Mortgage with a new job or on probation
A new job or probation period need not stop a mortgage. Some lenders accept a new role from day one, or even before you start on the strength of a signed contract, while others want a few months served or probation completed. Staying in the same field and having a clear signed contract help most. Lender policies vary widely, so choosing the right one is the key.
Lenders are more flexible than people expect
Many people assume they must wait until probation ends or they have months of payslips. In reality, lenders range from those wanting a settled period in the role to those who will lend on a signed contract before you even start. What reassures them is continuity: moving up or across within the same career reads very differently from a complete change of direction. Your contract and your track record carry the weight.
What helps
- A signed employment contract stating salary, role and start date.
- Continuity in the same line of work or sector.
- A clean credit history and a normal deposit.
- For contract-before-start cases, a start date within the lender's accepted window.
Find a lender that fits the timing
Because policies on new starts and probation differ so much, the same situation can be a no at one lender and routine at another. A broker who knows these criteria can place you with a lender comfortable with your exact timing, rather than risking a decline. We introduce you to a regulated broker who can advise.
Common questions
Can I get a mortgage with a new job?
Often yes. Some lenders accept a new job from day one or even before you start, on the strength of a signed contract, while others want a few months in the role first. Staying in the same line of work helps. The variation between lenders is wide, so it is about choosing the right one.
Does being on probation matter?
It can, but many lenders will still lend during probation, especially if you have a strong background in the same field. Others prefer probation to be completed. A clear, signed contract and continuity in your career reassure lenders most.
What if I have a contract but have not started?
A number of lenders will consider an application based on a signed employment contract before your first day, typically if the start date is within a set window. This is useful when relocating for a new role. The lender will want to see the contract terms.
Does a pay rise from the new job count?
Usually the lender uses your new, contracted salary, which is the point of the move for many people. If the role includes bonus or commission, how much of that counts varies by lender, as with any variable income.
If the new role is a contract or self-employment, see contractor and day-rate mortgages.
Founder, MortgageExplained, MortgageExplained
Adam spent nearly a decade as a mortgage adviser at Just Mortgages, with further experience in commercial finance. He is CeMAP and CF qualified. He built MortgageExplained to do one thing well: explain mortgages in plain English, then introduce you to a regulated broker when you are ready. Every page is written and reviewed by Adam.
Last reviewed: 29 June 2026