Mortgages for Authors & Writers

Being an author can be rewarding, but getting a mortgage isn't always straightforward. Unlike traditional employment, income from writing can be unpredictable, with earnings coming from book advances, royalties, publishing contracts and overseas sales.

At Faye Richards Private Finance, we understand that your income may not fit the standard criteria used by many mortgage lenders. We specialise in helping authors and writers navigate these complexities and explore mortgage options that reflect their individual circumstances.

Authors can have several different income streams, and how these are structured and received can make a significant difference to a mortgage application.

We can help you navigate areas such as:

• Royalties and advances: Understanding how lenders assess ongoing royalty income, upfront book advances and payments received under publishing agreements.
• Irregular or fluctuating income: Looking beyond a single year's earnings to understand the wider picture, particularly where income varies significantly between tax years.
• Foreign income: Exploring lenders who may accept income from overseas publishers, foreign book sales and royalties paid in different currencies.
• Income averaging for authors: Understanding how HMRC's averaging relief for creators of literary works may apply where profits fluctuate between tax years, and how this may affect the financial information used for a mortgage application.
• Book contracts and future earnings: Using publishing agreements and evidence of future work to help demonstrate the nature and sustainability of your income.

We work with mainstream mortgage lenders across the market, but appreciate that some authors have circumstances that require a more individual approach.

Where appropriate, we also work with specialist lenders and private banks, which may offer more flexibility when considering complex income structures, international earnings, royalties or fluctuations in income. The most suitable route will depend on your individual circumstances, financial position and the lender's criteria.

Every author's circumstances are different. Some may receive a substantial advance followed by royalties, while others earn income from several publishers, international sales or additional writing work.

We take the time to understand your earnings, review the supporting documentation and identify lenders whose criteria will be suited to your circumstances.

Whether you're buying your first home, moving house or remortgaging, we can help you understand your options.