Are you putting off applying for a mortgage because you’re new to your job?
Getting a mortgage isn’t just about meeting a fixed employment period.
Different lenders have varying requirements, and your entire career path matters more than you might expect.
Whether you’ve just started a new permanent position, work on contracts, or run your own business, understanding how lenders view your employment could open up more mortgage options than you realised.
Employment History and Mortgage Applications
Mortgage lenders want reassurance about your ability to make repayments long-term, but this doesn’t mean staying in one job forever.
What counts is showing reliable, consistent income and career progression.
Most lenders review your full employment background rather than just focusing on your current role. A promotion or pay rise often strengthens your application, even if it means changing employers.
For example, a solicitor moving firms for career advancement often finds more mortgage options than someone switching to an entirely new field.
Your profession influences how lenders assess your application.
Medical professionals, teachers, and accountants often benefit from more flexible criteria because their qualifications suggest stable career prospects.
Even if you’re new to your current position, your professional background could work in your favour.
Stability and affordability
The FCA requires lenders to carry out checks based on affordability. How affordable is the mortgage now and also if interest rates should rise.
What lenders want from you is quite straightforward; to make the monthly repayments on time, until the mortgage term ends.
So they will be looking at how stable your income and career is. If you have been working in the same sector for 10 years and have recently moved jobs for a more senior position, this is likely to be fine.
However, if you have switched to something brand new, then some will prefer you to be there for six months before applying.
Minimum Employment Periods
For permanent employees, successfully passing your probation period often satisfies lender requirements.
Some lenders accept applications during probation, particularly if you’ve moved jobs within your field or received a salary increase. A nurse moving between NHS trusts, for example, maintains continuous employment even when changing hospitals.
Contract workers face different considerations.
Your track record of securing and completing contracts matters more than time with one employer. A web developer with six months of completed contracts might secure a mortgage more easily than someone who’s been in a permanent role for the same period but changed industries twice.
Self-employed borrowers generally need two years of accounts, though some lenders accept one year if you’ve previously worked in the same sector.
An electrician who spent five years employed before starting their own business might find more flexible options than someone new to the industry.
Limited company directors should prepare both personal and business financial records, as lenders often consider salary and dividends.
Related reading: Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed?
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Supporting Your Mortgage Application
Your type of employment determines which documents you’ll need.
Beyond basic requirements like ID and bank statements, PAYE employees should gather:
- Latest six months of payslips
- Current employment contract
- P60 from your most recent tax year
- Details of any bonuses or commission
Contractors need evidence of ongoing work. Save your current contract, previous contracts, and proof of renewals. Bank statements showing regular income deposits help demonstrate stability.
If you work through an agency, keep records of placements and contract extensions.
Self-employed applicants require more extensive documentation:
- Two years of finalised accounts
- Tax calculations and tax year overviews
- Business and personal bank statements
- Evidence of upcoming contracts or work
- Proof of dividend payments for company directors
Related reading: Is a self-employed mortgage based on gross or net profit?
Building a Strong Application
Start preparing your finances well before applying, ideally six months before.
Regular savings, even modest amounts, show lenders you can manage money well. And paying a larger deposit can help to open up more mortgage deals.
If you’re planning a job change, consider the timing carefully. Moving for a higher salary could increase your borrowing power, but some lenders prefer to see you settled in the role first.
Your credit history matters just as much as employment length.
Keep up with all bill payments and consider checking your credit report before applying. Simple steps like registering on the electoral roll at your current address can strengthen your application.
Wherever possible, don’t apply for new credit or make any other changes in the six months prior to applying for a mortgage.
Read more: How to get yourself mortgage ready.
Special Circumstances
Career changes might need to be explained.
A retail manager becoming a sales director shows clear progression. Similarly, a teaching assistant qualifying as a teacher demonstrates natural career development.
The key is explaining any changes as positive steps rather than uncertain moves.
Returning to work requires planning.
Someone resuming their accountancy career after parental leave often finds more options than someone starting a completely new role.
Those with multiple income sources need to show all earnings clearly. A teacher who also tutors privately should document both income streams.
Keep good records of additional earnings, as lenders often consider stable secondary income when calculating your borrowing capacity. But you need to be able to prove it.
How a Mortgage Broker Can Help
Mortgage brokers understand which lenders suit different employment patterns.
They can find lenders who look beyond standard lending criteria, finding solutions when mainstream banks might decline.
A broker handling a contractor’s application knows exactly which lenders accept daily rates rather than requiring long-term contracts.
Brokers help present your circumstances positively to lenders. They explain employment changes, highlight career progression, and choose lenders most likely to accept your situation.
This targeted approach saves time and protects your credit score by avoiding unnecessary applications.
Contacting a broker early on in the process will really help.
They’ll advise on timing your application, suggest ways to strengthen your case, and guide you through document gathering. Many brokers have relationships with specialist lenders who don’t deal directly with the public.
Read more: What does a mortgage broker do?
Next Steps
Your employment situation shouldn’t prevent you from getting a mortgage.
While each lender sets different requirements, options usually exist for most circumstances.
A conversation with a mortgage broker can clarify your position and identify suitable lenders. They’ll explain which documents you need and help time your application for the best chance of success.
By working with an independent mortgage broker, they will already know the lenders that could be suitable for you.
Respect Mortgages can match you with an expert in this area for free.
When you’re ready, just give us a call on 0330 030 5050.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, some lenders will consider your application during probation, especially if you’ve moved jobs within the same industry or received a promotion. Each lender has different criteria, and a broker can help find those who accept probationary employees.
Most lenders ask for 2 years’ accounts, but some accept 1 year if you’ve worked in the same industry before becoming self-employed. You’ll need tax calculations and tax year overviews as evidence.
Read more: Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed?
Job changes within your industry or for career progression often don’t cause problems. However, completely changing careers might require you to build up some history in your new role first.
Usually six months of payslips, plus bank statements showing salary payments. Some lenders might ask for more if you receive variable income like commission.
It’s possible, but more challenging. Some lenders might consider your application with one year’s accounts, especially if you’ve worked in the same industry before.
You’ll need company accounts, SA302s, tax year overviews, and business bank statements. Some lenders also consider using retained profits.
Read more: Mortgages for Company Directors
The ideal scenario would be to wait until after your home purchase before handing in your notice.
If you can’t avoid a job change, don’t panic—but do talk to your mortgage broker first. They’ll help you understand how your career move might impact your loan options. Lenders get nervous about job transitions, and your broker can guide you through the potential complications.
