Single Person Mortgages Explained
Buying a place on your own can feel like a big step — but it’s absolutely doable. At Mortgage Bridge, we help lots of people every month who are applying for a mortgage by themselves, and we know exactly what lenders look for.
Whether you’ve got a single income, are self-employed, or have had a few credit issues in the past, there are plenty of options out there. In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions we get from single applicants looking to get started.
What Is a Single Person Mortgage?
A single person mortgage is simply a mortgage in one name instead of two. The process is basically the same as any other mortgage, but because it’s just you applying, the lender will only look at your income, credit record, and debts to work out what you can afford.
We work with single professionals, single parents, and people buying after a separation — so whatever your situation looks like, we’ll help you find a lender that fits.
Can I Get a Mortgage With One Income?
Yes — you can 100% get a mortgage with just one income.
Lenders assess your affordability based on your earnings and monthly spending, and plenty of single applicants are approved every day.
If your income is steady and your bills are under control, that’s a great start. And if things are a bit more complicated — say, variable pay or past credit issues — we know which lenders take a fairer view of your situation.
How Much Can I Borrow as a Single Applicant?
Most lenders let you borrow around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income, though this can vary depending on your credit history and outgoings.
So if you earn £40,000 a year, you might be able to borrow between £160,000 and £180,000.
That number can go up or down depending on things like loans, credit cards, or childcare costs.
We can run a quick single income mortgage calculation for you to see roughly what your options look like before you even apply.
What Do Lenders Look at When You Apply Alone?
When you’re applying as a single applicant, lenders mainly look at four things:
- Your income – Salary, bonuses, overtime, and self-employed earnings all count.
- Your outgoings – They’ll check any existing credit, loans, or regular expenses.
- Your credit record – Missed payments or defaults can affect rates, but they don’t always mean a no.
- Your deposit – The bigger your deposit, the better the deals you’ll usually get.
We’ll go through all of this with you before applying, so your case is as strong as possible from the start.
How Much Deposit Do I Need as a Single Buyer?
You’ll usually need a minimum of 5–10% of the property value as a deposit.
If your credit isn’t perfect, you may need closer to 15%, but it really depends on your overall situation. A larger deposit can also mean lower monthly payments and a better rate — so if you’re still saving, we’ll help you plan for that too.
If you’re finding it hard to save a big deposit, we can also look at shared ownership or family-assisted mortgage options to help you get started sooner.
Can I Get a Mortgage on My Own With Bad Credit?
Yes, you can still get a mortgage even if your credit isn’t spotless.
We work with specialist lenders who deal with single person mortgages with bad credit, and they tend to be more flexible than the big banks.
They’ll look at things like:
- When your credit issues happened.
- Why they happened (for example, job loss, illness, or divorce).
- How things have improved since.
Even if you’ve had defaults, missed payments, or CCJs, we’ll match you with lenders who focus on where you are now — not where you were.
Can Single Parents Get a Mortgage?
Yes — single parents can absolutely get a mortgage.
Some lenders will even include things like child maintenance or benefit income when calculating affordability.
Not every lender does, though, so working with a broker like us helps you find the ones that do take those income types into account. That can make a big difference in how much you can borrow.
Can I Get a Mortgage if I’m Self-Employed and Single?
Yes, definitely. Being self-employed doesn’t stop you from getting a mortgage — it just means lenders look at your business income instead of payslips.
They’ll usually ask for two or three years of accounts or tax returns, but some specialist lenders can work with just one year if everything else looks good.
If your income includes dividends, salary, or retained profits, we’ll help present your case clearly so the lender sees your full earning potential.
Is It Harder to Get a Mortgage Alone?
It’s not harder — but it can be a bit trickier because it’s all based on one income.
That just means affordability limits might be a little lower than a joint application.
The good news is lenders don’t penalise you for buying alone — they just want to see you can comfortably afford the monthly repayments. With the right preparation and advice, it’s absolutely achievable.
What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Approval?
There are a few simple steps that really help:
- Check your credit report – Make sure all your info is up to date and correct.
- Pay down debts – Even small balances can affect affordability.
- Avoid new credit applications – They can temporarily lower your score.
- Save a bit more for your deposit – It can open up better rates.
- Stay in steady employment – Lenders like consistency.
- Work with a specialist broker – That’s where we come in.
We’ll make sure your application is solid before it goes anywhere near a lender.
Are There Any Schemes for Single Buyers?
Yes — there are a few routes that can make things easier for single applicants.
- Shared Ownership – Buy a share of the property and pay rent on the rest.
- Guarantor Mortgages – A family member supports your application with savings or property.
- Family-Assisted Mortgages – Relatives can contribute towards your deposit.
- First-Time Buyer Products – Some lenders offer enhanced affordability or lower fees.
We’ll talk you through what fits best for your circumstances and goals.
What If My Bank Has Already Said No?
If your bank has turned you down, don’t worry — there are other options.
High street lenders often have tighter criteria, but there are plenty of specialist lenders who take a more flexible view.
We regularly help clients who’ve been declined elsewhere find suitable alternatives and get approved. We know who’s likely to say yes based on your situation.
Can I Get a Mortgage After a Divorce or Separation?
Yes, you can.
After a separation, lenders just need to understand your new financial setup — your current income, debts, and any child maintenance arrangements.
We often help people in this position find a single buyer mortgage using funds from a property settlement or savings from the previous home. It’s very common and perfectly achievable with the right guidance.
How Can Mortgage Bridge Help Me?
This is exactly what we do every day.
At Mortgage Bridge, we specialise in helping people who might not fit the “perfect” box — whether that’s because of bad credit, complex income, or just buying on your own.
We work with a wide range of lenders, including ones you won’t find on the high street. That means we can find the right lender for your situation and give you honest, straightforward advice from start to finish.
Our job is to make the process easier, not more stressful.
Key Takeaways
- You can get a mortgage on one income.
- Most lenders offer around 4–4.5 times your salary.
- A bigger deposit helps but isn’t always essential.
- Bad credit doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
- There are lenders for single parents and self-employed applicants.
- Working with a broker gives you more choice and less hassle.
Final Thoughts
Getting a mortgage on your own can feel like a big task, but with the right support, it’s completely achievable.
At Mortgage Bridge, we’ll guide you to lenders who understand your circumstances and help you prove your true affordability.