If you are a self-employed construction worker operating under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you might be wondering how getting a mortgage works. The good news? It’s absolutely possible — and often more straightforward than people think. At Mortgage Links, we love helping CIS workers across the UK secure competitive mortgage deals tailored to their income and work structure.
What Is a CIS Worker?
A CIS worker is someone who works in the UK construction industry as a self-employed subcontractor, and is paid under the Construction Industry Scheme. Rather than receiving traditional payslips, your contractor deducts tax at source before paying you, and your income is recorded on CIS payslips.
CIS workers operate across a wide range of trades, including:
- Bricklayers
- Plasterers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters and Joiners
- Painters and Decorators
- Groundworkers
- Roofers
- Tilers (Wall and Floor)
- Dryliners
- Scaffolders
- Steel Fixers
- General Labourers
- Plant Operators (e.g. crane or digger drivers)
- Demolition Operatives
- Floor Layers
- Site Engineers (freelance)
- Glaziers
- Heating Engineers
- Drainage Specialists
If you’re self-employed and working in one of these roles, there’s a good chance you fall under CIS — and could benefit from a mortgage tailored to your income setup.
Can CIS Workers Get a Mortgage?
Yes, CIS workers can absolutely get a mortgage. In fact, some lenders treat CIS workers more favourably than standard self-employed applicants. The key is to approach the right lenders who understand the CIS setup and are happy to assess income based on your gross earnings, not net profit or filed tax returns.
How Do Mortgage Lenders Assess Income for CIS Workers?
Lenders typically look at:
- CIS payslips from the last 3 to 12 months
- Average gross monthly income
- Bank statements to verify earnings
- Your overall credit profile and deposit amount
Some lenders will base your borrowing potential on your gross day rate, which can significantly increase how much you’re able to borrow compared to using net income figures. The key is choosing the right lender to make your life easy!
Example:
If you earn £150 per day and work 5 days a week, that’s £750 per week — or around £39,000 gross per year. Lenders might use this figure to calculate your mortgage affordability.
What Documents Do CIS Workers Need for a Mortgage?
To get started, you’ll usually need:
- CIS payslips (typically 3–12 months’ worth)
- 3 months’ bank statements
- Proof of ID and address
- Proof of deposit (if purchasing)
- Credit report (We usually recommend clients to run off a PDF report from checkmyfile.com they offer a 30-day free trial, then £14.99 a month – you can cancel online at any time)
You don’t necessarily need 2 years of accounts, which is often required for other self-employed applicants — a huge bonus for CIS workers.
Tips for CIS Workers Applying for a Mortgage
- Keep your CIS payslips safe – these are crucial for proving income.
- Avoid large cash deposits unless they’re well-documented.
- Work with a broker who understands the CIS mortgage market.
- Maintain good credit by paying bills and credit cards on time.
- Save for a deposit – the bigger the deposit, the better the rates.
Why Use Mortgage Links?
At Mortgage Links, we specialise in helping CIS workers, contractors, and the self-employed navigate the mortgage market. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home, or remortgaging, we’ll:
- Identify lenders who accept CIS income
- Handle all paperwork and lender communication
- Offer completely independent and fee-free advice
- Save you time and stress
Ready to Find Out What You Can Borrow?
Click the link below to book a free consultation. We’ll give you an accurate idea of how much you can borrow based on your CIS income — no obligation, just honest advice.
