Yes — and some lenders will even assess you like you’re employed.
If you’re a CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) subcontractor, you might worry that your self-employed status will make it hard to get a mortgage. The good news? Some lenders treat CIS income differently — often more favourably than other self-employed applicants.
🧾 How Do Lenders Assess CIS Income?
There are two routes lenders take:
🏗️ 1. Gross Income (Best case)
Some CIS-friendly lenders will assess your gross day rate or monthly income from payslips, treating you like a PAYE employee.
This usually applies if:
- You’ve been working in the same role for 3–6+ months
- You get regular weekly/monthly CIS statements
- You can show a steady income flow
📉 2. Net Income (Self-employed route)
Other lenders may treat you as self-employed, requiring:
- SA302s and tax overviews
- 1–2 years of filed tax returns
- Company accounts (if operating via Ltd company)
💷 How Much Can I Borrow as a CIS Worker?
- If assessed on gross income, you may borrow 4–5x your average monthly payslip
- If going the self-employed route, it’s based on net income or company profits
- Your credit history, deposit size, and financial stability also factor in
❌ What Can Hold You Back?
- Inconsistent work history
- Short-term contracts with frequent gaps
- Low declared income on tax returns
- No recent payslips or missing CIS statements
✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Keep a clean record of CIS payslips or invoices
- Maintain consistent work — even across different sites or contractors
- Avoid frequent gaps in contracts if possible
- Use a broker who understands CIS mortgages and knows which lenders to approach
💬 CIS Worker? Let’s Find You a Lender That Gets It
Many brokers (and even banks) don’t understand how CIS works. I do — and I’ll match you with a lender that’s used to dealing with subcontractors like you.
✅ Access to specialist CIS lenders
✅ Support with documents and payslip reviews
✅ Honest advice and help with the application process