Francesco Schiano Just Mortgages

15/05/2026

13/05/2026

Can I get a mortgage soon after Maternity leave?

I have had quite a few Clients, asking the question.

If you want to buy a property and get a mortgage, on or soon after returning from your maternity leave, this is what you need to know.

Lenders will focus on your long-term affordability,

often requiring proof of your return-to-work date,
future salary,
and potentially savings to cover income gaps.

Many will focus on full salary, rather that reduced rates.

Be prepared to provide payslips from before your leave,

a letter from your employer confirming your return date, and your salary upon returning.

Lenders may look at savings to prove you can cover expenses while on reduced income.

Disclose your situation, as lenders will notice the change in income from your payslips,

Use a Broker: A mortgage broker can help identify lenders with flexible policies for maternity leave.

Just Mortgages is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Ltd, which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 30/03/2026

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

12/05/2026

What is the difference between a freehold and a leasehold property?

• Freehold means you are the owner of the property and the land it sits on outright, forever, with full maintenance liability

• Leasehold means owning the right to occupy a property for a fixed term via a lease agreement with a landlord, usually for flats, often requiring service charges and ground rent costs.

• Freeholders own the building and land outright. Leaseholders own the property for a set time (e.g., 99 or 999 years), but not the land or building structure.

• Freeholders pay no ground rent or service charges. Leaseholders pay annual service charges, ground rent, and potential major work fees to the freeholder.

• Freeholders have freedom to make alterations (subject to planning). Leaseholders often need permission for alterations and must follow lease covenants (e.g., no pets, no sub-letting).

• Freeholders handle all repairs. Leaseholders usually only handle the interior, while the freeholder manages building repairs.

• Also, it is important to know that Leasehold property value can decrease, as the lease shortens, specifically when under 80 years, making it harder to sell or mortgage

What about you? What would be your preferred choice, having a property on a freehold or leasehold?

Just Mortgages is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Ltd, which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 30/03/2026

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

08/05/2026

If you have just been on Maternity leave, there are different ways Lenders will assess your Mortgage options.

Just Mortgages is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Ltd, which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 29/04/2026

07/05/2026

If you have been on Maternity leave and just going back to work, mortgage Lenders have different ways of assessing your Mortgage options.

Just Mortgages is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Ltd, which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 29/04/2026

06/05/2026

Looking to buy a house with a gifted deposit?

If you are a first-time buyer that wants to know more about gifted deposits, there a few things you need to know.

• A gifted deposit is a cash gift, from a relative, that you can use to pay for some or all of a mortgage deposit.

• You can use gifted money for a mortgage deposit, provided it is a genuine gift and not a loan

• The donor must not expect repayment, have any legal stake in the property, or reside there unless they are a dependent.

• Most Lenders will require a signed "gifted deposit letter" declaring this, along with proof of funds and donor ID.

• Generally, lenders prefer gifts from parents, grandparents, or siblings, although others may be considered.

• In some circumstances, If the donor dies within seven years of giving the gift, it may be subject to Inheritance Tax, depending on the size of their estate.

Just Mortgages is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Ltd, which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 30/03/2026

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

30/04/2026

Few things you need to know, if you have been recently on Maternity leave