Weight Loss Pills Could Cut Your Mortgage Dreams by Thousands - Experts Warn
For many struggling with weight, the prospect of losing a few pounds can seem like a godsend. But experts warn that spending thousands on weight loss pills could have an unexpected side effect: it could reduce the amount you can borrow for your dream home.
The issue comes to light in mortgage assessments, where lenders scrutinise applicants' income and outgoings. Subscriptions, memberships, and regular payments such as weight loss pill prescriptions are all taken into account. And if these monthly expenditures add up - say, £200 to £300 per month - it could knock a whopping 20 grand off the maximum loan offered on a modest salary.
The UK's weight loss epidemic is on the rise, with over 1.6 million adults now using privately prescribed jabs to shed pounds, at an estimated cost of £100 to £350 per month. While some mortgage brokers say these payments should be viewed as "discretionary" spending that could be cancelled at any time, others are more cautious. Jamie Alexander from Alexander Southwell Mortgages warned: "If regular weight loss jab payments show up on someone's bank statements, lenders will treat them like any other committed bill - it's not just a matter of cancelling if you want to."
Experts warn that those struggling with weight may need to cut back on non-essential spending in the months leading up to applying for a mortgage. But with many banks no longer scrutinising applicants' bank statements, this might be easier said than done. Aaron Strutt at Trinity Financial noted: "If an applicant is spending several hundred pounds a month on weight loss pills, lenders are probably going to want to know about it."
The impact of these monthly outgoings could be substantial - reducing the maximum loan offered by tens of thousands of pounds. And while some experts say this should not be a major issue, others are more concerned. David Hollingworth from L&C Mortgages said: "It's something that might prompt questions if lenders see it on someone's bank statements." Nicholas Mendes at John Charcol echoed this view: "If an outgoings are quite high, they're likely to prompt questions - but you can cancel them at any time."
In short, the next time you consider splurging on a weight loss pill, be aware that your mortgage dreams might suffer as a result. Will you opt for a healthier lifestyle or reconsider your spending habits? Only time will tell, but one thing's for certain: lenders are taking notice of this unexpected trend.
For many struggling with weight, the prospect of losing a few pounds can seem like a godsend. But experts warn that spending thousands on weight loss pills could have an unexpected side effect: it could reduce the amount you can borrow for your dream home.
The issue comes to light in mortgage assessments, where lenders scrutinise applicants' income and outgoings. Subscriptions, memberships, and regular payments such as weight loss pill prescriptions are all taken into account. And if these monthly expenditures add up - say, £200 to £300 per month - it could knock a whopping 20 grand off the maximum loan offered on a modest salary.
The UK's weight loss epidemic is on the rise, with over 1.6 million adults now using privately prescribed jabs to shed pounds, at an estimated cost of £100 to £350 per month. While some mortgage brokers say these payments should be viewed as "discretionary" spending that could be cancelled at any time, others are more cautious. Jamie Alexander from Alexander Southwell Mortgages warned: "If regular weight loss jab payments show up on someone's bank statements, lenders will treat them like any other committed bill - it's not just a matter of cancelling if you want to."
Experts warn that those struggling with weight may need to cut back on non-essential spending in the months leading up to applying for a mortgage. But with many banks no longer scrutinising applicants' bank statements, this might be easier said than done. Aaron Strutt at Trinity Financial noted: "If an applicant is spending several hundred pounds a month on weight loss pills, lenders are probably going to want to know about it."
The impact of these monthly outgoings could be substantial - reducing the maximum loan offered by tens of thousands of pounds. And while some experts say this should not be a major issue, others are more concerned. David Hollingworth from L&C Mortgages said: "It's something that might prompt questions if lenders see it on someone's bank statements." Nicholas Mendes at John Charcol echoed this view: "If an outgoings are quite high, they're likely to prompt questions - but you can cancel them at any time."
In short, the next time you consider splurging on a weight loss pill, be aware that your mortgage dreams might suffer as a result. Will you opt for a healthier lifestyle or reconsider your spending habits? Only time will tell, but one thing's for certain: lenders are taking notice of this unexpected trend.