NatWest Family-Backed Mortgage (JBSP): Independent Legal Advice for Supporters
NatWest has launched a new Family-Backed Mortgage, also known as a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) mortgage. This product allows one person to buy and own a property, while another person supports the mortgage using their income — without being named on the title deeds.
At Parachute Law, we specialise in providing independent legal advice (ILA) for JBSP mortgages, including products originally introduced by Barclays and now the new NatWest Family-Backed Mortgage.
We act only as the independent solicitor required by NatWest.
We do not advise on whether the mortgage is suitable for you as a financial product. That advice must come from your mortgage adviser or NatWest.
What is NatWest’s Family-Backed Mortgage?
NatWest’s Family-Backed Mortgage is a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) product. It allows two people to apply for a mortgage:
One person:
• Owns the property
• Lives in the property
• Is named on the Land Registry title
The other person:
• Does not own the property
• Is not named on the title
• Is fully responsible for the mortgage repayments
• Must receive independent legal advice
NatWest’s product is not limited to parents helping children. The supporting borrower can be:
• A parent
• A sibling
• An adult child helping a parent
• A partner who will not be on the deeds
• A friend or relative
You can read NatWest’s own product description here
Key Eligibility Rules (2026)
NatWest’s published criteria include:
The owner-occupier must earn at least £20,000 per year before tax.
There must be no more than two applicants:
One owner-occupier
One non-owner supporter
Both applicants must be aged between 18 and 75.
The non-owner supporter must obtain independent legal advice from a separate solicitor before the mortgage can complete.
This legal advice is not optional. NatWest will not release funds unless the supporter has received independent legal advice.
How Much More Can You Borrow?
NatWest illustrates the impact of combining incomes as follows:
A single buyer earning £28,000 might borrow approximately £124,450 and buy a property worth around £138,000 with a 10% deposit.
With a supporter earning £45,000 added to the application, the combined borrowing could increase to around £246,000, allowing a property budget of around £273,000.
Figures vary depending on credit history, term and affordability rules, but the structure allows buyers to access significantly higher borrowing power.
Important Legal Features
This is not a guarantor mortgage.
Both borrowers are legally responsible for the mortgage from day one. If payments are missed, NatWest can pursue either party for the full debt.
The supporter does not own the property.
They do not appear on the title deeds.
They have no automatic right to live in the property.
They may have limited rights if the property is sold.
Deposits can be as low as 5% (95% loan-to-value).
Gifted deposits are permitted from family members.
The scheme cannot be combined with:
• Shared Ownership
• Right to Buy
• Shared Equity
Retirement and Term Issues
NatWest typically will not lend beyond the supporter’s expected retirement age. If the supporter is older, this may shorten the maximum mortgage term and affect monthly repayments.
This is a common risk point which supporters must understand clearly before agreeing to take part.
Stamp Duty Implications
Because the supporter is not named on the title, the higher-rate Stamp Duty surcharge that normally applies when a second homeowner buys another property may not apply.
This can be a significant financial advantage in some family arrangements, but tax advice should always be taken separately.
Why Independent Legal Advice is Mandatory
NatWest requires the non-owner supporter to obtain independent legal advice because:
They are taking on full legal responsibility for the mortgage
They will not own the property
They may receive nothing if the property is sold
They could be pursued for the debt if the owner stops paying
Their own borrowing capacity may be affected
The solicitor must explain:
• The legal risks
• The absence of ownership rights
• What happens if relationships break down
• What happens if the property is repossessed
• What happens if the owner dies or becomes insolvent
What Parachute Law Does
Parachute Law provides independent legal advice only for the supporting borrower.
We do:
• Act as the required independent solicitor
• Explain the legal consequences clearly
• Provide the signed solicitor’s certificate NatWest requires
• Act quickly to avoid delaying your mortgage offer
• Offer fully remote appointments
We do not:
• Advise whether the mortgage is suitable
• Recommend NatWest or any lender
• Give financial or tax advice
• Act for both parties
• Act for the lender
Our role is strictly limited to:
Providing independent legal advice to the non-owner borrower in accordance with NatWest’s instructions and SRA professional rules.
Who Needs This Service?
You will usually need independent legal advice if:
You are helping a child buy their first home
You are helping a parent obtain a mortgage
You are supporting a partner but will not be on the deeds
You are contributing income but not buying the property
NatWest has told you that you must obtain independent legal advice
Why Choose Parachute Law?
Parachute Law specialises in JBSP independent legal advice.
We already advise on:
• Barclays Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgages
• Family-assisted mortgage arrangements
• Non-owner borrower risk explanations
We understand:
• Lender wording
• Registry ownership structures
• Conflict-of-interest rules
• How lenders expect certificates to be prepared
• How to complete the process without delaying completion
Regulatory and Professional Notice
Parachute Law is a firm of solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
We provide legal advice only.
We do not provide mortgage advice.
We do not advise on suitability of financial products.
We act solely for the non-owner borrower receiving independent legal advice.
Any decision to proceed with the mortgage is made by the client after receiving both financial advice from their mortgage adviser and legal advice from us.
Next Steps
If NatWest has told you that you need independent legal advice for a Family-Backed Mortgage, we can help.
We offer:
• Fixed-fee independent legal advice
• Remote appointments
• Fast turnaround
• Clear written confirmation for NatWest
You can contact our legal team at:
thelegalteam@parachutelaw.co.uk
Or enquire through our website to book your independent legal advice appointment.
