What you need to know about getting a mortgage in a probation period
Yes, it’s possible to get a mortgage while in your probation period. Most mainstream lenders won’t consider you until your probation is over, but specialist lenders take a broader view. They look at your employment history, your income, and the stability of your role rather than simply whether you have passed probation. An employer’s letter confirming your role and salary can also make a real difference to your application.
Can I get a mortgage during my probation period?
Most high street banks and building societies won’t offer a mortgage to someone who is still in their probation period. This is because they see a new job as a risk. Until probation is passed, there’s no guarantee the role will be permanent.
Specialist lenders are different. They are set up to consider applications from people in less standard situations, including those who have just started a new job or position. They look at the bigger picture: your overall work history, your income, your deposit, and how long your probation has left to run.
Understanding how specialist mortgage providers work can help you see why they are often a better fit for this type of application than a standard lender.
Applying for a mortgage in a probationary period
If you want to apply for a mortgage while still in your probation, there are several things that will affect how lenders view your case. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help you make a stronger application.
The 6-month continuous employment rule
Many lenders, including some specialist ones, prefer to see at least six months of continuous employment before they will consider your application. This does not mean six months of passing probation. It means six months of being employed.
If your probation period is three months and you are now in month four, some lenders will already be more open to your case. Others will want to see the full six months, even though they don’t need to be in the same role. Knowing where individual lenders set this threshold is where a broker adds value.
There are also lenders who will consider you from day one of a new job, as long as you have a strong employment history of six months and a confirmed offer of permanent work. Each lender sets its own rules.
Proving your income with a new job
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders need proof of your income. If you have just started a new job, you may not have many payslips yet. Here is what you can typically use:
- Payslips. Most lenders ask for one to three months of payslips. If you only have one or two, some lenders will still proceed.
- Employment contract. A signed contract showing your start date, job title, and salary is important evidence for any lender.
- Bank statements. Usually, three months of statements showing your salary being paid in.
- P60 or P45 from your previous employer. This helps show your income history before your new role.
If you’re changing careers as well as jobs, the picture becomes more complex. Lenders want to see income continuity. A sharp change in industry or a drop in salary can raise questions that you’ll need to address, but it does not mean your hopes are over.
The role of your employer’s reference
A letter from your employer can make a real difference when you are on probation. At its most useful, it should confirm:
- Your start date
- Your salary and any confirmed benefits
- That your role is expected to continue after the probation period ends
- Whether the role is permanent or fixed term
Not every employer will write this kind of letter, but it’s worth asking. A lender who sees a clear written commitment from your employer is much more likely to view your application positively.
Can I get a mortgage on a temporary work contract?
Yes, though it’s harder. Temporary contracts are seen as less secure than permanent roles, so fewer lenders will consider them. But specialist lenders look at the full picture, including how long you have been contracting, how consistently you have worked, and what your daily or hourly rate is.
Temporary workers are often in a stronger financial position than their employment status might suggest. A person on a six-month contract in a skilled profession may earn far more than someone in a permanent but lower-paid role. Specialist lenders understand this.
The key things a lender will look at for a temporary contract are:
- How long you have been in the same line of work
- How many gaps there have been between contracts
- How much time is left on your current contract
- Whether your employer is likely to renew
The criteria for fixed-term and contract employees
Fixed-term and contract workers face different criteria depending on the lender. The table below gives a rough guide to how different employment types are typically assessed.
| Employment type | What lenders typically look for | Specialist lender advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent (on probation) | Six months in role and an employer letter | May consider from day one with strong history |
| Fixed-term contract | 12+ months contracting history and likely renewal | May use contract rate to assess income |
| Agency or temporary | Consistent work history with no long gaps | Can consider based on day rate and track record |
| Zero-hours contract | Most lenders decline | Some may consider with 12 months of consistent pay history |
Criteria vary between lenders. The above is a general guide only. A broker can confirm what applies to your specific situation.
Pepper Money offers a flexible lending approach for workers with non-standard contracts. Find out more about how Pepper Flex works and whether it could apply to your situation.
Managing your application when changing jobs
Changing jobs while you’re already in the mortgage process is a different situation to starting a new job before you apply. Changing jobs after you’ve already been approved for a mortgage can put your offer at risk.
Lenders approve mortgages based on your financial position at the time of application. A job change can affect your income, your employment status, or both. If you’re thinking about changing jobs and you have a mortgage in progress, read our guide on changing jobs after mortgage approval before you do anything.
If you haven’t yet applied and are planning a job change, timing can work in your favour. Waiting until you have started your new role and have your first payslip can strengthen your application. If the new job pays significantly more, this may also increase how much you can borrow.
The most important step is to be open with your broker from the start. They can advise on the best time to apply, and which lenders are most likely to consider your situation.
Ready to find out where you stand?
Being in a probation period or on a non-standard contract doesn’t close the door on getting a mortgage. It means you need to find the right lender and present your case in the best way. That is where working with a specialist broker makes the most difference.
This information is for general guidance only and shouldn’t be considered financial advice. Your own situation will affect what’s available to you, so always speak to a qualified mortgage adviser who can give you a tailored view based on your own circumstances.