"Self Cert" mortgage
Mortgage lenders usually use salaries declared on wage slips to work out a borrower's annual income and will usually lend up to a fixed multiple of the borrower's annual income. Self Certification Mortgages, informally known as "self cert" mortgages, are available to employed and self employed people who have a deposit to buy a house but lack the sufficient documentation to prove their income.
This type of mortgage can be beneficial to people whose income comes from multiple sources, whose salary consists largely or exclusively of commissions or bonuses, or whose accounts may not show a true reflection of their earnings. Self cert mortgages have two disadvantages: the interest rates charged are usually higher than for normal mortgages and the loan to value ratio is usually lower.
Oct 2009
The City watchdog announced proposals today to ban self-certification mortgages and ensure all borrowers prove their ability to repay in advance.
These proposals, if finalised, will be phased gradually, starting midway through next year.
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.