What Is A Mortgage Capacity Report?

Last Updated: September, 2025 by Editorial Team | Reviewed by: Darren Meehan

What a Mortgage Capacity Report Is

A Mortgage Capacity Report is an independent, professional assessment of how much you could borrow for a mortgage, based on your income, debts, childcare costs, and financial commitments.

It provides a clear, realistic picture of your borrowing potential and removes the guesswork — which is why it’s trusted by solicitors, mediators, and the Family Courts.

Since April 2022, mortgage capacity reports have been mandatory in UK Family Court financial remedy proceedings. That means if you are going through a divorce or separation where property and housing are involved, the court will expect you to provide one as part of the evidence. Source: gov.uk

Accepted as evidence in Family Courts
Delivered in as little as 48 hours once documents are provided
Typical cost: £250–£300

In short, a mortgage capacity report translates your financial situation into a number that the courts, your solicitor, and your ex-partner can all rely on.

Why It Matters in Separation or Divorce

When couples separate, housing is usually the biggest financial concern. Questions like “Can I keep the family home?” or “What can I afford on my own?” are not just practical — they’re often deeply emotional.

A Mortgage Capacity Report helps by removing the uncertainty. Instead of relying on assumptions or conflicting opinions, the report provides an objective number that judges, solicitors, and mediators trust.

This matters more than ever. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), contested financial remedy orders rose by 66% in 2023, reaching 10,300 cases. Disputes are on the rise, and independent, professional evidence is now essential to avoid lengthy arguments and ensure fair outcomes.

In short: an MCR gives clarity where it’s most needed — helping you, your solicitor, and the court to make decisions based on facts, not speculation.

Who completes a Mortgage Capacity Report

Reports must be written by independent, FCA-regulated mortgage professionals with court expertise. A whole-of-market advisor ensures the report reflects criteria from across lenders, not just one bank. This independence is why courts, solicitors, and mediators trust the results.

Why Choose a Specialist Provider

Not all mortgage capacity reports are created equal. To be accepted in court and trusted by solicitors, the report must be:
- Independent — not tied to one lender
- Court-compliant — written to Family Court standards
- Comprehensive — analysing all aspects of your finances
- Accurate and credible — based on real lending criteria

At the Mortgage Capacity Report Co., we combine financial expertise with family law knowledge to produce reports that judges, solicitors, and clients rely on.

Practicalities of Getting a Mortgage Capacity Report

Who Needs One?

In most cases, both separating partners will need their own report. This allows the court to compare what each person can realistically afford and make balanced, fair decisions.

You may be asked for a report:
- During divorce or separation proceedings (especially before the Financial Dispute Resolution hearing).
- At a solicitor’s request, to support negotiations.
- When planning future housing or financial arrangements, even outside of court.

What information is needed:

An MCR is based on the same type of information lenders assess when you apply for a mortgage, including:
- Salary and employment income
- Benefits or tax credits
- Childcare or maintenance costs
- Outstanding debts and credit history

This ensures the report reflects your true borrowing potential — not rough estimates.

How Long Does It Take and What Does It Cost?

Once documents are provided, our reports are delivered within 48 hours, at no extra cost.
Typical cost: £250–£300, with additional scenarios sometimes included free of charge. Compared with solicitor fees, this makes an MCR a cost-effective way to provide essential evidence.

Reliability, Scenarios, and Misunderstandings

A mortgage capacity report is not guesswork. It uses real lender criteria and independent analysis, which is why courts treat it as reliable evidence.

– Additional Scenarios: Because no two cases are the same, reports often include scenarios (e.g. higher deposits, income changes, debt repayment plans). These give a fuller, more realistic picture.
– Challenges: Another party may commission their own report, but independence and transparency ensure strong credibility.
– Common Misunderstandings: An MCR is not a mortgage offer, decision in principle, or a letter from a broker — it is a formal, evidential document created specifically for separation and court proceedings.

Impact on Housing and Family Home Decisions

One of the most pressing questions is whether one partner can remain in the family home.

Sometimes the report shows zero mortgage capacity. In this case, solicitors and judges use the report to explore alternatives such as renting or adjusting asset division. Having these figures upfront ensures decisions are realistic and fair.

Benefits Beyond Court

An MCR isn’t just for hearings. It also:
– Reduces solicitor disputes by giving both parties the same independent numbers.
– Supports financial planning for children by focusing on affordability and stability.
– Provides emotional reassurance by replacing “what ifs” with facts you can plan around.

Moving Forward With Confidence

Separation and divorce are overwhelming, especially when your home and finances are uncertain. A Mortgage Capacity Report takes away the guesswork. Instead of worrying about “what ifs,” you’ll have clear numbers that you, your solicitor, and the court can all rely on.

Knowing exactly what you can afford means you can:

Plan your housing options with confidence
Reduce disputes with your ex-partner
Focus on stability for yourself and your children

How to Get a Mortgage Capacity Report (Step by Step)

Enquire online through our secure form
Our Mortgage Capacity Report specialist will arrange for a fact-find to be completed
Provide your financial documents (payslips, bank statements, details of debts/maintenance)
Receive your report within 48 hours, complete with at least one additional scenario included at no extra cost

Because we are independent, whole-of-market brokers, you’ll get a complete and impartial view of your borrowing potential — giving you peace of mind when you need it most.