As affordability remains a challenge in 2025, more buyers are turning to creative strategies like the Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) mortgage. This option enables a parent or family member to help boost borrowing power without being named on the property's title deed. For many, it’s a middle ground between gifting a deposit and becoming a co-owner.

Here’s what you need to know about JBSP mortgages in today’s market.

What Is a JBSP Mortgage?

A JBSP mortgage involves two or more people on the mortgage, but only one person (the proprietor) legally owns the property. Typically, this looks like:

• A first-time buyer (the proprietor)
• A parent or close relative (the supporting borrower)

The supporting borrower’s income is factored into affordability calculations, helping increase the loan amount. However, they don’t appear on the title deeds, so they avoid stamp duty surcharges or capital gains tax implications.

Why Use a JBSP Mortgage in 2025?

In the current market, JBSP mortgages are especially useful for:

• First-time buyers priced out on their own income
• Parents helping children without gifting large sums
• Avoiding stamp duty surcharges on second properties
• Maintaining full ownership with the buyer

They can be ideal for clients where the goal is to help without complicating future inheritance or ownership structures.

Key Advantages of JBSP Mortgages

✅ Boosted Affordability
By adding the parent or family member’s income, the borrower can often access larger mortgage amounts.

✅ No Joint Ownership
The helper doesn’t go on the deeds—so no second home tax and no ownership complications later.

✅ Flexible Exit
In future, once the primary borrower’s income improves, the parent can often be removed from the mortgage.

✅ Inheritance Planning Friendly
JBSPs don’t transfer equity or ownership, making them cleaner from an estate planning perspective.

Risks and Considerations

❌ Affordability Impacts on the Parent
The parent’s income is tied to this mortgage, which could affect their ability to borrow elsewhere.

❌ Credit Risk
If repayments are missed, both borrowers’ credit scores are impacted.

❌ Limited Lender Panel
Not all lenders offer JBSPs—and each has its own rules on age, income, and exit strategy.

❌ Legal Advice Recommended
Because of the split between mortgage liability and legal ownership, it’s important each party understands the risks and obligations.

Typical Lender Criteria (2025)

• Parent’s maximum age: usually 70–85 at end of term
• Supporting borrower must have provable income
• Applicant must plan to take over the mortgage solo in future
• Deposit can come from any party but must be documented
• Often capital repayment only—interest-only options are limited

Who Is a JBSP Mortgage Right For?

JBSP mortgages are often well suited to:

• Parents helping children onto the ladder
• Older borrowers supporting younger family
• Buyers with good deposits but limited income
• Families wanting to avoid gifting large sums or co-ownership

Alternatives to JBSP

If a JBSP doesn’t quite fit, there are other options:

• Guarantor Mortgages – similar, but less commonly offered in 2025
• Family Offset Mortgages – using savings to reduce interest
• Gifting a Deposit – straightforward but with different tax implications
• Co-Ownership or Shared Equity – more complex ownership arrangements

Final Thoughts

JBSP mortgages remain a powerful tool in 2025—especially for families navigating affordability pressures. With the right advice, they can offer flexibility, tax efficiency, and a smoother path onto the property ladder.

📞 Want Help Navigating Today’s Market?

Book a free strategy call with one of our mortgage specialists.

We’ll help you find the smartest way forward—whatever rates do next.