Mortgage Guide

Can I Get a Mortgage With a New Job or During Probation?

Published: 11th October 2026•7 min read•By Beth Thomas

Beth Thomas of Cariad Mortgage Solutions explaining mortgages for people starting a new job

Starting a new job can be exciting, but if you are also planning to buy a home, you may be wondering whether the change could affect your mortgage options.

One of the most common questions buyers ask is: can I get a mortgage with a new job?

The answer is that it may be possible. You do not always need to have worked for the same employer for several months or completed your probation period before applying.

However, lenders do not all assess new employment in the same way. Your employment contract, start date, income, work history and wider circumstances can all influence the options available.

This guide explains what mortgage lenders may consider and why it is helpful to review your position before submitting an application.

Can I get a mortgage if I have just started a new job?

Yes, some lenders may consider a mortgage application from someone who has recently started a new job.

Starting a new role does not automatically mean that you need to delay buying a home. The decision will depend on the lender’s criteria and the details of your employment.

A lender may consider:

Whether the position is permanent, temporary or fixed term
Your contracted salary and working hours
Your previous employment history
Whether you have moved into a similar industry or occupation
Whether there was a gap between jobs
Whether you are currently in a probation period
How much of your income is guaranteed
Whether your income includes overtime, commission or bonuses

The lender will also assess your deposit, credit history, monthly commitments and the property you intend to buy.

How long do you need to be in a job to get a mortgage?

There is no single minimum employment period that applies to every mortgage lender.

Some lenders may consider an application from the beginning of a new job. Others may want to see one or more payslips, a period of continuous employment or confirmation that a probation period has been completed.

This is why it can be misleading to assume that you must have been in your job for three, six or twelve months before applying.

The appropriate timing will depend on your individual circumstances and the criteria of the lender being considered.

Can I get a mortgage during a probation period?

Being in a probation period does not automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage.

Some lenders may accept applicants during probation, while others may apply additional requirements or prefer the probation period to be completed.

They may want to understand:

The length and terms of the probation period
Whether probation is standard for everyone joining the organisation
Your previous employment history
Whether you are working in the same occupation or industry
Whether your position is permanent
Whether your employer can extend the probation period

It is important to explain the position accurately before applying so that the lender’s criteria can be checked properly.

Can I apply for a mortgage before starting my new job?

Some lenders may consider future employment income before you have started the new role.

You may be asked to provide a signed employment contract or formal offer letter confirming information such as:

Your employer
Your job title
Your start date
Your contracted salary
Your contracted working hours
Whether the position is permanent or fixed term
Any probation period

Acceptance will depend on the lender’s criteria, how soon the job begins and whether the income is guaranteed.

You should not assume that every lender will use a future salary. Checking the criteria before applying can help you avoid approaching a lender that requires payslips from the new role.

What if this is my first job?

It may still be possible to obtain a mortgage if you are starting your first permanent job.

A lender may consider your employment contract, occupation, qualifications, expected income and the length of time before the role begins.

Your wider application will still matter. This includes your deposit, credit history, monthly commitments and whether the proposed mortgage appears affordable.

Some applicants may have more lender options after receiving their first payslip, but waiting is not automatically necessary in every case.

Can I get a mortgage with a fixed term or temporary contract?

A fixed term or temporary contract can be acceptable to some mortgage lenders, but the assessment may be different from that used for permanent employment.

A lender may look at:

How long remains on the current contract
Your history of working on similar contracts
Whether the contract has previously been renewed
Your occupation and industry
Any gaps between contracts
The likelihood of the income continuing

Different lenders can take very different approaches, so it is important not to assume that one lender’s decision represents the entire mortgage market.

Will a lender use my new salary?

A lender may be willing to use the salary stated in your new employment contract, but this will depend on its criteria and the evidence available.

If your new salary includes overtime, commission, bonuses or allowances, the lender may not use all of that income immediately.

Some lenders may want to see a history of receiving variable income before including it in their affordability calculation.

A higher salary can potentially increase your borrowing capacity, but it does not guarantee that you will be able to borrow a particular amount. Your existing commitments, dependants, credit agreements, mortgage term and deposit will also be considered.

