How to Get a Mortgage for Temporary or Agency Workers: Expert Tips and Real Options

Working on a temporary or agency basis can offer flexibility and opportunity — but when it comes to mortgages, many workers worry that not having a permanent contract puts home ownership out of reach.

The reality is far more encouraging. You can get a mortgage as a temporary or agency worker, but it requires the right lender, the right evidence, and a strategy that reflects how lenders really assess risk.

At Mortgage Bridge, we regularly help agency staff, contract workers, and those on temporary arrangements secure mortgages — including first-time buyers and applicants with complex income. This guide explains how it works and what actually makes a difference.

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Can Temporary or Agency Workers Get a Mortgage?

Short answer: yes — in many cases.

Temporary or agency employment does not automatically exclude you from mortgage lending. Lenders are less concerned with job titles and more focused on:

• Income consistency
• Sustainability of work
• Track record in your role or industry
• Overall affordability

The key is presenting your employment history correctly.

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How Do Lenders View Temporary and Agency Employment?

Lenders generally want reassurance that your income is ongoing and reliable, even if your contract isn’t permanent.

They assess:

• Length of time working through agencies
• Gaps between contracts
• Whether work is in the same field
• Likelihood of continued employment

Many lenders are comfortable with agency work when there’s a proven pattern.

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How Long Do You Need to Be Agency or Temporary?

There is no single rule, but typical lender expectations include:

• 12 months or more of continuous agency or temporary work
• Sometimes less with strong evidence and demand-driven roles

If you’ve worked in the same industry for several years — even with different agencies — this often works in your favour.

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What Income Do Lenders Use for Agency Workers?

Lenders may assess income in different ways depending on your situation.

Average Income Method

Many lenders use:

• An average of your earnings over the last 12 months

This smooths out quieter periods and provides a stable affordability figure.

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Annualised Current Rate

Some lenders may:

• Annualise your current hourly or daily rate
• Use recent payslips to project income

This is more common where work is regular and demand is strong.

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What Documents Are Needed for a Mortgage?

Typical documents include:

• Payslips covering recent months
• Bank statements showing income credits
• Contracts or assignment confirmations
• P60s or summaries where available

Organisation and consistency make a big difference here.

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Can You Get a Mortgage Without a Permanent Contract?

Yes — permanent employment is not mandatory.

Many lenders accept:

• Ongoing agency work
• Rolling temporary contracts
• Zero-hours contracts with stable income

The focus is always on sustainability, not contract wording.

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What If You Have Gaps Between Contracts?

Gaps don’t automatically mean decline.

Lenders look at:

• Frequency and length of gaps
• Whether gaps are explained
• Overall annual income stability

Short, explainable gaps are often acceptable, especially in high-demand sectors.

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What Deposit Do Temporary or Agency Workers Need?

Deposit requirements are usually similar to standard mortgages, but circumstances matter.

Typical expectations may include:

• 5–10% deposit for strong cases
• 10–15% or more where income is less consistent

A stronger deposit can help offset employment uncertainty.

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Can Agency Workers Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?

Yes — in many cases.

If you’ve had:

• Missed payments
• Defaults
• Short-term financial pressure

There are specialist lenders who may still consider your application if:

• Credit issues are historic
• Income is stable
• Deposit is sufficient

Employment type alone rarely decides the outcome.

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Common Myths About Temporary Work and Mortgages

“You must have a permanent job to get a mortgage.”
False — many lenders accept non-permanent income.

“Agency workers are too risky for lenders.”
Not if income is consistent.

“Gaps automatically mean rejection.”
Incorrect — context matters.

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How to Improve Your Chances as a Temporary or Agency Worker

Practical steps that genuinely help:

• Keep detailed records of income
• Minimise gaps where possible
• Maintain clean bank statements
• Avoid new credit before applying
• Speak to a specialist before choosing a lender

Preparation often outweighs employment type.

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Real-Life Advice: What Actually Works

From real cases we see every week:

• Consistency beats contract wording
• 12 months’ history opens far more doors
• Clean bank statements carry huge weight
• Applying to the wrong lender causes unnecessary declines

Strategy makes the difference.

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How Mortgage Bridge Helps Temporary and Agency Workers

This is an area where experience matters.

At Mortgage Bridge, we:

• Assess variable income accurately
• Identify lenders comfortable with agency work
• Structure applications around income patterns
• Support clients with bad credit or small deposits
• Reduce decline risk through precise lender matching

We’re here to help you access real options — not assumptions.

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Key Takeaways

• Temporary and agency workers can get mortgages
• Income consistency matters more than contract type
• 12 months’ history often unlocks options
• Deposit size and preparation improve outcomes
• Specialist advice significantly increases success

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Summary

Working on a temporary or agency basis does not mean home ownership is out of reach. Mortgage lenders focus on income sustainability, patterns of work, and affordability — not whether your contract says “permanent.”

With the right documentation, realistic expectations, and lenders who understand non-standard employment, many temporary and agency workers successfully secure mortgages every year. Knowing how lenders assess your situation — and getting expert guidance — can turn uncertainty into a clear path forward.

This guide provides general information only, personalised recommendations must come from a regulated mortgage advisor