How to Get a Mortgage as a Single Parent or on One Income

Buying alone or after separation? Learn how single parents and one-income applicants can still get a mortgage, and how Mortgage Knight helps secure fair lender approval.

Getting a mortgage can feel tough at the best of times — and even harder if you’re doing it alone.

But here’s the truth: you can get approved on one income, even as a single parent or after separation.

Many lenders now use more flexible affordability checks, and with the right guidance, you can absolutely find a mortgage that works for you.

At Mortgage Knight, we specialise in helping people in real-life situations — not just textbook ones.

Can You Get a Mortgage on One Income?

Yes, absolutely.

Lenders will simply base affordability on what you earn and your existing commitments — just like any other applicant.

If your income covers the monthly repayments comfortably, there’s no reason you can’t get approved.
In some cases, lenders can also consider:
Child benefit or maintenance payments
Tax credits or Universal Credit
Part-time or flexible work income

Mortgage Knight helps present your full financial picture so your real affordability is recognised.

Documents You’ll Need

To prove affordability, you’ll usually need:

3 months of payslips (or 1–2 years of accounts if self-employed)
Bank statements (typically 3 months)
Proof of benefits or child maintenance, if applicable
Credit report showing manageable commitments

We’ll review all of this upfront so your case goes to a lender who welcomes single-income applications.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Check your credit score early and fix any small issues.

Avoid new borrowing before you apply.
Use realistic budgets — lenders now apply stricter stress tests.
Consider shared ownership if deposit savings are lower.

Even if you’re rebuilding after a breakup or financial split, you have more options than you might think.

Deposit and Scheme Options

If you’re short on deposit, several schemes can help:

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme – 5% deposit deals available through major lenders.
Shared Ownership – buy part of a property and pay rent on the rest.
Family support options – a relative can help via JBSP or springboard mortgages.

Mortgage Knight can help you combine these with the best rate for your budget.

What If You’re Divorced or Separated?

If you’ve recently separated, lenders will ask for clarity on:

Whether you still have joint debts
How maintenance payments are arranged
Your living arrangements post-separation

We help ensure the paperwork is clear and all commitments are properly accounted for — avoiding any confusion that could slow approval.

Why Use a Broker for One-Income Mortgages

Mortgage Knight takes the time to understand your income, dependents, and commitments properly — something most online lenders don’t do.

We work with over 90 lenders, many of whom are comfortable with:

Single-income borrowers
Parents receiving maintenance
Self-employed or part-time income
Recent separations or credit rebuilds

You tell us your story — we find the lender who’ll listen.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Sarah – Single Mum of Two

Sarah earned £34,000 a year as a teaching assistant. Mortgage Knight secured her a 5% deposit deal with NatWest, factoring in her child benefit to boost affordability.

Case Study 2: Liam – Recently Divorced Homeowner

After his separation, Liam wanted to buy out his ex-partner’s share. We helped him remortgage with Halifax, using his salary and maintenance payments to prove affordability.

Case Study 3: Aisha – Self-Employed Freelancer

Aisha’s income varied month to month. We matched her with a lender who averaged her last 12 months of accounts, securing a fair mortgage rate despite fluctuations.