Mortage app before or after getting married?

BluecoatRob

Hello, just a quick question:

My partner and I just had an offer accepted on a property - we're first time buyers - and are about to apply for a mortgage. As it's worked out we're actually getting married a week today - it was never the plan to do both in the same week, but there you go!

We're eager to proceed, but is there any benefit to us waiting until after we are married to apply for a mortgage? Could applying now cause problems in a week or so when both our marital status changes?

We are both in a good financial position; no debts, no dependants, both employed, good credit, etc.

Thanks in advance.

london21

The application takes a long time, by the time you complete, you would be married.
Might be easier waiting to be married for instance change of name etc.

TripleH

Or don't change names perhaps?

I've been married for 6 years but my wife still uses her maiden name on everything.

She didn't change because she is known in her industry by her maiden name and mine is difficult to pronounce and spell.

We haven't had any issues and have opened 2 bank accounts and got 4 mortgage offers in that time.

We have friends married for 10 years who still use their born names.

Your wife can change her name at a later date when you have your new home, no need to unnecessarily complicate matters now when you don't have to.

I hope you have a wonderful wedding.

BluecoatRob

Thank you both for your replies.

From what you're saying it sounds like the only issue might be around her changing her name, but as she's keeping her maiden name that shouldn't be an issue for us.

I think my main concern is that the change to our marital status would have some material impact on our application. So for example, if we were to apply for a joint mortgage as 'single' or 'co-habiting' or what have you, then by the time we complete our actual status is 'married', I could imagine that gumming up the works. Or it could have no effect, in which case we might as well apply now.

It's a tricky one to tell - I'm aware that marital status can impact on things like credit worthiness (though both of us are fine here). Perhaps it's best to hold off a couple of weeks just in case...

Lewist123

If you are married do they ask for marriage certificate? If so, how long does this take to come through? Maybe something worth asking your broker.

canaldumidi

It will make zero difference.

And whether one of you chooses to change or not change his/her name (see what I did there?) also makes no difference.

My sister married 30 years ago and uses her husband's surname on some documents/accounts, and her maiden name at work (teacher - still Miss Smith!) and hence on National Insurance, HMRC and someother accounts.

If it's ever (rarely) a problem she just shows the marriage certificate.

BluecoatRob

Thanks for your replies.

I get the sense that it doesn't make an awful lot of difference, which is reassuring. All the same, I think we can afford to hold off until after the wedding, so we probably will.

Thanks for helping.