Gen H, the fintech mortgage lender, has opened up its income booster mortgage to all brokers on its panel serving the Scottish market, following its exclusive pilot with Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) in February.
The expansion gives all brokers on its panel access to Gen H’s income booster offering, which allows up to six people, usually family or friends, to add their income to the application to increase the total loan amount.
Borrowers in Scotland can also benefit from Gen H’s criteria, which are especially favourable for self-employed borrowers, foreign nationals and applicants with complex income.
Sara Palmer (pictured), sales and distribution director at Gen H, said that the move addressed a “well-documented gap” in the offerings of Scottish lenders.
“Since launching in Scotland, we’ve seen strong demand from borrowers who don’t fit traditional lending boxes. We’ve already supported the purchase of a home with an income boost from both parents in Glasgow, a solo contractor with less than 12 months trading in Galloway, and two foreign nationals on student and skilled worker visas setting down roots in Edinburgh – all first-time buyers. This is exactly what we’re here to do,” she said.
“I’m very pleased to now offer our mission-driven proposition to our entire panel. Together, we’re going to help a lot of people realise their dreams of homeownership in Scotland, one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”
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Gen H launched in 2020 with a mission to help people who are otherwise locked out of the housing market due to rising prices and strict affordability rules. It uses a tech-led approach to offer flexible ‘booster’ products that allow friends and family to help a buyer increase their borrowing power or deposit without necessarily living in the house.
The company’s income booster is one of its most popular products. Friends or close family join the mortgage to boost how much the owner can borrow. They’re liable for the mortgage, but don’t have to contribute any money as long as the mortgage is in good standing. The Ejector Seat calculation removes income boosters from the mortgage when they turn 85, ensuring borrowers can get the longer terms they need to keep payments low.
The company also offers a Deposit Boost, where friends or family can contribute to the deposit as an equity loan or an interest-free loan rather than a gift. This allows them to get their money back, sometimes with a share of any profit, when the house is sold or remortgaged.
In addition, there is a Gen H private version of Help to Buy, known as New Build Boost, where the company has teamed up with housebuilders. Gen H provides an 80% mortgage, and the builder provides a 15% interest-free equity loan to help those with a low or no deposit.
Palmer, at Gen H, said that with house prices rising and housing supply falling – just 19,288 homes were built in Scotland in 2024-25 – affordability in Scotland remains critical, meaning its products are much needed.
The news came after Gen H announced last week that it had boosted its national BDM team with three hires and one promotion. Palmer said that given the unusual nature of these products, expert BDMs, such as the business’ new hires, were vital.