Variable earnings require a longer view than a fixed basic salary. A high-commission month may be genuine, yet still be a poor basis for a repayment that continues through quieter periods.
Separate dependable and fluctuating amounts
List basic pay apart from commission, overtime, allowances and once-off incentives. Then compare payslips with deposits over a representative period and note seasonal peaks, unpaid leave or role changes that distort the average.
For affordability planning, the lower recurring pattern often deserves more weight than the best month. The exact treatment depends on the records and the credit provider’s assessment, but your personal budget can still be conservative.
An audit should state the period reviewed and any assumptions. When records are too recent or inconsistent, the honest finding may be that affordability cannot yet be tested with confidence.