Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

We charge a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances but will range from £149 to £750 and this will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.

A new job is often the thing that makes buying a home possible. A higher salary or a move closer to the right area could be exactly what you need. The timing can worry people, though, because lenders like stability, and a new job looks like change. The good news is that starting a new role doesn’t necessarily stop you getting a mortgage.

What lenders are looking for

Lenders want reassurance that your income is secure and likely to continue. With a new job, they’ll usually look at:

• Whether the role is permanent. A permanent contract is the strongest position.
• Probation periods. Some lenders may accept you while on probation, others want it completed.
• Your employment history. A move within the same line of work is usually viewed more positively than a complete career change.
• Gaps between jobs. A long gap could raise more questions than a direct move.
• Proof of income. Lenders may want your contract, offer letter or first payslip.

Can you get a mortgage before your first payslip?

Some lenders may accept a signed contract or offer letter before you’ve started, as long as there’s a firm start date. Others want to see at least one payslip, or wait until you’ve completed probation. It varies a great deal, which is why it’s worth getting advice before you apply.

Probation periods

Many employers use a probation period of three to six months. Some lenders are relaxed about probation as long as the role is permanent and you’ve stayed in the same industry. Others may treat it as a risk. If you’re on probation, it’s especially important to apply to a lender whose criteria fit your situation.

Fixed-term and temporary contracts

If your new role is on a fixed-term contract, lenders will often want to see a history of contract work or evidence that contracts are usually renewed. If you’re moving into contracting or self-employment, the rules are different again. Our guides to contractor mortgages and self-employed mortgages cover those situations.

Changing jobs during the application

If you change jobs after applying but before completion, tell your broker and lender straight away. The lender will need to reassess your application, and in some cases may withdraw the offer. Not telling them could cause serious problems later.

If you’re planning a move and haven’t started buying yet, it’s often worth talking to us before handing in your notice. The timing could make a difference to which lenders are available.

Bonuses, overtime and commission

With a new job, you won’t have a track record of variable pay yet. Many lenders only count guaranteed basic salary until you’ve built up a history of bonuses or overtime. That could affect how much you’re able to borrow, so it’s worth factoring into your budget. Our guide to how much you could borrow explains how lenders work out affordability.

Getting ready to apply

• Keep your contract and offer letter somewhere safe
• Make sure your start date and salary are clear in writing
• Avoid taking on new credit around the time of your move
• Keep your bank statements tidy. Our guide to common bank statement mistakes explains what lenders look for
• Get an agreement in principle with a lender that accepts your circumstances

How we could help

We’ll look at your new role, contract type and history, then aim to find lenders whose criteria fit. We work with a comprehensive panel, with many High Street and specialist lenders, and some of them are more flexible about new jobs than others.

If you’re a first time buyer or moving home after a new job, get in touch and we’ll talk through your options.

Frequently asked questions