Can I get a mortgage on a tenement flat that’s above a shop, pub, or restaurant?
A.
Yes, but the lender you choose matters. Many high-street lenders are nervous about flats above "hot food" takeaways or late-night venues due to perceived noise and fire risks. We know exactly which lenders are comfortable with Edinburgh's mixed-use tenements and what the surveyor will be looking out for.
I’m on a fixed-term contract at the University / NHS Lothian. Will lenders accept my income?
A.
Absolutely. Edinburgh has a massive workforce of academics, researchers, and medical locums on fixed-term or rolling contracts. Most lenders just want to see a track record (usually 12–24 months, but not always) in your profession and a few months remaining on your current contract. We package this up so the underwriter understands your earning stability.
How do lenders view large annual bonuses or commission?
A.
If you have a large chunk of your income from an annual bonus or commission, you may find that it's difficult to work out how much you can borrow accurately using online calculators. Lenders treat this differently - some will only use 50% of your bonus for affordability, while others will use 100% if there is a consistent track record. We use our knowledge of the key lender criteria to maximize your borrowing ability with your specific pay structure.
Are there extra mortgage hurdles for buying a Listed Building in the New Town or a Conservation Area?
A.
Lenders are generally happy to lend on Category B or C listed buildings, which are very common in central Edinburgh. However, the Home Report must confirm there are no urgent, high-cost structural repairs needed, as you will be legally restricted in how you can fix them. The main difference will be ensuring you can get adequate Buildings Insurance, which the lender will insist on. We can help with this.
The Home Report notes shared roof liability on an older tenement. Is this a problem for lenders?
A.
Shared liability for the roof, stairwell, and common areas is entirely standard for Edinburgh tenements, and lenders expect to see it. It only becomes a mortgage issue if the surveyor flags an urgent, high-cost structural failure (a "Category 3" repair). If there’s a major issue with the masonry or roof that requires immediate thousands of pounds to fix, some lenders might hold back part of the mortgage until the work is done (a "retention"). We help you review the Single Survey upfront so there are no nasty surprises from the underwriter.