How to Get a Mortgage After Starting a New Job | Mortgage Bridge Explains

Changing jobs is common, but many buyers worry that it could delay their mortgage plans. The good news is that getting a mortgage after starting a new job is entirely possible — and in some cases, lenders may accept an application even before you start the role.

This guide explains how lenders assess new employment, what documents they require, which contract types are more favourable and what you can do to strengthen your application. This article provides general information only and does not offer regulated mortgage advice.

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Can You Get a Mortgage After Starting a New Job?

Yes — many lenders regularly approve mortgages for applicants who have recently changed jobs. The key factors lenders consider are:

• Income stability
• Contract type
• Length of employment in the current role
• Whether your new role is within the same industry
• Bank statement conduct
• Any probationary period

Some lenders are flexible and will accept applications from day one of a new job — or even before the job has begun.

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When Will Lenders Accept a New Job for a Mortgage?

Lender policies vary, but common scenarios include:

1. Accepted With Signed Employment Contract

Some lenders will approve a mortgage using a signed contract even if:

• You have not started work yet
• You are weeks or months away from the start date

This is especially common for applicants moving within the same industry.

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2. Accepted From Day One of Employment

Other lenders will accept a mortgage application immediately after you start your new job, sometimes even during a probation period.

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3. Accepted After 3 Months in the Role

Some lenders require:

• Completion of the probation period, or
• At least 3 months of payslips

This is more common for industries where income varies.

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4. Accepted After 6–12 Months

A smaller group of lenders prefer longer proof of income for people switching industries or moving into self-employed contracting.

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Contract Types and How They Affect Your Mortgage Options

Different employment contracts carry different levels of certainty from a lender’s perspective.

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1. Permanent Full-Time Contracts

These are the most straightforward for lenders. A probation period does not necessarily prevent approval if income is stable.

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2. Permanent Part-Time Contracts

Accepted widely. Lenders review regularity of hours and whether guaranteed minimum hours apply.

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3. Fixed-Term Contracts

Many lenders accept fixed-term roles if:

• The contract has been renewed before, or
• You have a strong work history in the same field

Renewals help demonstrate continuity.

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4. Zero-Hour Contracts

More complex but possible. Lenders often require:

• 6–12 months’ payslips
• Bank statements showing consistent earnings
• A history of regular shifts

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5. Agency Work

Some lenders accept agency workers if:

• You have a 12-month track record, or
• You have long-term recurring assignments

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6. Self-Employed After a Job Change

If you have recently moved into self-employment, lenders usually require:

• 1–3 years of accounts
• SA302s and tax year overviews

Freshly self-employed applicants may have fewer options until income history builds.

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What Documents Lenders Need When You’ve Started a New Job

Having the right documentation is essential. Lenders commonly request:

• Signed employment contract
• First payslip (if available)
• Recent bank statements
• P60 from previous employment
• Evidence of deposit

If your income includes bonuses, commission or overtime, additional proof may be needed.

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How Probation Periods Affect a Mortgage Application

Many applicants assume that a probation period is an automatic barrier—but this is not always the case.

Lenders will assess:

• How long the probation period lasts
• Whether you have worked in the same industry previously
• Whether your income is guaranteed during probation
• Your overall financial stability

If your role is within a secure sector (e.g., healthcare, education, public services), lenders are often more flexible.

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How Income Is Assessed After Starting a New Job

Income assessment depends on:

1. Basic Salary

Lenders prefer roles where basic pay makes up most of the income.

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2. Overtime, Bonuses and Commission

These may be accepted if:

• They are guaranteed, or
• They were shown consistently in previous employment

Some lenders will accept 50–100% of variable income depending on track record.

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3. Industry Experience

If you have moved to a similar role in the same field, lenders are more confident that income will remain stable.

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4. Salary Increases

If your new job includes a pay rise, lenders may use the new higher salary for affordability as long as:

• You have a signed contract confirming the new rate
• You have started the job before completion

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What Else Lenders Check When You’ve Changed Jobs

A new job does not override other affordability checks. Lenders still review:

Bank Statements

Looking for:

• No unarranged overdrafts
• Regular income
• Consistent spending
• No returned payments

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Credit History

Including:

• Missed payments
• Defaults
• CCJs
• Credit utilisation
• Recent financial behaviour

Clean recent conduct helps strengthen the case.

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Existing Commitments

Such as:

• Loans
• Credit cards
• Car finance
• Childcare costs

These directly impact the maximum borrowing amount.

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How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage After Starting a New Job

(General Information Only)

1. Keep Bank Statements Clean

Show three months of:

• Predictable spending
• No unarranged overdrafts
• On-time payments

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2. Gather Documents Early

Have your:

• Contract
• Payslips
• Statements
• Identification
• Deposit evidence

ready before applying.

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3. Avoid New Loans or Credit

New borrowing can reduce affordability and lender confidence.

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4. Build a Larger Deposit

A bigger deposit:

• Reduces lender risk
• Improves affordability
• Increases acceptance with fewer payslips

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5. Stay in the Same Industry

Lenders value continuity—industry consistency can offset a short time in the new role.

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6. Check Credit File Accuracy

Review all three major agencies:

• Experian
• Equifax
• TransUnion

Look for outdated or incorrect information.

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Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Started new job but within the same industry

Many lenders may accept immediately with a signed contract.

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Scenario 2: Starting first ever job

Possible, depending on contract type and deposit.

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Scenario 3: Changing industry with a variable income role

More documentation may be required; lenders may ask for time in role.

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Scenario 4: Zero-hour contract in new job

Some lenders may require 6–12 months’ history even if the job is new.

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Scenario 5: New job accompanied by a salary increase

Lenders may accept the increased income straight away with contract evidence.

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Summary

Getting a mortgage after starting a new job is more achievable than many applicants expect. Most lenders focus on:

• Income stability
• Contract terms
• Industry experience
• Bank conduct
• Credit behaviour

A probation period or short time in a new role does not automatically prevent approval, especially with a strong financial profile and clear documentation.

This guide provides general information only. For personalised guidance, regulated mortgage advice is required.