What documents might I need?

The documents required will depend on the lender and your employment circumstances. You may be asked for:

Your signed employment contract
A formal job offer letter
Your latest payslips, if available
Bank statements showing your salary payments
Details of your previous employment
Evidence of any guaranteed allowances
Evidence of previous overtime, commission or bonus income

Providing clear and consistent information can make it easier for the lender to understand your circumstances.

What if I change jobs during a mortgage application?

If you change jobs after applying for a mortgage, tell your mortgage adviser or lender as soon as possible.

A mortgage offer is based on the circumstances and information assessed by the lender. A change to your employer, income, contract or employment status may require the application to be reviewed again.

The lender may ask for your new contract, revised income evidence or further information about the role. It may also reassess affordability before allowing the application to continue.

A job change does not automatically mean that your mortgage will be declined, but it should never be hidden from the lender.

Should I wait before applying for a mortgage?

Not necessarily.

Waiting until you have completed probation or received several payslips could provide access to a wider range of lenders in some circumstances. However, there may already be suitable options available.

Before delaying your plans, it can be helpful to establish:

Which lenders may consider your current circumstances
Whether your new contract can be used as evidence
How much you may be able to borrow
Whether waiting would materially improve your options
What documents you should prepare

An initial conversation can give you a clearer idea of what may be possible and whether applying now or waiting would put you in the stronger position.

How Cariad Mortgage Solutions can help

At Cariad Mortgage Solutions, we take a holistic approach to mortgage advice. We believe in putting people first and products last, looking beyond the mortgage itself to understand you, your circumstances and what you are hoping to achieve.

If you have recently started a job, are still in probation or have an employment contract that is not completely straightforward, we can research lenders whose criteria may suit your position.

We will look at your employment history, contract, income, deposit, commitments, credit history and future plans before explaining what may be realistic.

Our support does not stop once you receive an Agreement in Principle. We can guide you during the house hunting process, help you understand your budget and support you when you are ready to make an offer.

Where appropriate, we can speak with the estate agent to help confirm your financial position and assist with putting your offer forward.

Once your offer has been accepted, we can help you arrange a solicitor and surveyor. We will prepare and submit your mortgage application, deal with the lender and respond to questions from the underwriter.

We can also liaise with the estate agent, solicitor, surveyor and other professionals involved, helping everyone remain informed as your purchase progresses.

We will remain by your side through the mortgage offer, exchange and completion. Our support continues beyond completion, so you will still have a point of contact if you have questions or need help reviewing your mortgage in the future.

We are based on Walter Road in Swansea and offer face to face, telephone and Microsoft Teams appointments to clients across South Wales and the UK.

There is no pressure, no jargon and no silly questions. We want you to feel informed, supported and confident throughout the journey.

People first. Products last. Mortgage Advice With Heart.

Starting a new job and wondering what it means for your mortgage plans?

Book an Initial Consultation

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a mortgage if I have only been in my job for one month?

Possibly. Some lenders may consider applicants who have recently started a job, while others may require payslips or a longer period of employment. The available options will depend on your contract, work history and wider circumstances.

Can I get a mortgage while I am on probation?

Yes, it may be possible. Some lenders accept applicants during probation, although the terms of your employment and previous work history may be considered.

Can I apply for a mortgage before my new job starts?

Some lenders may consider income from a new job before the start date if you have a suitable signed contract or formal offer letter. Requirements and acceptable timescales vary between lenders.

Will changing jobs affect my Agreement in Principle?

It could. An Agreement in Principle is based on the information provided at the time. If your employment or income changes, the lender may need to reassess how much it may be prepared to lend.

Should I tell my lender that I am changing jobs?

Yes. You should tell your mortgage adviser or lender about any material change to your employment or income during the application process. The lender may need to review the application using the updated information.

Will a lender use my higher salary from a new job?

Some lenders may use the salary confirmed in your new employment contract. Others may require payslips before using the new figure. Variable income such as commission, bonuses and overtime may be assessed separately.