Quick Answer: Best Remortgage Lenders for Foster Carers in 2026
Lenders including Halifax, Nationwide, Leeds BS, Coventry, Newcastle BS, Kensington and Accord recognise fostering income, typically treating foster carers as self-employed and using the fostering allowance plus reward element. Many want 1-2 years of fostering experience and use your HMRC self-assessment or a letter from your fostering agency. Rates are standard residential. A broker who understands foster-care income knows which lenders count it in full and maximises your borrowing.
Rates last reviewed June 2026. Figures shown are indicative market ranges to help you compare — not live quotes or personalised offers. Mortgage rates change daily and depend on your circumstances, the lender's criteria and the Bank of England base rate. Check live rates for your profile →
How Fostering Income Is Assessed
Fostering income has some specific features lenders consider:
- Treated as self-employment — foster carers are generally assessed as self-employed, with income evidenced via HMRC self-assessment (SA302s) or a letter from the fostering agency/local authority.
- Qualifying care relief — foster carers benefit from generous tax relief, so taxable profit can look low; the best lenders understand this and assess the gross fostering income or use a sensible figure rather than just taxable profit.
- Experience required — lenders typically want 1-2 years of fostering history to demonstrate continuity.
- Placement continuity — a steady record of placements reassures lenders that the income is reliable.