Can I Get a Mortgage If I’m in My Probation Period at Work?
Starting a new job is always exciting — maybe you’re earning more, you’ve got better perks, or you’re just glad to be in a new environment. But if you’re also thinking about applying for a mortgage, you might be wondering how being in your probation period affects things.
We get this question a lot at Mortgage Bridge, and the good news is: being in your probation period doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get a mortgage. It just means some lenders might take a closer look at your situation.
What Actually Is a Probation Period, and Why Do Lenders Care?
Most new jobs come with a probation period — usually around 3 to 6 months — where your employer makes sure you’re the right fit for the role. During this time, your notice period might be shorter, and there’s technically a bit more uncertainty.
Lenders know this is totally normal, but because of the slightly higher risk, they’ll want a bit more reassurance that you’re financially stable.
Can I Still Get a Mortgage While I’m in My Probation Period?
Yes, you can. Not every lender is on board, but plenty will consider you — especially if other parts of your application are solid.
We’ve helped loads of clients at Mortgage Bridge secure mortgages while still in probation. It really comes down to how the lender views your overall situation, including:
- Whether you’re on a permanent contract
- How much you’re earning
- How much deposit you’ve got
- Your credit history
- Your employment background
If you’ve moved from one stable job to another, and your new role is permanent (even with probation), many lenders will be open to it.
What Will Lenders Be Looking at in My Application?
1. Is Your Contract Permanent or Temporary?
If you’re on a permanent contract, even with a probation period, you’re in a much better position than if you’re on a temporary or zero-hours contract.
2. How Long Have You Been in the Job?
The longer you’ve been in the role, the better. If you’re only a couple of weeks in, things might be trickier — but if you’re nearing the end of your probation, lenders will be more relaxed.
3. What’s Your Work History Like?
If you’ve got a solid track record of employment and you’ve moved into a similar role or industry, that’s a big plus. Lenders like to see stability.
4. Can You Afford the Mortgage Based on Your Current Income?
Lenders will check your payslips and bank statements to make sure your income covers the mortgage and your other outgoings. If things stack up, you’re on the right track.
5. How’s Your Credit File Looking?
If you’ve got clean credit, great. But even if you’ve had issues in the past, like missed payments or defaults, don’t rule it out — there are lenders out there who specialise in helping people with credit blips, especially if everything else looks good.
How Can You Make Your Application More Appealing?
✅ Put Down a Bigger Deposit
The more you can put down, the lower the risk for the lender. If you’re in probation, this can make a big difference.
✅ Work With a Broker Who Gets It
We know exactly which lenders are open to applications during a probation period — and which ones to avoid. At Mortgage Bridge, we match your situation with the right lender from the start.
✅ Be Ready With Paperwork
You’ll want to have your contract, payslips, and bank statements ready. If you’ve just started the job, anything from your previous employment that shows steady income is also useful.
✅ Check and Tidy Up Your Credit
Take a look at your credit report before applying. If you spot any issues, try to sort them — even small improvements can help your chances.
Can I Get a Mortgage Offer Before My Probation Ends?
Yes, you absolutely can. Plenty of our clients have done just that. Lenders know that people change jobs all the time — it’s more about whether your overall profile is strong.
If you’re buying with someone else who’s in a more stable role, or you’ve got a chunky deposit, even better.
What If I’m on a Fixed-Term or Agency Contract?
It’s a bit more complicated, but not impossible. If you’ve been contracting in your industry for a while and can show consistency between jobs, some lenders will still consider you.
You’ll usually need:
- At least 12 months of experience in the field
- A history of steady work with minimal gaps
- Your current contract and ideally your next one
We’ve got experience helping clients in exactly this position.
What If I’ve Just Switched Careers?
If you’ve gone from one industry to something completely different, that might raise a few questions for lenders. But again, if your new job pays well, is permanent, and your deposit and credit history are decent, you’ve still got options.
We’ve worked with clients who’ve made big career changes and still got mortgage offers.
Should I Just Wait Until My Probation Is Over?
If you’re not in a rush to buy, waiting might give you more lender options. But if the right property has come up and you’re in a good financial position, there’s no need to put things on hold.
You might have to provide a bit more documentation, and your interest rate could be slightly higher, but with the right setup, it’s totally doable.
Final Thoughts from Mortgage Bridge
Being in a probation period doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage — not by a long shot. Every case is different, and the key is knowing which lenders will work with your situation.
At Mortgage Bridge, we specialise in helping people in all sorts of situations — whether you’ve just started a new job, have complex income, or have had credit issues in the past. We know which lenders to approach and how to put your case together so it’s got the best chance of being approved.
If you’re unsure where you stand, get in touch and we’ll talk it through with you. No pressure, no jargon — just honest advice based on your situation.