Yes — but it’s not always straightforward.
If part of your earnings comes from bonuses, commission, or overtime, you might be wondering whether lenders will take it into account when assessing your mortgage affordability.
The good news? Many do. But how much they count — and how consistently — depends on a few key factors.
💷 How Lenders Treat Variable Income
Lenders like to see predictability. They prefer guaranteed income like salary or contracted hours — but that doesn’t mean variable income is excluded.
Your bonus or commission may be counted if it’s:
- Consistent over 6 to 12 months (ideally longer)
- Documented via payslips or bank statements
- Sustainable (i.e., not a one-off spike)
Some lenders will average your variable income over the last 12–24 months. Others might take the lowest figure or only a percentage of it — say 50% or 60%.
📁 What Documents Do You Need?
To get your bonus or commission considered, be ready to provide:
- At least 3 months’ payslips (some lenders want 6 or 12)
- Year-end P60s
- Bank statements showing the income going in
- A letter from your employer confirming future expectations (optional but helpful)
❌ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- One-off bonuses (e.g., signing bonus) often don’t count
- Recent pay structure changes can create uncertainty
- Inconsistent patterns might lead lenders to exclude it altogether
This is where using a broker really helps — they’ll know which lenders are more flexible with your income type.
💬 Let’s Maximise Your Earning Potential
Bonuses and commission could help you borrow more — if you present them the right way. I’ll help you structure your application and approach the lenders most likely to accept your income.
✅ Tailored advice for complex income
✅ Find lenders who consider variable earnings
✅ Avoid common mistakes that get apps declined