A little family help can get you over the line.
A guarantor mortgage lets a relative — usually a parent — back your mortgage with their income, savings or property, so you can borrow when your own profile falls short. Modern versions include springboard/deposit-boost deals (family savings held as security) and JBSP (family income on the mortgage). As a whole-of-market, FCA-authorised brokerage, we compare all the family-assisted routes, including for contractors.
- Assessed onHousehold incomeSalary and other qualifying income
- Income multiple~4.5×Some lenders stretch higher
- Deposit from5%Low-deposit schemes available
- AdviceWhole-of-marketDirectly FCA authorised
How a guarantor mortgage works
A guarantor agrees to cover the mortgage if you can't, often securing their own property or savings against it. It can let you borrow more, or buy with a small deposit — but the guarantor takes on real, legally binding risk, so independent legal advice is usually required.
Guarantor vs springboard vs JBSP
A guarantor only steps in on default; a springboard (deposit-boost) deal holds family savings as security for a few years; a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor adds family income to the application while you alone own the home. Each suits a different situation — we pick the best fit.
Compare with our JBSP mortgages page.
Who it suits
First-time buyers with a small deposit, buyers whose income is short of the property price, and contractors whose day rate is strong but whose accounts are brief. See first-time buyer and IT contractors.
Things to weigh up
The guarantor's own finances and borrowing can be affected, and their home or savings are at risk if you default. We explain the responsibilities clearly and arrange the right legal advice.
Lenders offering guarantor and family deals — a selection
Lender guides: Halifax · Barclays · HSBC · NatWest · Nationwide · Accord · Clydesdale · Yorkshire BS · Kensington See how we place cases →
Guarantor & Family-Assisted Mortgages, answered
What is a guarantor mortgage?+
It's a mortgage where a relative backs your loan with their income, savings or property, so you can borrow when your own profile alone isn't enough.
What's the difference between guarantor and JBSP?+
A guarantor only becomes liable if you default; a JBSP borrower is on the mortgage from day one, so their income counts fully towards affordability.
Can I buy with no deposit using family help?+
Some springboard and guarantor deals allow a very small or effectively no deposit, using family savings or property as security instead. Criteria vary.
Does being a guarantor affect the family member?+
Yes. Their finances, future borrowing and secured assets can be affected, and they take on real liability. Independent legal advice is normally required.
Can contractors use a guarantor mortgage?+
Yes. Your day-rate income is assessed the specialist way and combined with the family support that best fits.