How to Get a Mortgage If You’ve Recently Changed Jobs
Changing jobs can be a big step forward — often meaning more income, better prospects, or simply a fresh start. But when you’re also looking to buy a home, it’s natural to wonder how this might affect your mortgage chances.
Here’s the good news: getting a mortgage after changing jobs is absolutely possible. With the right preparation, documentation, and advice, lenders are often happy to approve applicants who’ve recently switched roles — even if they’re still in probation.
At Mortgage Bridge, we help people every day who’ve just started new positions, changed industries, or become self-employed. Let’s look at what lenders really check and how you can make your mortgage after changing jobs application stronger.
Can You Get a Mortgage After Changing Jobs?
Yes, you can get a mortgage after changing jobs, and more often than you might think.
Most lenders care more about your income stability and affordability than how long you’ve been with your new employer. If your role is permanent and your income is consistent — or improving — you’re already in a good position.
We regularly help clients who’ve:
- Started a new permanent job within the last few months
- Moved from PAYE employment to contracting
- Switched industries but kept a similar salary
- Gone self-employed and want a mortgage after changing jobs in the same line of work
Every situation can be approached strategically — it’s about matching your profile to the right lender.
Why Lenders Care About Job Stability
When you apply for a mortgage after changing jobs, lenders want to see evidence that your income will continue. They aren’t necessarily worried about short job tenure; they just want to understand the context.
They’ll usually review:
- Your employment type (permanent, fixed-term, or contract)
- Any probation period and its length
- Your salary or day rate
- Your career history — consistency within your field is a plus
If your new role represents a logical career move or an increase in pay, that often strengthens your mortgage application rather than weakening it.
How Long Do You Need to Be in a Job Before Applying for a Mortgage?
There’s no universal rule, but lenders tend to follow these broad guidelines:
- Permanent employees: Many will lend as soon as you’ve started the role.
- Fixed-term or contract workers: Usually need at least six months remaining on the contract, or a history of renewals.
- Self-employed applicants: Typically need one to two years of accounts, but some lenders accept less with a strong track record.
So even if you’ve only been in your new job a few weeks, a mortgage after changing jobs could still be within reach.
What Documents Will You Need for a Mortgage After Changing Jobs?
Documentation helps prove that your income is reliable. You’ll usually be asked for:
- Your new employment contract or job offer letter
- Three months of payslips (or your first if you’ve just started)
- Bank statements showing income and regular spending
- A P60 or evidence of previous employment
If you’ve had multiple roles in a short period, don’t worry — we’ll help you explain the changes clearly, especially when they reflect career progression or better pay.
Can You Get a Mortgage While Still in Probation?
Yes — you can get a mortgage after changing jobs even if you’re still in your probation period.
Many lenders are comfortable lending to applicants on probation if the role is permanent, especially when they’ve been in the same industry for a while. Others may prefer you to finish probation first, but we work with specialist lenders who are more flexible.
If your career history shows steady employment and your income is secure, probation doesn’t have to be a barrier.
How Job Changes Affect Affordability
Your income remains the key factor in how much you can borrow.
Most lenders will use an income multiple — typically around 4 to 5 times your annual salary — when assessing affordability. If your new job pays more, your mortgage after changing jobs could actually allow you to borrow more.
Just make sure your updated salary appears on your payslip or contract before applying, so your affordability calculation is accurate.
What If You’ve Gone Self-Employed After Leaving a Job?
It’s still possible to get a mortgage after changing jobs if you’ve become self-employed — but it’s a little different.
Lenders usually want to see at least one full year of trading accounts, or sometimes two. However, if your new business is in the same field as your previous employment, some lenders will take that experience into account.
We’ve helped many clients who recently went self-employed secure mortgages by showing projected income, contracts, and accountant letters to evidence stability.
How to Strengthen Your Mortgage Application After Changing Jobs
To maximise your chances of approval, here are a few proven steps:
- Show income consistency: Make sure your salary or contract payments have started.
- Prepare documentation: Have your contract, payslips, and bank statements ready.
- Save a larger deposit: 10% or more can unlock better lender options.
- Keep your credit clean: Pay all bills on time and avoid unnecessary credit checks.
- Work with a broker: A specialist like Mortgage Bridge can connect you with lenders who understand your circumstances.
Even if your job change is very recent, we’ll help package your application so lenders see your strengths first.
What If My Bank Has Declined Me?
Don’t worry — it’s common for high-street lenders to decline applications after a job change.
We work with specialist lenders who take a more flexible approach to mortgage after changing jobs applications, including:
- Applicants in probation
- Contract or freelance professionals
- Career changers in stable industries
- Self-employed applicants with less than two years’ accounts
Just because one lender said no doesn’t mean others will.
Should You Wait to Apply Until You’ve Been in the Job Longer?
Not always.
Sometimes waiting can help if you’re mid-probation or your new pay hasn’t started yet, but if your income is stable and your deposit is ready, applying sooner may be beneficial.
We’ll review your full circumstances and help you decide the best timing for your mortgage after changing jobs.
How Mortgage Bridge Can Help
At Mortgage Bridge, we specialise in helping clients with complex or changing circumstances. If you’ve recently changed jobs, switched income type, or started your own business, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
We’ll:
- Match you with the right lender for your profile
- Help you gather and present your documents clearly
- Explain your job change in a way that builds lender confidence
Your employment move shouldn’t stop your homeownership plans — let’s explore your options together.
Key Takeaways
- You can get a mortgage after changing jobs, even during probation.
- Lenders care about income stability and career consistency, not just job tenure.
- A strong deposit and well-presented application make a big difference.
- Specialist lenders can help where big banks say no.
- Professional mortgage advice ensures your situation is understood and supported.
If you’ve recently changed jobs and want to explore your mortgage options, get in touch with us at Mortgage Bridge. We’ll review your situation, check your eligibility, and help you move forward with confidence.