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Mortgage Advisor & Director
Getting a mortgage on a house with two kitchens can be challenging as some lenders might suspect the property will be housing tenants who aren’t listed on the mortgage.
Mortgage applications under these circumstances are often subjected to intense scrutiny, but it is possible to get approved, and in this guide, we will explain how.
Can you get a mortgage on a house with two kitchens?
Yes, although not always straightforward, it is possible to get a mortgage for a house with two kitchens.
Many of our customers are surprised to learn that to a mortgage lender, a house with two kitchens can be concerning, and some may even reject your mortgage application. For this reason, these properties can fall into the 'non-standard' category where the choice of lenders is reduced, and the mortgage deals are less competitive.
We know that it can be difficult to find the right mortgage - and even more challenging on a non-standard property. We would recommend speaking to an experienced mortgage broker to help boost your chances of securing a mortgage on a house with two kitchens. At Teito, we have helped many people like you land a great deal on a non-standard mortgage by providing them competitive deals and unbeatable service.
Connect with a broker who specialises in complex properties
Why it can be more difficult
From the perspective of the lender, having a house with two kitchens can indicate multiple families or groups of occupants are living in the property.
As this can be a sign that the property is accommodating additional tenants that are not listed on the mortgage, which means that the lines can become blurred on whether the property is being used for residential or investment purposes.
Unless you have consent to let explicitly agreed from your mortgage lender, the terms of your mortgage will almost certainly exclude renting out your home - and you won't be able to get consent to let when applying for the mortgage.
Read our article on accidental landlords to learn more on this. If you're planning to rent out the property, you should be applying for a buy-to-let mortgage.
Can you get a buy-to-let mortgage on a property with two kitchens?
Yes. For buy-to-let properties, lenders will want to see that the property is set up with one single Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement (AST) that covers all tenants, allowing the property to be repossessed and sold more easily if needed.
In England and Wales, an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) can be a tenancy for a fixed term of no more than six months or periodic tenancy. Having two kitchens can imply that there are multiple tenants with various ASTs in place, which would make the property more difficult to sell in the event of repossession.
How to get a mortgage on a house with a second kitchen
The good news is that there are some lenders who will be satisfied as long as the buyer confirms that the second kitchen will be used for personal use, or, for example, a nanny or grandparent to use who is living at the property.
There are a few steps you can take that can help support your two kitchen mortgage application:
- You may be able to negotiate to remove the second kitchen either in between exchange and completion or after completion. A representative of the lender will perform an inspection to confirm the removal.
- An alternative would be to remove key elements of the kitchen such as a cooker to repurpose it as a utility room. This may also be satisfactory to potential lenders.
- For buy-to-let properties, some lenders will be prepared to lend on a house with two kitchens, albeit likely with higher rates and deposit requirements and possibly on a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) basis.
Your best chances are to engage an experienced broker to support your mortgage application. They will be able to recommend suitable lenders, offer advice and maximise your chances of mortgage approval.
Which lenders are available?
Several mortgage lenders, including Santander and Kensington Mortgages, will reject you outright if you are buying a property with more than one kitchen. The lenders below will consider your application with the following caveats and restrictions:
- TSB: Will lend as long as the second kitchen is part of the normal living area, does not have separate access and cannot form part of a property that can be sublet.
- Nationwide: Will lend if the second kitchen is housed in a self-contained annex.
- Pepper Money: Will lend on a property with more than one kitchen provided it is not classed as a HMO, as Pepper Money does not accept this property type.
- Aldermore: Will lend on properties with a maximum of two kitchens.
- Accord Mortgages: Lends on properties with two kitchens if the second one qualifies as a utility room or is based within an annex.
How we can help you get approved
We're here to help!
We’ve helped many people like you to secure a great deal on their non-standard mortgage. With Teito, you can apply for your mortgage in just 5 minutes with no paperwork or hassle - the process is simple, everything is online and stress-free. Plus, we’ll give you a decision in principle in minutes - It's all about saving time and money when it comes to getting your dream home - let us help make that happen!
Get in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation chat with a broker who specialises in mortgages for properties with two kitchens today.
FAQs
Yes but there are only a few lenders available for this. The majority of the lenders who specify that they will offer mortgages for properties with more than one kitchen tend to draw the line at two. Specialist HMO lenders, however, may accept more than this.
Speak to a broker to find out what your options are if you’re buying a property with more than two kitchens.
Choosing an Adviser
Selecting a qualified and experienced mortgage adviser is of great importance. To choose a suitable adviser, evaluate their qualifications, experience, and reputation, and ensure they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Read reviews from previous clients and make sure they provide a clear explanation of the products and services they offer, as well as the fees and charges associated with them.