UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi, I wanted to know if my parents could buy the property on mortgage? My parents paying rent from pension.

@ryder_rock

Your question is impossible for anyone here to answer because you have provided no useful information to go on at all.

But I suspect that you know this.

What is the real purpose of your post?

You have also responded to some dodgy  sounding advert aimed at landlords, posted a decade ago. This refers to BTL mortgages. If this is a genuine enquiry I would advise that your parents get advice from a registered mortgage advisor. 

Yes, it's possible for parents to get a mortgage even if they are retired and living on a pension, but it depends on several factors. Lenders don't automatically reject retired applicants—they just assess affordability differently.

Key things lenders look at:
1. Income (including pension)

State pension

Private/occupational pensions

Any additional income (e.g., investments, part-time work)
Lenders check whether this income is enough to cover the mortgage payments.

2. Age limits

Some lenders have maximum ages for taking out a mortgage (e.g., must finish mortgage by age 70–85).

Others are flexible as long as affordability is proven.

3. Credit history

A good credit score helps. Missed payments or debt may affect approval.

4. Size of deposit

A larger deposit (e.g., 20–40%) can make approval easier and reduce monthly payments.

5. Outgoings

Lenders will look at their rent, bills, and other expenses to see if mortgage payments are manageable.

I think parents choosing to live in rented homes is becoming more common, and sometimes it's the most practical option. What's important is transparency: if the parents plan to remain, landlords and tenants should clearly communicate expectations from the start. That way, everyone knows where they stand and it avoids awkwardness later on.