Can I get a guarantor mortgage in the UK in 2026?
Yes, it’s possible. In 2026, a lot of lenders don’t always call it a “guarantor mortgage” anymore — you’ll often see family-assisted mortgages (where a family member supports using savings) or Joint Borrower, Sole Proprietor (JBSP)(where someone helps with affordability but doesn’t own the property). A broker can quickly tell you which route fits your income, deposit, and credit profile.
How do guarantor mortgages work?
It depends on the type of deal you’re using. Some are a true “guarantee” where the guarantor is legally responsible if you don’t pay. Others work more like a family support scheme where a family member places money into a linked savings account as security for a period of time. Another common setup is JBSP, where the helper is on the mortgage to support affordability, but only you go on the property deeds.
Who can be a guarantor?
Usually it’s a close family member like a parent, grandparent, or sibling. Some lenders are stricter than others, and not every lender accepts every relationship. What matters most is whether the guarantor can pass affordability and credit checks, and whether they understand the legal responsibility they’re taking on.
Who can get a guarantor mortgage?
There isn’t one universal rule like “you must be 21” or “your credit score must be 700.” Most lenders look at whether you can afford the monthly payments, what your credit history looks like, and whether the property is suitable security. If your deposit is low or your income is variable, a family-assisted mortgage or JBSP can sometimes help — but it still depends on the full application.
What is the difference between a guarantor mortgage and a secured mortgage?
A mortgage is already “secured” because it’s secured against the property. A guarantor mortgage adds an extra layer of security for the lender — either another person’s legal commitment to pay if you can’t, or a linked savings deposit that can be used to cover losses if the mortgage goes wrong.
What are the potential risks involved in a guarantor mortgage?
The biggest risk is simple: if you can’t pay, the guarantor may have to. That can affect their finances, their ability to borrow in the future, and in serious cases it can lead to legal action. If arrears build up and the lender repossesses the property, there can still be a shortfall to repay if the sale doesn’t cover everything.
Do guarantors get credit checked?
Yes. Most lenders will run credit checks on the guarantor and also assess their income, outgoings, and existing financial commitments. Even if the guarantor has strong finances, lenders still treat it as a serious commitment and they’ll underwrite it properly.
What happens if a mortgage guarantor can’t pay?
If payments are missed, the lender will normally chase the borrower first, but they can also pursue the guarantor depending on the agreement. If the situation escalates and the mortgage falls into serious arrears, repossession can become a risk. If there’s a linked savings security (family-assisted setup), that money may be used under the scheme rules.
What if your mortgage guarantor dies?
This depends on the lender and the mortgage structure. Some lenders may want you to replace the guarantor, restructure the mortgage, or reassess affordability. If the support was through a linked savings account, the savings and estate arrangements may also matter. In real life, this is one of those situations where you’d speak to the lender or broker quickly because the next steps vary.
Can I get a joint guarantor mortgage?
Yes, but in the UK it’s often handled as JBSP or a family-assisted product rather than a “joint guarantor mortgage” in the old-fashioned sense. JBSP is popular because it can boost affordability while keeping the helper off the property deeds, while family-assisted mortgages can help when the deposit is the main barrier.
