CIS Mortgages for Self-Employed Construction Workers
If you’re self-employed and work under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), applying for a mortgage can feel more complicated than it needs to be. Your turnover may be strong, but because your taxable income is often reduced by allowable expenses, it can appear lower on paper.
Many lenders now recognise this and assess CIS applicants using gross pre-tax income, rather than net profit alone. This gives a more accurate picture of what you earn and can significantly improve your borrowing potential.
At FPG Mortgages, our experienced brokers understand how CIS income works. We use our specialist knowledge to match you with lenders who assess your earnings fairly and find a mortgage that suits your circumstances.
What Is a CIS Mortgage?
There isn’t a specific product known as a “CIS mortgage.” Instead, it’s a standard residential mortgage where your income is assessed differently because you’re registered under the Construction Industry Scheme.
Rather than focusing only on your self-employed profit, lenders may take your full turnover or gross income into account — which can make a substantial difference to how much you can borrow.
How Does a
CIS Mortgage Work?
Many CIS workers struggle to secure a mortgage because of the gap between their gross income and net profit. As a self-employed contractor, it’s common to claim expenses to reduce tax, which lowers the profit figure shown on your tax return.
This can limit borrowing power when lenders rely solely on net profit. However, with a CIS mortgage, affordability is often based on gross income or day rate instead.
Some lenders may even treat you as an employed applicant and require as little as three months’ CIS payslips or statements as proof of income.
The mortgage itself works in the same way as any other — including first-time buyer mortgages. The key difference is how your income is assessed. Our brokers ensure your occupation and payment structure are presented correctly to lenders.
Who Is Eligible for a
CIS Mortgage?
You may be eligible for a CIS mortgage if you’re self-employed within the construction industry. This includes both trade and professional roles connected to construction, such as planners, surveyors and architects.
You may qualify if you:
- Are self-employed in the construction industry (e.g. builder, electrician, decorator)
- Are paid through CIS with 20% tax deducted at source
- Are aged 18 or over
- Have worked in the construction industry for at least 12 months
- Have worked with your current contractor for at least 3 months
- Have worked for no more than three contractors in the past 12 months
Some lenders may require up to two years’ industry experience, either employed or self-employed. Criteria vary by lender.
As long as you’re registered under CIS and can show three months of continuous income, FPG Mortgages can help. We’ll complete full affordability checks and support you even if you have poor credit or haven’t yet completed a self-assessment tax return.
Tell us about your mortgage requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Can I Borrow with a CIS Mortgage?
The amount you can borrow depends on your income, credit history and overall financial position.
Most lenders offer up to four times your annual income, but some CIS-friendly lenders may allow more by assessing affordability using your average income from the last three months of CIS payslips.
Our brokers will review your situation in detail and explain how much you may be able to borrow based on your income, credit profile and recent CIS statements.
What Are The Benefits of a CIS Mortgage?
Higher borrowing potential.
By using gross income rather than net profit, lenders gain a more accurate understanding of your earnings. This can increase borrowing power and improve acceptance rates.
Access to better mortgage deals.
Greater affordability can unlock more competitive rates and a wider choice of mortgage products, giving you more flexibility on property value and terms.
How Many Years' Accounts Are Required?
Many self-employed mortgages require one to three years of accounts. With a CIS mortgage, lenders often only ask for three months of CIS payslips or statements, speeding up the process.
Affordability is based on your average income during this period — which can be particularly beneficial if you’ve recently completed several projects or worked overtime.
Get Started with FPG Mortgages
If you’re ready to arrange a CIS mortgage, FPG Mortgages is here to help. Our specialist brokers will guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring your income is assessed fairly and accurately.
At FPG Mortgages, we manage the entire process on your behalf and source the most suitable deals for your situation.
Get in touch today and take the next step towards owning your home.