How CIS Workers Can Qualify for a Mortgage – Even Without 2 Years of Accounts

Zak Hewes
Sep 14
2 min read

Updated: Sep 15

If you’re a construction worker paid through the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you may have been told it’s tough to get a mortgage—especially if you don’t have 2 full years of accounts.

The truth? Many lenders will treat your CIS payslips as income, which means you could qualify for a mortgage sooner than you think. At Your Mortgage Manager, we specialise in helping CIS workers secure mortgages with the right lenders.

👷 What Is a CIS Worker?

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is how many subcontractors in the UK are paid. Instead of being paid like a traditional employee (PAYE), you’re paid gross income with tax deducted at source by the contractor.

Because you’re technically classed as self-employed, most lenders ask for two years of accounts or tax returns. But with CIS, some lenders will assess your income differently.

💡 CIS Mortgage Tip: Payslips Count as Proof of Income

Here’s the good news:

Some lenders will use your CIS payslips (last 3–6 months) to calculate your annualised income. That means:

You don’t always need 2 full years of accounts
Your borrowing power may be based on your gross income before tax deductions
You could borrow more than you would if using net profit figures from tax returns

👉 Example: If you earn £700 a week on CIS, a lender could use that figure to calculate your annual income (£700 x 52 weeks = £36,400).

✅ What You’ll Need to Apply as a CIS Worker

To boost your chances of approval, get these documents ready:

3–6 months of CIS payslips
Latest CIS deduction statements
Recent bank statements
Proof of ID and address

Some lenders may still ask for one year of accounts or SA302s, but with the right approach, this isn’t always essential.

🔑 Benefits of a CIS Mortgage

You don’t always need two years of trading history
Lenders can work off your gross income, not net
Access to competitive rates with specialist lenders
Helps you buy sooner, rather than waiting for more accounts

⚠️ Things to Watch Out For

Not all lenders accept CIS payslips—so applying directly to a high street bank may get you a “no”
Gaps in work can affect your application
Missed payments or adverse credit may reduce options (but specialist lenders still exist)