Mortgage lenders often assess income differently depending on how someone is employed. Professionals and contractors may have income structures that vary from standard employed applicants, and lenders may request additional information to understand income stability and affordability.

Applicants with complex income may receive earnings from several sources such as employment income, company dividends, contractor payments, property income or consultancy work. Because income structures can vary, different lenders may apply different methods when assessing mortgage affordability.

Dentists and Medical Professionals

Dentists and other medical professionals may have income arrangements that differ from typical employed roles. For example, dentists may work as NHS associates, private practitioners or locum dentists.

When assessing mortgage applications, lenders may review factors such as:

• the type of contract (for example NHS associate agreement or locum contract)
• the agreed UDA rate or contract value
• the level of private income alongside NHS work
• whether laboratory costs are paid fully by the dentist or shared with the practice
• the length of time working with the current practice or consistent work history across several practices

Depending on the lender’s criteria, some lenders may consider the gross contract value, while others rely primarily on tax calculations or tax returns when assessing income.

---

Contractors and CIS Workers

Mortgage lenders may also assess income differently for contractors depending on the type of contract and payment structure.

Contractors working in the construction industry may operate under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Some lenders are familiar with CIS income and may consider contractor payment statements when assessing affordability.

Contractors working in construction may also find our guide on mortgages for CIS contractors helpful when understanding how lenders assess contractor income

Other Examples of Complex Income

Complex income can also include situations where applicants receive income from multiple sources, such as:

• employment income combined with self-employment or consultancy income
• dividends from a limited company alongside salary
• income from property rental or investments
• royalties or intellectual property income

Mortgage lenders typically assess the consistency and sustainability of income, together with supporting documentation, when considering applications from clients with complex income structures.

Important Information

Different lenders assess income and affordability in different ways. Mortgage approval is always subject to the lender’s criteria and individual circumstances.

London Finance Hub is the trading name of Global Finance Hub Ltd, which is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute financial advice.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.