She was about to start maternity leave, so they'd put the whole property plan on hold.
They didn't need to.
Here's the situation I see often: a growing family, a two-bedder that's starting to feel tight, and a house on the wishlist. One income is about to drop for twelve months. The instinct is to wait until she's back at work before talking to anyone about finance.
But lenders don't all treat parental leave the same way.
Many will assess your application on returning-to-work income… as long as you can show an employer letter confirming the return date, role and salary. Others want you physically back at your desk first. Same couple, same numbers, very different outcomes depending on who you approach and when.
That's the part worth knowing: the timing of the conversation can matter as much as the income itself. Mapping it before leave starts usually keeps more doors open than scrambling once you're back.
If a baby and a bigger place are both on the horizon, get the finance mapped before leave begins, not after. Happy to walk you through how the timing works for your situation.
My Mortgage Concierge is licensed under ACL 392736 Sattout Accounting Services Pty Ltd. General information only — seek personal advice before acting.
