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Cosign for a mortgage

Written By:
Myles Robinson - Expert Finance Advisor

Posted: Feb 13, 2023

Cosign for a mortgage

It’s common to have a mortgage cosigned or a mortgage guarantee when looking for a mortgage loan’. Cosigning a mortgage as it’s also known in the UK, particularly to help first-time buyers.

The circumstances of you and your potential co-signers will determine whether you can have the financial responsibility and if you are able to get a mortgage cosigned.

We have a team that works with expert brokers for cosigning a mortgage, they can answer your questions about this product, and how mortgage payments work and provide impartial advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

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What does it mean for a co-signer to a mortgage?

If the primary buyer is not eligible for the loan, or to strengthen their mortgage applications, a co-signer will sign the deeds to the mortgage together, this is called cosigning a mortgage.

What is the role of a cosigner for a mortgage loan?

Legally, co-signers are responsible for the mortgage debt and mortgage loan but they do not own the property and it does not appear in the property deeds.

You may be interested in a joint mortgage that you and a family member will have named on the deed. Take a look at our family mortgage guide.

 

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Can you have a cosigner for a mortgage?

Although it is possible to add a cosigner to your mortgage, the financial viability of this option will depend on many factors.

Continue reading to learn more about co-signers and the benefits they can bring to your application. The credit report of the co-signer will be a big factor.

What are the requirements for a cosigner?

How does a cosigner help you get approved for a mortgage loan? Although it won’t make the process any easier, it could increase your chances of mortgage approval.

It all comes down to the person offering to cosign and their personal circumstances. Your chances of being accepted could be higher if you have a close relative who has a high debt-to-income ratio(DTI), and clean credit history.

However, getting a mortgage with a distant relative or a cosigner with poor credit history might not help your chances. It could even be rejected or harmful to your application as it may limit your options with lenders.

 

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Who can cosign for a mortgage

It can vary from one lender to the next. Some lenders will insist that it must be a relative of close blood, like a parent or grandparent. Others might allow friends to co-sign.

Continue reading to learn more about a co-sign home loan.

Are parents allowed to co-sign mortgages with their children?

Parents can co-sign a child’s mortgage application. However, it is important for both parents to consider the financial implications of this decision. Another consideration is that the mortgage can only be approved up to the age when the co-signer would normally qualify for a mortgage. The term of the mortgage might be shorter depending on the age and health of the parents.

If you or your child fail to make the repayments on time, both parents’ credit and financial security will be at risk.

Lenders will bind them to this agreement to declare that they will be responsible for all unpaid debt.

What family members or other people are able to co-sign a mortgage?

You may wonder how to find a co-signer for your mortgage if your parents aren’t able to act as your guarantor.

Lenders are notoriously selective about who they will accept to be a cosigner or guarantee on a mortgage application. However, some lenders are open to accepting less conventional applicants.

Cosigners are often required to have a close relationship with the primary borrower. This could include a parent, sibling or another family member. Some lenders are more flexible and will accept a close friend or family member as a cosigner.

 

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How does having a cosigner for a mortgage affect my application?

There are many factors that can affect the approval of your loan application, just like with any other type of loan.

This applies regardless of whether or not you have a cosigner for your mortgage. These factors include your credit score, your deposit amount and other variables.

Continue reading to learn more.

If I have a cosigner, can I get a mortgage even though I have bad credit?

If you are poor or have no credit, it might be possible to obtain a cosigner mortgage.

Although a cosigner may help you get your mortgage application approved, it won’t erase any past negative experiences. A cosigner may not be required by some lenders to help you get approved for a mortgage.

Underwriters take into consideration many factors when deciding whether to grant a mortgage. These include loan-to-value (LTV), debt-to-income (DTI), and credit scores.

A potential borrower with a low LTV, poor credit rating and a DTI that doesn’t meet minimum requirements may be considered high-risk and lenders might be reluctant to lend them money.

If a cosigner has strong credit, they can add strength to the primary borrower’s application. Lenders are given an additional level of security.

The flip side is that you and your co-signer will be connected as financial associates. This means that their credit history could cause problems if they apply for credit.

 

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Can I get a mortgage with a cosigner after bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal process that eliminates your debt. This gives you another chance to rebuild your credit.

It is possible to get a mortgage from a specialist lender mortgage lender after one year of bankruptcy being discharged, provided you meet the other eligibility requirements. However, having a cosigner may help you.

What effect does a cosigner have on my mortgage affordability?

A potential cosigner with a low credit score may be able to significantly boost the primary borrower’s application during the approval process.

A cosigner’s income may be used to help a buyer qualify for the loan. However, lenders often have maximum DTI requirements that must be met by the occupant buyer in order to be approved.

Can I get a cosigner for a mortgage?

Low credit score borrowers, often first-time buyers (FTBs), are the most frequent request for co-signer mortgages.

You can still be considered for an FTB co-signer mortgage. Talk to an expert about all options before you rush to make any decisions.

Talk to a specialist about co-signing for a mortgage

If your financial situation is not ideal, a cosigner can help you get your mortgage approved. However, it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

We work with whole-of-market brokerages who can provide impartial, personalised advice and help you choose the right route.

Give us a call today or send an online enquiry, and we’ll get in touch with you.

Only 5* Accredited Advisors are allowed to work with us. We don’t charge any fees and you have no obligation.

 

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Co-sign Mortgage FAQ

How do I get rid of a cosigner on a mortgage?

You may decide to remove your cosigner from the mortgage over time. You may prefer to keep your financial affairs more private or have enough assets to be able to manage your own finances.

To determine if you are eligible for the mortgage, contact your current lender. Your provider will review your payment history and income to determine if you are eligible without a cosigner.

What happens if my mortgage co-signer dies?

If the mortgage cosigner dies before the loan is fully paid, then the entire responsibility falls on the primary borrower.

The estate of the deceased may deduct the loan cost if the principal applicant fails to pay the loan on time.

age, another important lender consideration, is also a key factor in co-signer mortgage applications.

How can I get rid of being a cosigner for a mortgage?

It is not always the best decision to co-sign. There are other options if you have a change of heart or find yourself in a different financial situation.

It is a good idea to speak with the property owner about refinancing. If the householder can refinance alone, it might be possible to transfer the mortgage to a sole-owner agreement.

 

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Can I have a cosigner with poor credit history and good income to help me apply for a mortgage?

Although a cosigner can be beneficial, it can also make your mortgage application more difficult.

Lenders will look at a variety of factors before deciding whether to approve your application. However, if your co-signer’s high DTI does not counteract their severe credit score, it could be rejected.

Can I be pre-approved for mortgage financing if I have a cosigner?

Although a cosigner can help a borrower get approved for a mortgage, it doesn’t guarantee that the loan will be approved.

Lenders are very careful and want to make sure that you can repay the loan. Your co-signer and you will also be subject to other eligibility checks.

What is the difference between a co-signer and a guarantor mortgage?

The only difference between a co-signer and a guarantor is liability.

The co-signer signs the loan and is legally liable for missed payments. However, the bank does not have to take any action to demand payment.

A guarantor is not required to sign the debt obligation. To become financially responsible, the lender must exhaust every other avenue of collection from the original borrower.

What’s the difference between mortgage cosigner and mortgage co-borrower?

The FCA and mortgage lenders see ‘cosigners’ as two distinct things.

The primary borrower and a co-borrower can apply for a loan together. Both parties will share the responsibility for repayments. The primary borrower will make the payments and co-signers won’t be able to sign any loans.

Contact us now for help and advice on getting a mortgage co-signed now.

 

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