CIS Scheme Mortgages

Here, we look at whether there are specific mortgages for construction industry contractors and subcontractors, and how those mortgages may work.

We identify how much you could borrow, how to make an application, and which lenders will consider your application.

Can a CIS worker get a mortgage?

Yes, it’s possible and you may be eligible via the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) if you work as a contractor in this sector. The scheme was set up to help those working in the construction industry, who often have a high turnover but hefty expenses too. As a result, the subsequent lower net income could prevent you from accessing higher mortgage amounts, which you may have been able to afford.

There isn’t a specific home loan just for CIS workers as such – they’re exactly the same as a standard mortgage – but the term ‘CIS mortgage’ is often used when referring to an applicant who qualifies for this scheme.

How does CIS improve your mortgage chances?

For CIS scheme workers, mortgage lenders will assess how much they can borrow based on the gross pay shown on their payslips, rather than by using the average profit figures over the last 2-3 years trading accounts and/or SA302 tax statements (as would be typical when reviewing applications for someone who is self-employed).

The advantage here is that you may be able to borrow more for your mortgage using this gross amount rather than using a net profit figure. It’s also useful for someone who hasn’t been trading for very long as most lenders will look back over the last 12 months.

How to get a mortgage as a CIS contractor

Firstly, you need to register for the government scheme. You will often need to have been registered, and paid through the scheme, for at least 12 months before you can apply for a mortgage. If you are already registered, make an enquiry with us so we can match you with a specialist broker to guide you through the next steps.

The broker we match you with will be a contractor mortgage specialist who has a strong track record of helping CIS contractors secure finance. They will guide you through the following steps:

• Gathering the documents you’ll need: It’s important to have all the necessary documentary evidence ready – payslips, etc. – in advance so as not to slow down the application process.
• Downloading your credit reports: Click on the link for your free trial. Your broker can then help highlight any inaccuracies or outdated information that can be removed before you apply.
• Searching for the right mortgage deal for you: Your mortgage broker will be able to identify the mortgage lenders who will consider applications from CIS workers, saving you a lot of time and stress.

How much could you borrow?

Try our affordability calculator below to get a rough idea of your maximum borrowing.

Example calculation

Take a look at the example payslip below, the figures the CIS mortgage lenders use will be based on the ‘value of measured work’ figure. In this example, it’s the £4,275 amount. Lenders will take the total sum of the last 12 months payslips to establish the total of your personal income.

Typical lending figures would be based on approximately 4-4.5 times this amount but could be less if you have other monthly commitments such as other mortgages, dependent children, loans, and credit cards.

Assuming this borrower earned £4,275 every month, the total income would be 4275 x 12 = £51,300. With no other outgoings, this person would be able to borrow approx. £205,200.

General eligibility criteria

The other criteria that applicants need to meet will not be largely different from other mortgage applications.

• CIS payslips – Mortgage providers will generally require at least 12 months’ worth of CIS payslips to consider an application. However, some may need fewer.

• Age – Lenders usually require applicants to be between 21 and 75 years old. Some may accept applications from older people if the rest of their application meets requirements.

• Deposit – Typically, the higher your deposit amount, and the better your loan-to-value ratio, the more you can borrow. Lenders often like to see a 10% deposit, though some may go to 5% in certain circumstances. You will usually find the better your LTV the better the rate you can secure.

• Credit history – Lenders look at a person’s credit history to determine the risk of lending to them. Usually, the fewer issues you have had, the more options you have available. If you’ve had bad credit in the recent past this doesn’t have to prevent you from still getting a mortgage. Speak to your broker and, together, you can review the specific issue you’ve had before deciding on the next steps.

Which lenders will consider your application?

Currently, big high-street names like Barclays, Halifax and NatWest will consider such applications. However, there are plenty of lesser-known lenders that would be willing to extend a mortgage if applicants meet all criteria requirements. For example, Foundation Home Loans and Beverley Building Society are also know to consider CIS applicants.

There are many lenders that will accept a CIS mortgage application. However, mortgage providers who accept applicants registered with CIS are subject to change as are the terms and conditions under which they are willing to lend.

What if you have bad credit?

Having bad credit won’t automatically preclude you from getting a CIS mortgage, but it can limit the number of mortgage providers who will extend you a loan.

Your options will largely depend on what and when the bad credit issue was. If the bad credit was simply an instance of a missed mobile bill payment, and it was a long time ago, you may find that there are still plenty of lenders happy to accept your application.

However, if you have issues such as a previous IVA or CCJ, and the problem was relatively recent, the number of potential lenders may dwindle.

Get matched with a broker who specialises in CIS mortgages

Given that CIS mortgages can affect how much you can borrow, it can seem to make your application more complex, especially when faced with the wealth of choice on offer. Yet, finding the right product for you can mean that not only can you borrow more, but your mortgage application is accepted first time and you secure a rate you can afford under terms which work for you.

A specialist broker can therefore be incredibly helpful. Their in-depth knowledge can prove invaluable because they can advise you accurately on what is the best product for your situation. They’ll know which provider will accept your application while ensuring your interest rate is minimised and the amount borrowed is maximised.

Our free, no-obligation broker matching service will connect you with the best advisor for you. Call us on 0808 189 2301 or enquire with us today so we can put you in touch with a specialist.