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We've got a baby due before we buy our house. Do the banks still count that as a dependant?
Bayley Clarke · Mortgage broker on the road · Last checked 11 November 2026 · 2 min read
The short answer
It goes in as what's known as an expected change. It's a little box we talk through together: you're a family of two, you're soon to be a family of three, congratulations.
Even though the baby isn't here yet, your situation is going to change very soon, and the banks are keen to understand it. So it's included in your application, along with how you'll be set up while one of you takes time off work.
The 60 second version, filmed from the driver's seat. The rest of this page is the detail underneath it.
Why the bank asks about it
Banks have to ask about changes coming up that could affect your ability to make the repayments, and a baby on the way is the big one. More people in the house means higher living expenses, and generally less income for a while.
So rather than assessing you as the couple you are today, the bank looks at the family you're about to be. The baby is generally treated as a dependant in the numbers, and the time off work is factored into your income.
What they'll want to see
Generally that's maternity leave, so the bank will want to know what your return to work looks like once the baby arrives: whether you're going back full-time or part-time, what your salary will be, and the dates. All of that ideally signed off by your employer in a letter.
Then we want to see some savings showing you can cover yourselves while you're off work, on top of what you need for the deposit and costs. That's the bank checking you won't be stretched in the months when the income dips.
The honest bit: it can change what you can borrow
Adding a dependant and allowing for time off will generally bring your borrowing power down compared to applying as a couple with two full incomes. That's normal, and it's far better to know the real number now than find out after you've made an offer.
So we cover all those bases in our conversations up front, and it's in your application to any lender from day one.
Buying with a baby on the way?
A 30 minute call. We go through your leave, your return to work plans and your savings, and what you can borrow as the family you're about to be.
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Next question
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The full guide: Why is my borrowing power so low? The full guide: Home loans on parental leave I'm going on maternity leave soon. What does the bank need so we can still use my income? Can I refinance while on maternity or parental leave? Does private health insurance count as part of my general living expenses? Why does the bank ignore my actual budget?Not your question? Book a call and ask it, or call 0437 189 939.