposit and the overall loan-to-value (LTV)
• Your employment status and stability

While many lenders work with income multiples, the exact amount you can borrow depends on your specific financial profile. A broker can help you estimate what’s realistic before you apply.

What support schemes might help single buyers?

If you’re finding it difficult to save a deposit or you’re working with a smaller budget, it’s worth looking beyond a standard mortgage.

Depending on your circumstances, options may include:

Shared ownership

Shared ownership can allow you to buy a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share, with the potential to increase your share over time.

Guarantor mortgages

A guarantor mortgage may be an option where a close family member agrees to support the application. This can help where you don’t have the deposit or affordability the lender requires on your own.

What documents will you need for a solo mortgage application?

While requirements vary by lender, most applications will ask for evidence of:

• Income (payslips for employed applicants; accounts/tax statements for self-employed)
• Bank statements
• Identification
• Details of your outgoings
• Credit history (lenders will check this as part of the process)

Having your paperwork organised early can reduce delays and help your application move smoothly.

Getting a solo mortgage: what the process usually looks like

A typical route to a single-person mortgage is:

1. Assess affordability based on your income and commitments
2. Choose the right mortgage type and lender strategy for your situation
3. Prepare documents and ensure your credit file is accurate
4. Submit an application and respond to any lender questions
5. Proceed through valuation and completion steps

Can you add someone to a mortgage later?

In some cases, it may be possible to add another person later, but it’s not as simple as “sharing the payments”. The new person will usually need to meet affordability and credit requirements.

If you’re considering this route, it’s worth discussing your options early so you understand the impact on the mortgage and the timeline.

Next step: planning your best solo application

If you’re applying on your own, the most important thing is to make sure your mortgage plan matches your real affordability—not just the headline price of the property.

A broker can help you:

• identify lenders that are more likely to consider a single-income application
• understand how your deposit and outgoings affect affordability
• prepare your application to reduce avoidable delays

If you’d like to explore your options, you can start by making an enquiry and sharing your circumstances so you can be matched with the right mortgage professional.