Mortgage Capacity Report vs Mortgage in Principle: What’s the difference?
- 16 October 2025
When it comes to understanding how much money you can borrow to buy a house, a Mortgage Capacity Report and a Mortgage in Principle can both give you answers. But while they sound similar, they serve very different purposes. Knowing which one you need depends on your situation, particularly if you’re going through a divorce or financial settlement.
Your IMCA outcome explained
- 13 October 2025
If you’ve generated an Indicative Mortgage Capacity Assessment and think your borrowing figure is less than it should be, that’s because we base your report on affordable borrowing.
How accurate is a mortgage capacity report in the eyes of the court?
- 29 September 2025
It can be challenging to navigate the complexities of financial separation, especially when it comes to property and housing arrangements. That’s why the courts often turn to mortgage capacity reports to help determine what a party can realistically borrow. But how accurate are these reports, and how do judges view them in the context of legal proceedings?
When do you need a mortgage capacity report during divorce or separation?
- 24 September 2025
Separation and divorce are challenging times, especially when it comes to sorting out your finances and property arrangements. One of the most important documents you may need is a mortgage capacity report, which provides a clear assessment of your ability to get a mortgage after your relationship ends. Understanding when you need this report can make the process smoother, whether you are going through court proceedings or managing the split on your own.
FAQs about Mortgage Capacity Reports
- 24 June 2025
Find the answer to questions you may have about our mortgage capacity reports below. If your question isn't included, get in touch and our team will be happy to help.
Webinar: Negotiating the right settlement with instant online mortgage capacity reports
- 16 January 2025
Calling all family lawyers...
We recently launched our brand-new Indicative Mortgage Capacity Assessment (IMCA) so that, alongside our more comprehensive report offerings, we can meet the needs of your client at every stage of their financial separation.
New Indicative Mortgage Capacity Assessment to meet your needs
- 29 October 2024
In our ongoing effort to deliver court-approved mortgage capacity reports for each and every stage of a financial separation, we’re pleased to announce the launch of our brand-new Indicative Mortgage Capacity Assessment.
The first 100 days of our new Labour government
- 08 July 2024
With a majority of over 200 and a weight of expectations, what happens next for Sir Kier Starmer’s new Labour government?
Spring Budget: Child benefit tax rule changes announced
- 01 April 2024
One of the few surprises in the Spring Budget was the change affecting how child benefit is taxed for higher earners.
House prices in the UK are still falling
- 14 November 2023
Since early 2022 rising mortgage rates have taken their toll on house prices. Whether you're selling, buying, or just keeping an eye - this one's for you.
Is Capital Gains Tax about to affect you?
- 14 September 2023
According to HMRC (and their pretty clear graph below), the amount of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) raised over time is on the rise. In 2021/22 £16.7 billion was raised – but what’s behind the statistics and how does it affect you?
Three new childcare measures announced in the Budget
- 22 March 2023
This month’s Budget brought good news for parents, as three important changes to childcare provisions in England were announced.
Lifestyle expenditure vs essential expenditure – do you know the difference?
- 22 May 2021
In my opinion, the most important aspect of any Mortgage Capacity Report is the consideration of affordable borrowing. In many cases maximum borrowing, which is the amount of mortgage borrowing mortgage lenders consider as suitable for an individual, is often very different to that same individual’s affordable borrowing. This is due the difference between essential and lifestyle expenditure.
The greenhouse effect
- 10 November 2020
Reduce, reuse, recycle. We are all conscious of playing our day-to-day part to help the environment but is there more we could be doing? According to UK Government National Statistics, residential properties account for 15% of the UK’s climate emissions, so having an energy efficient home has a huge impact in lowering our carbon footprint.
Recognising this, NatWest are now offering a Green Mortgage Product to reward customers whose homes have a high Energy Performance Rating, with preferential mortgage rates on a two-year or five-year fix.
Have you been impacted by Coronavirus?
- 03 October 2020
We’re here to help you.
Our No Mortgage Capacity Assessments are offered at a reduced rate to help individuals obtain relevant proof, for use at court or during divorce/financial negotiations, that their financial circumstances clearly dictate that they are not able to secure a mortgage. With the effects Covid-19 is having on our economy and our jobs, more people are taking advantage of these assessments. If you find you are in one of the following categories, you may qualify for this type of assessment:
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