CIS Contractor Mortgages – Specialist Lending for Construction Workers & Self-Employed Tradespeople

CIS Contractor Mortgages – Specialist Lending for Construction Workers & Self-Employed Tradespeople

If you work in the construction industry under the CIS scheme, you probably get paid weekly or fortnightly, with tax deducted at source. But when it comes to applying for a mortgage, that pay structure can confuse traditional lenders, especially if they only focus on your accounts or tax returns.

At Mortgage Knight, we help CIS contractors and tradespeople get mortgages based on your gross income, not just your net profit or company accounts. Whether you’re a builder, electrician, plumber or decorator — we know how to get you approved.

Who We Help

We work with:

  • Self-employed CIS contractors and subcontractors
  • Tradespeople working on-site or per job
  • Contractors with 0–2 years of accounts
  • Individuals working under limited companies or as sole traders
  • CIS workers with day rate or weekly pay
  • First-time buyers, remortgagers, or buy-to-let applicants

Why CIS Contractors Face Mortgage Challenges

Most lenders:

  • Treat you as fully self-employed
  • Demand 2–3 years of accounts
  • Base affordability on net profit, which is often lower
  • Don’t recognise the stability of CIS pay

That means you could be told you don’t earn enough, even if your gross income is strong and consistent.

How We Make It Work

We work with CIS-friendly lenders who:

  • Accept gross income from CIS payslips
  • Only need 3–6 months of income evidence
  • Use your weekly earnings x 46–48 weeks to calculate borrowing
  • Approve contractors without full accounts or SA302s
  • Accept short trading history if you're regularly paid under CIS

This allows you to borrow more, with less paperwork and hassle.

How Income Is Assessed for CIS Mortgages
CIS Income Type How It’s Treated
Weekly CIS payslips Used to calculate gross annual income
3–6 months of earnings Accepted in place of full tax returns
Day rate contractors Daily rate x 5 days x 46–48 weeks formula
New CIS workers Some lenders accept 3 months’ history

Example: CIS Income Calculation

Weekly gross pay: £900
Assumed annual income: £900 × 48 = £43,200
This income figure can be used for mortgage affordability — even without full accounts.

Case Study 1: Builder With 6 Months of CIS Income

Status:Mark was a subcontractor paid weekly via CIS, earning around £850/week. He had no accountant and only started 8 months ago.

Challenge: His bank insisted on 2 years of self-employed accounts.

Solution: We used 6 months of CIS payslips to prove income and placed him with a CIS-friendly lender.

Outcome: Mark secured a £210,000 mortgage with a 10% deposit.

Case Study 2: Electrician Moving from PAYE to CIS

Status: Kyle switched from PAYE to CIS 4 months ago and was worried he’d have to wait years to buy.

Solution: We worked with a lender who only required 12 CIS payslips and didn’t ask for accounts.

Outcome: Kyle was approved for a £275,000 home loan, using his current earnings.

Case Study 3: Limited Company CIS Contractor

Status: Sarah ran her own limited company and paid herself via CIS contracts.

Challenge: Lenders were assessing her based on low salary and dividends.

Solution: We showed her gross contractor income and provided 6 months’ payslips and contracts.

Outcome: Sarah secured a mortgage with a mainstream rate and no stress.

Why Choose Mortgage Knight for CIS Mortgages?

  • We understand the CIS scheme and construction pay
  • Access to lenders who accept gross income, not just net profit
  • No need for full accounts in many cases
  • Specialist advice from brokers who deal with contractors every day
  • End-to-end support from enquiry to completion

Build Your Future With a Mortgage That Works for You

You’re building homes for others—now let’s get you into your own. Whether you’re new to contracting or have years of CIS experience, Mortgage Knight will help you turn your weekly payslips into a mortgage offer.

Contact us today for expert advice and your CIS mortgage quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: It’s a mortgage designed for workers paid under the Construction Industry Scheme, allowing you to use your gross income (before tax) for affordability, rather than net profit or filed accounts.

A: Some lenders accept just 3 months’ history, though 6–12 months is ideal for better rates.

A: Yes—but you don’t necessarily need filed accounts. CIS payslips and bank statements are often enough.

A: We work with lenders offering mortgages from 5%–10% deposit, depending on your credit and affordability.

A: Possibly, yes. We’ll assess your recent income and work history, and match you to a flexible lender.

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