Multiple Income Sources

November 23, 2025

Mortgages for Clients with Multiple Income Sources | Many people now earn income from several sources, including salaried employment, overtime, bonuses, commissions, self-employment, and rental income. Mortgage lenders assess each income type differently and some will accept a wider range of earnings than others. Understanding how lenders treat multiple income sources is essential for securing the right mortgage offer and maximising affordability.

Working with a specialist mortgage broker ensures every income source is presented correctly, supported with the right documents and matched to a lender who is comfortable with complex income patterns.

What Counts as Multiple Income Sources

Lenders consider any combination of earnings that go beyond a single PAYE salary as multiple income sources. These may include:

Basic salary
Overtime and shift allowances
Annual or quarterly bonuses
Commission-based income
Self-employed or freelance income
Rental property earnings
Investment or dividend income
Secondary employment roles

Each income type has its own rules for how much can be used and how far back lenders look when assessing stability.

How Lenders Assess Different Types of Income

Income Type	How Lenders Assess It	Evidence Required	Typical Lender Treatment	Internal Guidance / Links
1. Basic Salary and Fixed Income	Most straightforward income type to assess. Lenders usually rely on recent and consistent figures.	– Last 3 months’ payslips – Most recent P60	– Often 100 per cent of basic salary is used for affordability – Consistency is key
2. Bonus, Overtime and Commission Income	Treated more cautiously due to variability. Lenders prefer a proven history and regular patterns.	– Payslips covering 3, 6 or 12 months – Possibly 2 years of bonus history – Employer confirmation	– Some lenders use 100 per cent of the average – Others use 50 per cent or less – Irregular income often reduced	May qualify for a contractor mortgage if income comes from contracts
3. Self-Employed Income and Tax Calculations	Combined PAYE and freelance earnings are allowed. Lenders focus on long-term sustainability.	– Latest 2 years SA302 – Tax year overviews – Business accounts (if applicable)	– Some lenders use the latest year only – Others average 2 or 3 years – Rising income improves affordability	See full guide on self-employed mortgages
4. Rental Income and Property Earnings	Generally accepted when supported with tax evidence and tenancy agreements.	– SA302 showing rental profits – Tenancy agreement – Bank statements (sometimes)	– Some use 100 per cent of net rental profit – Others use a percentage of gross rental income	Explore options for buy-to-let mortgages
5. Secondary Employment and Additional Roles	Accepted when stable and long-term. Lenders want to see continuity and capacity to maintain two roles.	– Last 3 months payslips – P60 – Evidence of holding role for 6 months or more	– Income used if consistent<br- Lenders check sustainability and working hours

Documents You Need to Prove Multiple Income Sources

Clients with varied income streams must provide documentation for each income type, such as:

Payslips and P60s
Bonus and overtime summaries
Commission breakdowns
SA302 and tax year overviews
Employment contracts
Tenancy agreements
Bank statements
Dividend vouchers or investment summaries

Providing the correct documents from the start helps the application progress smoothly.

Which Lenders Accept Multiple Income Sources

Different lenders have different approaches. Some specialise in clients with straightforward income, while others focus on complex income structures. Specialist lenders are often more flexible with:

Commission-based roles
Mixed PAYE and self-employed income
Rental income
Variable overtime patterns
Secondary employment

Because policies change frequently, partnering with a mortgage broker ensures you are matched with the right lender the first time.

Why Clients With Multiple Income Sources Should Use a Broker

Clients who earn money from several sources often face lender restrictions that are not always clear on comparison sites. Some lenders will accept higher percentages of bonus and commission income, while others may restrict secondary or freelance earnings.

A mortgage broker can:

Assess all income sources and combine them correctly
Identify which lenders accept each income type
Present the application in the most favourable way
Improve overall affordability
Help secure competitive interest rates

If your income is complex, expert guidance can make the difference between acceptance and decline.

Speak to a Mortgage Specialist

If you have multiple income sources and want to know how much you can borrow, our team can help structure your application and match you to lenders who understand complex income.

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FAQ: Mortgages with Multiple Income Sources

Question	Answer
Can I use multiple income sources to qualify for a mortgage?	Yes. Most lenders accept several income types as long as they are evidenced, consistent and likely to continue.
Can I use bonus and overtime income?	Many lenders accept bonuses and overtime income. Some use 100 per cent, while others use a six or twelve-month average depending on stability.
Can self employed and PAYE income be combined?	Yes. Lenders can combine both income types, although they may calculate each differently using tax returns and payslips.
Does rental income help with affordability?	Yes. Rental income can support affordability when backed by SA302 evidence and a valid tenancy agreement.
Will lenders accept income from a second job?	Yes, provided the role has been held for at least six months and payslips confirm regular earnings. Some lenders also review total working hours.
Do lenders accept commission-based income?	Commission income is usually accepted when there is a clear track record. Most lenders take an average over several months or years.
Can I use freelance income alongside full-time employment?	Yes. Lenders often combine PAYE and freelance income when tax calculations and bank statements show consistent earnings.
Will lenders accept dividend or investment income?	Some lenders will use dividend income or investment earnings if they are proven to be reliable and sustainable. Additional documentation may be required.
Can I use income from multiple part-time jobs?	Yes. Lenders assess each role independently. You must evidence regular income and maintainable working hours across all roles.
Do lenders use gross or net rental income?	This varies. Some lenders use 100 per cent of net rental profit, while others apply a percentage of the gross rental figure.
Is cash based income accepted for mortgage affordability?	Only if it is declared to HMRC and appears in tax returns, undeclared or irregular cash income cannot be used.
Will lenders accept irregular or seasonal income?	Some specialist lenders will use seasonal or irregular income if there is a strong track record over multiple years.
Do child maintenance or benefits count as income?	Certain lenders will include maintenance or specific benefits, but usually only as a secondary income source and with evidence of regular payments.
Do I need more documents if I have multiple income sources?	Yes. Lenders require documentation for each income type, such as payslips, tax calculations, tenancy agreements and bank statements.
Is it harder to get a mortgage with multiple income streams?	Not necessarily. With the right evidence and a lender that accepts complex income, it can improve affordability. A broker helps match you to the right lender.