Last Updated: 11th February 2026
Overtime & Bonus Income Mortgages are designed for employed applicants whose total earnings go beyond their basic salary. Many workers in healthcare, sales, finance, manufacturing and other sectors earn significant additional income through overtime, bonuses, commission or shift allowances. The good news is that this income can often be included in your mortgage affordability assessment.
At AIMS NI, we provide independent, whole-of-market mortgage advice across Northern Ireland. We work with lenders who understand how to assess overtime and bonus income properly, ensuring your full earning potential is considered.
Yes, in many cases overtime and bonus income can be used to support a mortgage application. However, not all lenders treat variable income in the same way. Some may include a percentage of your additional earnings, while others may require a longer track record before accepting it.
What matters most is consistency and sustainability. If overtime or bonuses form a regular part of your income and can be evidenced over time, many lenders are prepared to include them in affordability calculations.
When assessing Overtime & Bonus Income Mortgages, lenders typically review payslips over a set period. This may involve averaging income over the last three, six or twelve months, depending on lender criteria.
Some lenders use year-to-date figures shown on payslips, while others compare annual earnings through P60 documentation. Employer confirmation may also be required to verify that overtime or bonuses are likely to continue.
Lenders focus on sustainability. If additional income has been consistent and forms a predictable part of your overall earnings, it is more likely to be accepted in full or in part.
The type of additional income you receive affects how it is assessed. Guaranteed overtime written into your employment contract is often treated similarly to basic salary. Non-guaranteed overtime, performance-based bonuses or commission may be averaged and potentially discounted.
Shift allowances and regular enhancements can also be considered where they are a consistent part of your pay structure. AIMS NI carefully reviews your payslips and income breakdown to identify how different lenders will treat each component.
The percentage of overtime or bonus income included in affordability varies between lenders. Some may include one hundred percent of guaranteed income. Others may include fifty to seventy-five percent of variable earnings, depending on consistency and history.
Choosing the right lender can therefore make a significant difference to your borrowing capacity. AIMS NI compares whole-of-market options to maximise the income that can reasonably be included.
Overtime and bonus income is common in many established industries. NHS and healthcare staff frequently receive shift enhancements and overtime payments. Sales professionals often earn commission or performance bonuses. Manufacturing, emergency services and financial services roles may also include regular additional earnings.
Lenders often consider sector stability as well as income consistency. Where additional income is typical within a profession, it may be viewed more favourably. AIMS NI understands how different sectors are assessed and structures applications accordingly.
First time buyers relying on overtime or bonus income may worry that only their basic salary will be considered. In reality, many lenders are willing to assess averaged income where earnings are consistent.
Affordability calculations will take into account overall income, monthly commitments and deposit size. AIMS NI helps first time buyers ensure their additional income is presented clearly and accurately.
AIMS NI has over 20 years’ experience helping applicants with complex and variable income structures. As an independent, whole-of-market mortgage broker, we are not limited to a small panel of lenders and can access providers who understand overtime and bonus income.
We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and have advisors located across Northern Ireland. Our approach is transparent, practical and focused on ensuring your full income profile is assessed correctly.
We begin with a detailed review of your payslips, P60s and employment contract. This allows us to calculate how lenders are likely to assess your additional income.
We then compare suitable lenders, prepare your application carefully and manage the process through to completion. Throughout, we ensure documentation is clear and lender queries are handled efficiently.
If you are exploring Overtime & Bonus Income Mortgages, AIMS NI can help you understand how your additional earnings will be assessed and matched with suitable lenders.
Contact AIMS NI today for a free, no-obligation consultation and take the next step towards securing your mortgage.
Yes, provided it is consistent and supported by payslip history.
Most lenders require three to twelve months of payslips, depending on criteria.
They can, particularly where bonuses are regular and evidenced over time.
Affordability calculations are typically based on gross income before tax.
Yes, where it forms a consistent part of earnings and meets lender criteria.
Lenders may average your income to account for fluctuations.
Disclaimer
A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR PROPERTY. YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
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