Banks statements and National lottery

CatBlack123

Hello everyone,

Could someone please share their advice or experience?
We are thinking of applying for mortgage around April time so I started reading about how to best  prepare. 

Until December I have around 5 monthly transactions for about £5 each to National lottery on my statements. I never thought that would cause any issues. 

Now I am actually frightened that have spoilt our chances of owing a home. 

What is best course of action now ?

Will this transactions haunt me forever?

Can we apply after 3 months of clear bank statements ? Is this enough ? Can the underwriters ask for more than 6 months statements ?
What about if its your own bank , do they also only look at 3 months worth of transactions?

I am just so worried and so anxious right now. 
Please I would be really greatful for any input. 

khtaylor

I dont think playing the lottery will cause any issues. I play postcode lottery monthly (£10). My mortgage was approved no questions asked 

[Deleted User]

Agree with @khtaylor. Although I'm no expert, I can't see a situation where this would be an impediment, especially as they are such small amounts. Try not to worry yourself unnecessarily x

CatBlack123

Thank you very much for the replies.
I am just so anxious.
I don't want to wait 6 months to apply but it may be safest. 
Do lenders ever ask for more than 6 months statements?

emmajones1976

I had transactions to ganbling sites, proper gambling sites, for three figures at a time and nobody batted an eyelid at the bank. You are worrying unnecessarily, millions of people play the Lottery and have done so since 1994, you arent going to have a mortgage declined on 2 lucky dips a week or whatever 

Emmia

I play the lottery & euromillions by direct debit - it's about £20-£30 a month depending on the number of draws, no problem getting a mortgage either. 

I think if you're clearly staking / gambling money e.g. lots of card transactions, references to bet365 / 888 / PaddyPower etc on your statements, then those could be something the bank may look at - but that's a whole other ball game.

CatBlack123

Thanks everyone.
I am normally an anxious person so after reading horror stories of people being declined a mortgage for sometimes only one gambling transaction showing on banks statements I panicked. 
Maybe National lottery is looked at differently 

kingstreet

Put £25 a month in the lender's affordability calculator and see if it makes a difference to what you want to borrow. What you are talking about is likely to be treated as a hobby, not an addiction.

CatBlack123

Thanks @kingstreet . If there is no transacions  to NL on the  most recent 2 banks statements only lest say 1,   I understand this wouldn't be used in calculation for affordability?

emmajones1976

Why would it? They wouldnt use £10 per round spent down the pub either.

CatBlack123

Not sure why would they but  If I am correct gambling is treated diffrently.