Top Mistakes Professionals Make When Applying for a Mortgage
DIRECTOR AND MORTGAGE ADVISER
Specialist broker for high-earning professionals and complex income cases.
Being a high earner doesn’t guarantee an easy mortgage process. In fact, professionals with complex income structures often run into issues that simpler cases avoid.
Here are the most common mistakes professionals make when applying for a mortgage—and how to avoid them.
Request your fee free mortgage consultation today. No obligation, just sound advice.
1. Assuming All Income Will Be Counted
Your full compensation might include salary, bonus, stock allocations, profit share, or dividends—but not all lenders will count everything.
Some ignore bonus income unless it’s consistent
Others discount RSUs or require a long track record
For self-employed or partners, income may be assessed conservatively
Always check how your full income package will be assessed—and don’t assume your headline earnings equal borrowing power.
2. Changing Jobs Right Before Applying
Professionals often switch roles for promotions, partnerships, or better pay. But if you're mid-move:
Lenders may see you as a higher risk
You could be ineligible if you’re still in probation
Bonus history may reset if you’ve changed employers
It’s best to plan applications around job transitions—and understand how new income will be viewed.
How We’ve Helped Clients Like You
These clients faced similar challenges - here’s how we helped them secure the right deal.
3. Leaving Tax Returns to the Last Minute
For self-employed professionals or equity partners, tax returns are essential to prove income.
Many lenders require the most recent filed return
Delayed submissions can stall applications or reduce affordability
Filing late limits your options—especially early in the calendar year
Work with your accountant to file early if a mortgage is on the horizon.
Speak To An Expert Today
Get in touch for a fee free, no-obligation chat about how we might be able to help you.
4. Not Disclosing All Credit Commitments
Lenders see your full credit report. If you omit:
Car finance
Buy-now-pay-later schemes
Student loan or tax repayment plans
…it can delay or derail your application.
Be upfront and accurate—your broker can help present the full picture effectively.
5. Applying Directly Without Strategy
Even with great income and credit, going direct to a lender can lead to:
Poor product fit
Declines based on technicalities
Overlooking lenders who would accept you
A broker matches your income, career, and goals to the right lender—saving time and improving outcomes.
What Our Clients Say
Conclusion: Avoid the Easy Pitfalls
High income gives you more options—but also more complexity. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can turn your earnings into real borrowing power, without delays or setbacks.
Planning to apply soon?
We specialise in helping professionals structure mortgage applications for maximum success—whatever your income mix or career path.
Request your fee free mortgage consultation today. No obligation, just sound advice.
FAQs
-
Often due to non-traditional income, over-optimistic assumptions, or applying to the wrong lender.
-
Not always. Some lenders require 2–3 years of consistent bonus history before using it for affordability.
-
That can complicate things—but with the right documents, lenders can still approve strong applications.
-
Yes—especially if you’re self-employed or on profit share. Lenders assess what’s been declared to HMRC.
Related Articles
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSESSED IF YOU DON’T KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
Kite Mortgages is a trading style of Kite Financial 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 19/09/2025.