CIS Contractors

Working through the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) brings unique flexibility and opportunities — but it can also make mortgage applications more complex. CIS contractors, subcontractors and self-employed workers often have income that doesn’t fit standard mortgage lending criteria. This can make it harder to demonstrate consistent earnings, even when you’re financially strong.

At J Finance, we specialise in helping CIS workers secure mortgages that reflect their true earning potential. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving, remortgaging or investing in property, our tailored approach helps you present your income clearly and confidently to lenders.

If you work in construction through the CIS, you may experience:

Variable or Fluctuating Income

CIS earnings can change month to month depending on work availability, project schedules and invoicing patterns — which doesn’t always align with traditional PAYE income profiles.

Tax-Deducted Income Records

Under CIS, tax is deducted at source by your paying organisation before you receive your income, meaning lenders see net figures rather than gross turnover — which can affect how income is assessed.

Complex Income Documentation

CIS documents, statements, invoices and receipts can be different from traditional payslips and PAYE records, so presenting them in the right format matters.

Multiple Contracts or Sites

Working across different contracts or sites can mean a mix of earnings streams and documentation, requiring specialist guidance for lenders to assess affordability accurately.

Due to these complexities, general mortgage advice isn’t always enough — specialist support can make the difference between acceptance and rejection.

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving to a new property, refinancing or expanding into property investment, we can help CIS workers in the following scenarios:

First-Time Buyer Mortgages

We help CIS workers get on the property ladder by presenting income in a way lenders can understand and by identifying suitable products.

Home Mover Mortgages

If you’re relocating, upsizing, downsizing or changing property type, we help transition you to the right mortgage for your goals.

Remortgages

We review your existing mortgage to help you secure a better rate, release equity or adjust terms to suit your current financial position.

Buy-to-Let and Investment Property

If you’re considering investment property alongside your construction income, we help structure your mortgage strategy around rental income and long-term plans.

Lenders take different approaches to CIS income, but most will want to understand:

• Your documented income over a period of time

• Whether your income demonstrates consistency or growth

• How your earnings align with outgoings and borrowing capacity

• Whether the income structure supports long-term affordability

While some lenders may consider only net income after CIS deductions, others are willing to assess gross earnings based on accounts or supplementary documentation — depending on criteria and evidence provided.

Providing the right evidence helps strengthen your application. Common supporting documents include:

• CIS statements from your contractor

• Business bank statements showing income and expenses

• Invoices and payment records

• Tax returns or self-assessment evidence where relevant

• Evidence of next contracts or future work where possible

We guide you on exactly what lenders want to see and how best to present your CIS income to improve your chances of success.

Here’s how our support typically works:

Detailed Financial Review

We begin with a comprehensive review of your income history, CIS documentation, contract patterns and personal financial goals.

Strategy and Lender Matching

Each lender has different criteria for CIS income. We identify lenders most likely to assess your income favourably and match your application to the right ones.

Document Preparation

We help you compile the required documentation in the right format to support your application effectively.

Application Submission

We prepare and submit your mortgage application, clearly presenting your income and addressing any lender queries.

Offer and Completion

Once you receive an offer, we help you understand the terms and guide you through to completion with confidence.

Here are some practical tips to help strengthen your application:

Keep Clear Records

Maintain accurate book-keeping of your CIS earnings, including invoices, payments and deductions.

Show Consistency Where Possible

Lenders like to see evidence of stable or increasing earnings over time — even if individual months vary.

Gather Supporting Evidence

Collect documentation that shows your ability to secure work, including upcoming contracts or client confirmations if available.

Prepare Early

Getting organised in advance — especially if gearing up to buy or remortgage — helps speed up the application process.

Speak to a Specialist Adviser

CIS income can be complex to present, and specialist guidance ensures lenders see your financial position as strongly as possible.

Standard mortgage applications don’t always fairly reflect CIS income patterns and structures. By working with a specialist mortgage adviser:

• You get a clear assessment of how lenders view CIS income

• Your application reflects your real earning capacity

• You access lenders with flexible criteria for non-standard income

• You receive personalised support through every stage of the mortgage process

At J Finance, we provide tailored mortgage strategies that match your CIS income profile and help you achieve your home ownership or property investment goals.

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving, remortgaging or investing, we can help you find a mortgage solution that reflects your CIS income and career aspirations.

📞 01635 521300
📧 contact@jfinance.co.uk