Suffolk Building Society has made seven changes to its lending criteria to support more households.
The society will now accept up to four applicants and four incomes on all UK and expat mortgage applications, except self build.
It will take 75% of bonuses and commission into account if applicants have a reasonable track record.
Contractors will need only 12 months of experience, down from two years, and just three months left on their current contract, instead of the previous 12 months.
Aunts and uncles are now able to gift deposits, broadening the scope beyond immediate family, step-parents and grandparents.
Applicants can use background investments to help with affordability, with 75% of a professionally managed fund accepted over the mortgage term or 10 years, whichever is higher.
The society will also allow capital raising to put funds into a trust, with a maximum 70% loan-to-value (LTV).
Foster care income will now be treated as self-employed income.
Charlotte Grimshaw, head of intermediaries at Suffolk Building Society, said: “We’re listening to feedback and we’re keeping pace with complex scenarios.
“We know that some people have varied assets and income, and that families want to support their loved ones.
“Our changes will benefit borrowers directly, but we also want to help those who are providing the backing too.”
