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MAXIMISE YOUR BORROWING

Your Income Is Complex.
Our Logic Is Simple.

Published by Richards & Logic on April 19, 2026

Standard lenders see "risk" in bonuses, commission, and multiple income streams. We see affordability. We find lenders who use 100% of your complex earnings.

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What Is a Complex Income Mortgage?

A complex income mortgage is a home loan designed for borrowers whose earnings don't fit the standard "PAYE salary" model. If your income comes from bonuses, commission, company dividends, contractor day rates, or multiple sources, you have complex income.

The challenge is that most High Street lenders use automated systems that can't accurately assess these income types. They apply blanket discounts—sometimes ignoring 50% or more of what you actually earn. Specialist lenders, on the other hand, use manual underwriting to evaluate your true affordability.

At Richards & Logic, we act as the bridge between you and those specialist lenders. Our job is to present your income in a way that passes their criteria—not fight an algorithm.

Navigating Zero-Hours Contract Mortgages

One of the most common types of complex income we encounter is earnings from zero-hours contracts. Many lenders view these contracts as inherently unstable, leading to automatic rejections. However, with the right approach and a specialist lender, a zero-hours contract mortgage is entirely achievable. The key is demonstrating consistency and longevity in your employment pattern. Lenders will typically look for at least 12 months, and often 24 months, of consistent earnings history. They want to see a clear track record of hours worked and income received, usually evidenced through payslips and bank statements.

We work to highlight the stability within your zero-hours employment, focusing on average earnings over a sustained period rather than weekly fluctuations. We also emphasize your employment history, any previous permanent roles, and the nature of your industry, to paint a picture of reliability.

Mortgages with Bonus and Commission Income

For many professionals, a significant portion of their annual income comes from bonuses and commission. While exciting for your personal finances, these variable payments can be a headache when applying for a mortgage. Standard lenders often only consider 50% of bonus income, or sometimes none at all, severely impacting your borrowing capacity.

Our expertise lies in connecting you with lenders who are willing to consider 100% of your sustainable bonus and commission income. We help you gather the necessary evidence, such as P60s, payslips, and employment contracts, to prove the regularity and likelihood of these payments continuing. We understand the nuances of various bonus structures, from annual performance bonuses to quarterly sales commissions, and present your case effectively.

Self-Employed and Contractor Day Rate Mortgages

The world of work has evolved, and so has how people earn their living. Self-employed individuals and contractors operating on day rates often find themselves in a similar predicament to zero-hours workers when it comes to mortgages. Traditional lenders typically demand several years of audited accounts, and may only consider a portion of drawn salary and dividends.

At Richards & Logic, we specialize in mortgages for self-employed professionals and contractors. We work with lenders who assess your income based on your day rate, annualising it to reflect your true earning potential, even if you have less than two years of accounts. For limited company directors, we look beyond basic salary and dividends to include retained profits, providing a much more comprehensive view of your financial health.

Navigating Multiple Income Streams and Rental Income

It's increasingly common for individuals to have multiple income streams – perhaps a main PAYE job alongside freelance work, or rental income from a buy-to-let property. While this diversified income provides financial security, it can complicate mortgage applications. Lenders may struggle to combine disparate income sources, or apply strict criteria that limit the amount they'll consider from secondary earnings.

We have a deep understanding of how to present multiple income streams to specialist lenders. Whether it's income from a second job, dividends from investments, or rental income from your property portfolio, we ensure every element of your earnings is properly accounted for, maximizing your borrowing power.

Why Choose a Specialist for Complex Income?

Choosing a specialist mortgage broker for complex income is not just about getting approved; it's about getting the best terms. High street lenders, with their rigid, automated systems, are simply not equipped to understand the nuances of non-standard earnings. This often leads to lower borrowing offers, or worse, outright rejection, even for financially sound individuals.

Specialist lenders, accessed through brokers like Richards & Logic, offer manual underwriting. This means a human underwriter reviews your case, understanding the full context of your earnings and financial situation. They are more flexible, more adaptable, and ultimately, more likely to say "yes" when others say "no". We don't just find a lender; we find the right lender who values your unique income profile.

Income We Accept (That Others Don't)

If it appears on your bank statement, we can usually find a lender to use it.

100% of Bonus/Commission

Most banks cap this at 50%. We access lenders who use the full amount.

RSUs & Stock Options

Vested stock can be treated as income by specialist private banks.

Foreign Currency

Paid in USD or EUR? We know lenders who don't apply harsh 'haircuts' to FX.

Investment Income

Dividends and rental profit can be added to your personal income.

Second Jobs / Side Hustles

We can use income from multiple probationary roles or zero-hour contracts.

Trust Income

Regular distributions from family trusts can be accepted as primary income.

The "Standard" Way

  • × Ignores 50% of your bonus
  • × Rejects probation periods
  • × Confused by foreign currency
  • × "Computer Says No"

The Complex Income Way

  • Uses 100% of sustainable income
  • Manual underwriting by humans
  • Multi-currency experts
  • "Logic Says Yes"
Already Been Declined?

A "No" From HSBC Isn't a "No" From Everyone

If a High Street bank turned you down, it doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage. It means their algorithm couldn't underwrite your income. Specialist lenders use human underwriters who can see what the computer missed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as 'complex income' for a mortgage?
Complex income includes any earnings that fall outside a standard PAYE salary. This typically includes bonuses, commission, overtime, dividends, retained company profits, contractor day rates, rental income, foreign currency earnings, and investment returns.
Can I get a mortgage with bonus income?
Yes. While High Street banks often only use 50% of your bonus, specialist lenders can use 100% of sustainable bonus income. We match you with lenders who understand variable pay structures.
How do lenders assess complex income?
Specialist lenders use manual underwriting rather than automated 'computer says no' systems. They look at your bank statements, tax returns, and company accounts to build a complete picture of your affordability.
Do I need to be out of probation to get a mortgage?
Not necessarily. Some lenders will consider applicants still in their probation period, especially if you have a strong employment history or are in a high-demand profession.

Prove Your Affordability

Don't guess what you can borrow. Let our eligibility audit assess your complex income against 50+ specialist lender criteria.

With lender criteria tightening and rates still volatile, now is the time to lock in your borrowing power.

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