CIS mortgages explained
As a construction industry contractor or subcontractor being paid through the CIS scheme, you may have had problems in the past when applying for a mortgage. This is because of the way you are paid.
Most lenders will treat you as self employed and expect you to provide tax returns. This means they only use the net profit figure to support your application which is a much lower income figure than you actually earn.
This is where we can help. We know which lenders will treat those working under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) the same as employees and therefore allow us to use your gross income before tax and expenses are deducted.
These CIS lenders will generally require at least 12 months’ worth of CIS payslips or statements to consider an application. However, it is possible to get a mortgage with as little as 3 months evidence.
Because CIS mortgages are more complicated than standard mortgages, we advise that you speak to a specialist mortgage broker like us. We have in-depth knowledge of the mortgage market and know which lenders will work for your situation.
You are more likely to have a successful outcome if you use a specialist broker like us.
How do lenders assess CIS income?
If you work under the Construction Industry Scheme, one of the biggest questions is how a lender will treat your income. This can vary quite a lot from one lender to another.
Some lenders will assess CIS applicants in a similar way to other self employed borrowers and may focus heavily on tax documents and net profit. Others may be more flexible and may be willing to look at CIS payslips or statements to build a clearer picture of your earnings. This can make a significant difference to how much you may be able to borrow.
The amount of evidence needed can also vary. Some lenders prefer a longer track record, while others may consider applicants with a shorter period of CIS income if the overall case is strong. This is why choosing the right lender is so important.
What documents do I need for a CIS mortgage?
The documents needed for a CIS mortgage will depend on the lender, but most will want to see clear evidence of your income and your overall financial position.
This may include:
- CIS payslips or CIS statements
- Bank statements
- Proof of identity and address
- Tax documents where required
- Details of your recent work history or contracts, if relevant
Getting the paperwork right can make a big difference with CIS cases. We can help you understand what a lender is likely to ask for and how best to present your income before you apply.
A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.
Why use Your Mortgage Expert for CIS mortgage advice?
If you are paid through the Construction Industry Scheme, it helps to speak to someone who understands how CIS income may be assessed and which lenders may be more suitable for your circumstances.
We help CIS contractors and subcontractors by:
- Explaining how lenders may look at CIS income
- Helping you understand what documents may be needed
- Matching you with lenders who are more comfortable with CIS applications
- Supporting you through the paperwork and application process
- Keeping the process clear and straightforward from start to finish
Whether you are buying your first home, moving, remortgaging or just trying to understand what may be possible, we can help you take the next step with clear, practical advice.
This page was updated in April 2026