Can I Get a Mortgage If I’ve Just Started a New Job?
Changing jobs can feel exciting… until you start thinking about your mortgage application.
One of the most common questions I hear is:
“I’ve only just started a new job. Do I need to wait before I can apply for a mortgage?”
The short answer is:
Not necessarily.
In fact, many people are surprised to learn that starting a new job doesn’t automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage. The reality is that it depends on several factors, including your employment, income and the lender you apply to.
Let’s look at how it works.
There Isn’t One Rule That Every Lender Follows
One of the biggest misconceptions is that all mortgage lenders have the same criteria.
They don’t.
Some lenders are happy to consider applicants who have just started a new permanent role or are waiting to start within the next 3 months.
Others may want you to have completed your probation period first.
Some lenders sit somewhere in between.
This is why you’ll often hear different answers from different people. They’re probably all correct… for different lenders.
What Will a Lender Want to Know?
When you’ve recently changed jobs, lenders are usually trying to answer one question:
“Is this income likely to continue?”
To help answer that, they’ll look at things such as:
- Whether your new role is permanent or temporary
- Whether you’re employed or self-employed
- Your basic salary
- Whether you receive bonuses, commission or overtime
- Whether you’ve moved within the same industry
- Whether you’ve had any gaps in employment
- Whether you’re still within your probation period
None of these automatically mean you’ll be declined.
They’re simply part of the overall picture.
Does Being on Probation Mean I Can’t Get a Mortgage?
Again…
Not necessarily.
Many people assume probation is an automatic rejection.
It isn’t.
Some lenders are perfectly comfortable lending during a probation period, particularly if:
- you’re in a permanent role
- you’ve remained within the same profession
- your income is straightforward
- the rest of your application is strong
Other lenders may prefer you to have completed probation before applying.
This is one of those situations where choosing the right lender can make a significant difference.
What If I’ve Had a Pay Rise?
Sometimes changing jobs actually strengthens a mortgage application.
For example, if you’ve moved into:
- a higher-paying role
- a promotion
- a more secure permanent position
your affordability may improve compared to your previous employment.
Of course, every case is assessed individually, but changing jobs isn’t always a disadvantage.
What About Bonuses, Commission and Overtime?
This is where lender criteria become particularly important.
Not every lender treats additional income the same way.
Some may consider:
- 100% of regular overtime
- regular commission
- annual bonuses
Others may only use part of this income.
Some may ignore it altogether.
Two lenders could assess exactly the same applicant and arrive at very different borrowing figures.
This is one reason why relying on generic online affordability calculators can be misleading.
Changing Jobs Before Completion
This is something many buyers don’t think about.
If you’ve already received a mortgage offer but decide to change jobs before your purchase completes, tell your mortgage adviser immediately.
It doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem.
However, failing to disclose a significant change in circumstances could create issues later in the process.
The earlier your adviser knows, the easier it is to assess whether anything needs updating.
I’ve had conversations with clients who worried I’d tell them not to take a fantastic career opportunity.
That’s rarely the conversation.
Instead, it’s about making sure the mortgage still fits your new circumstances and, if necessary, speaking with the lender before it becomes an issue.
Should I Delay My House Purchase?
Sometimes people put their lives on hold because they believe they need six months in a new job before even thinking about buying a home.
Often, that simply isn’t true.
Every situation is different.
Someone moving from one employed role to another with a higher salary is very different from someone becoming self-employed for the first time.
The only way to know where you stand is to have your circumstances assessed properly.
My Advice
If you’ve recently started a new job, don’t rule yourself out before you’ve even explored your options.
I’ve helped clients who assumed they needed to wait months before applying, only to discover there were lenders willing to consider them immediately.
Equally, if waiting a little longer genuinely puts you in a stronger position, I’ll tell you that too.
My role isn’t simply to find a lender.
It’s to help you apply at the right time, to the right lender, with the strongest application possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage on my first day in a new job?
Potentially, yes. Some lenders will consider applicants who have only recently started a permanent role, although criteria vary between lenders.
Can I get a mortgage while I’m on probation?
Yes, with some lenders. Others may require you to complete your probation period first.
Will changing jobs affect my mortgage offer?
It can. If you change jobs after receiving a mortgage offer, you should tell your mortgage adviser as soon as possible so they can assess whether the lender needs to be informed.
Can I use bonus or commission income?
Possibly. Some lenders will consider regular bonus, commission or overtime income, while others may not.
Final Thoughts
Starting a new job doesn’t automatically mean you need to postpone buying a home.
The key is understanding which lenders are likely to view your circumstances favourably and making sure your application is presented correctly from the outset.
If you’ve recently changed jobs, are about to start a new role, or you’re unsure how your employment affects your mortgage options, I’d be happy to help you understand what’s possible.
Book a no-obligation appointment here:
https://veganmortgageadviser.co.uk/appointment