Buying a home can take time. During that period, some people change jobs. This often leads to a common question: does changing jobs after mortgage approval affect your offer?

In some cases, it can. Mortgage lenders base their offer on your income and job details at the time you apply. If those details change, the lender may need to review your offer.

This guide explains when job changes matter, when they may not, and what you should do if your work situation changes while buying a home.

Do mortgage lenders check employment after giving an offer?

Yes, they can.

Mortgage lenders may carry out checks at more than one stage. These checks are not always limited to the point when the offer is made.

Some lenders recheck details:

  • Before exchange
  • Shortly before completion
  • If there is a long gap between offer and completion

This does not happen in every case, but it is common enough to be important.

Is it bad to change jobs while buying a house?

Not always. A job change does not automatically mean your mortgage offer will be withdrawn.

What matters is how the change affects your income, stability, and risk from the lender’s point of view.

A move to a similar role, on similar pay, may have little impact. A move that reduces income or changes how you are paid may raise questions.

Do I need to tell my mortgage lender if I change jobs?

Yes. You should always tell your lender or broker if you change jobs.

Your mortgage offer is based on the details you provided. If those details change and you do not say anything, this can cause problems later.

Being open early is usually better than letting a lender find out during final checks.

Can I change jobs after my mortgage is approved?

Yes, you can change jobs after approval, but the impact depends on the type of change.

Below are some common situations and how lenders may view them.

If your new job has a lower salary

This can be an issue.

If your income drops, the lender may reassess affordability. In some cases, this could lead to a revised offer or the offer being withdrawn.

The size of the drop matters. A small change may have little effect. A large drop may cause concern.

If your new job has a higher salary

This is not always a problem, but it is not always a benefit either.

Some lenders may ignore the higher salary if you have not been in the role long enough. Others may want proof that the income is stable.

In many cases, the lender will continue to base the offer on your previous income.

If your new job has changed from full employment to self-employment

This is one of the biggest changes from a lender’s point of view.

Many lenders need a track record for self-employed income. This often means one or two years of accounts.

If you switch to self-employment after approval, the lender may pause or review the offer carefully.

If your new job has a probation period

Probation periods can be a concern for lenders.

Some lenders will accept borrowers on probation. Others prefer probation to be completed before completion.

This often depends on the lender, the role, and how secure the job appears.

Can I get a mortgage with less than 3 months’ employment?

Sometimes, yes.

Some lenders are flexible and may accept borrowers with a short time in a new role. This is more common if:

  • The role is permanent
  • The pay is stable
  • The job is in the same line of work

Specialist lenders may be more open to this than high street banks.

A mortgage broker can help identify which lenders are more likely to consider your case.

How long will it take to get a new mortgage offer?

If your lender needs to reassess your application, this can take time.

In simple cases, it may take a few days. In more complex cases, it can take several weeks.

The timing depends on:

  • How much your job has changed
  • Whether new documents are needed
  • How quickly information is reviewed

This is why it helps to flag changes as early as possible.

Why does changing jobs after mortgage approval matter?

From a lender’s point of view, a job change can increase risk. There are a few key reasons for this.

Your income can change

A new job may pay less, pay differently, or include bonuses that are not guaranteed.

Lenders want to be confident you can afford repayments over time.

You’ll likely be on probation

Probation periods mean less job security in the early months.

Some lenders worry that borrowers are more likely to lose a new job than one they have held for years.

You face a higher redundancy risk

From a lender’s view, people who have recently changed jobs may face a higher risk if businesses cut staff.

This does not mean a job change is wrong. It simply explains why lenders may look more closely.

Final thoughts

So, does changing jobs after mortgage approval impact your offer? It can, but the outcome depends on the type of change and the lender.

Some job moves have little effect. Others may lead to further checks or a revised offer. Being open and acting early usually leads to better outcomes.

If you are thinking about changing jobs while buying a home, it is often helpful to speak to a mortgage broker first. They can explain how lenders may view the change and help you plan next steps.

By looking at the full picture, specialist lenders may still be able to support borrowers whose circumstances change.