Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor New Build — Key Parameters August 2026
| Parameter | JBSP detail | SDLT note |
|---|---|---|
| Who is on the mortgage | Both buyer and supporting family member (both assessed for income) | Stamp duty: if supporter already owns property, additional 5% SDLT may apply |
| Who owns the property | Only the buyer — supporter has no legal interest in the property | Supporter's existing property ownership triggers additional SDLT on new purchase |
| Affordability assessment | Combined income of buyer and supporter used. Lender may cap supporter's income contribution. | N/A |
| Credit file impact | Mortgage appears on both parties' credit files throughout the mortgage term | N/A |
| Lenders (new build specific) | Halifax, Family Building Society, Suffolk BS, some specialist lenders — not all mainstream | Varies by lender — confirm with DBF |
Worked example
First-time buyer, income £32,000. Wants to buy new build house: £275,000. 10% deposit: £27,500.
- Mortgage needed: £247,500. 4.5x own income: £144,000. Shortfall: £103,500.
- JBSP route: mother added as joint borrower. Mother's income: £48,000.
- Combined income: £80,000. 4.5x: £360,000. Covers £247,500 easily.
- Mother owns her home outright. SDLT check: legal advice confirms additional 5% SDLT applies.
- SDLT on £275,000 (standard FTB relief not available due to JBSP structure): £3,750 + 5% surcharge: £13,750 + £3,750 = £17,500 additional.
- Total SDLT: £17,500. FTB without JBSP: £0 SDLT (under £300,000 threshold). Cost of JBSP route: £17,500 additional SDLT.
- DBF modelling: at what income does the buyer no longer need JBSP? £247,500 / 4.5 = £55,000. Buyer’s income at £32,000 — 3.5 years at normal pay growth to reach £55,000 without needing parent. JBSP with SDLT may still be justified for immediate purchase vs waiting.