Can I Get a Mortgage If I’ve Just Started a New Job?

Yes, many lenders will consider your application, even if you’ve just started a new role. Some mortgage providers may even approve you before you start your new job, as long as you have a permanent contract in place.

If you’re moving into a highly skilled profession or a stable industry, lenders may be even more flexible.

What About Fixed-Term Contracts?

If you’re on a fixed-term contract, getting a mortgage can be a little trickier—but not impossible. Some lenders are happy to work with professionals in fields where contracts are common, such as IT, law, and healthcare.

Certain lenders may ask for at least one payslip or a few months of employment history, but there are specialist options available for those starting a new contract.

Can I Get a Mortgage If I’ve Just Changed Jobs?

Absolutely. If you have a signed employment contract, some lenders will approve your mortgage based on that alone—even if you’re still in your probation period.

What If I’m on Probation?

Some lenders will accept mortgage applications from borrowers who are in their probation period, while others may require you to pass probation first.

Working with an experienced mortgage broker like Bespoke Money can help you find the right lender for your situation.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a Job Offer Letter?

Yes! Some banks and building societies will approve a mortgage based on a job offer letter, provided your start date is within the next 3-6 months.

Documents you may need:
✔ A signed contract showing your salary and start date
✔ A job offer letter from your employer
✔ Proof of employment, such as an HR confirmation letter

Having a permanent position lined up increases your chances of approval.

What If This Is My First Job?

If you’re a recent graduate or entering your first job, some lenders may ask for a larger deposit or proof of continuous employment for at least six months.

However, there are specialist mortgage providers who understand that first-time buyers need options, and Bespoke Money can help you find the right lender.

When Can I Apply for a Mortgage with a New Job?

📌 Before You Even Start – If you have a signed contract for a permanent role, you can apply for a mortgage up to three months before your job starts.

📌 Once You Receive Your First Payslip – Some lenders require at least one payslip, but this isn’t always the case.

📌 After Passing Probation – If your lender requires you to pass probation, you may need to wait a few months before applying.

How Much Can I Borrow?

Lenders calculate affordability based on your salary, expenses, and financial commitments. Typically, you can borrow up to 4.5 times your annual income, but if you earn over £60,000 per year, some lenders may offer up to 5 or even 6 times your salary.

Your borrowing power also depends on:
💳 Credit card debt
🚗 Car finance agreements
📈 Existing loans

A mortgage broker can help ensure you’re maximising your borrowing potential while keeping your repayments manageable.

Are Interest Rates Higher for New Job Mortgages?

Not necessarily. Many lenders offer competitive rates for borrowers who have recently started a new job. However, factors such as your credit score, deposit size, and loan term will also influence the rate you’re offered.

Final Thoughts

Starting a new job doesn’t have to delay your dream of homeownership. With the right lender and expert mortgage advice, you can secure a mortgage even before your first paycheck arrives.

At Bespoke Money, we specialise in helping first-time buyers, home movers, and professionals secure mortgages—even in unique situations like a new job.

📞 Speak to Matthew Price today to explore your mortgage options.

📍 Bespoke Money | 4 Cantelupe Mews, Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3BG
📧 matt@bespokemoney.net
📞 Direct: 01342 651505 | Office: 0203 793 3690 | Mobile: 07813 810050

💬 “We are a business built on referrals and recommendations from existing clients. The biggest compliment you can give us is referring a friend or colleague!”

In this guide, we’ll explain:

✔ What a credit score is and why it matters
✔ How to check your credit score
✔ Why your score might be low
✔ How to improve it
✔ What to do if you’re rejected for credit

Let’s dive in!

What is a Credit Score & Why Does it Matter?

Your credit score is a numerical representation of how reliable you are with borrowing money. Lenders check this score to decide whether to approve your mortgage application and what interest rates to offer you.

In the UK, your score is tracked by three main credit reference agencies:
📌 Experian
📌 Equifax
📌 TransUnion

Your credit score is built from your credit report, which records your borrowing history, including:
✔ Credit cards & loans – how much you borrow and how often you repay
✔ Payment history – any missed or late payments
✔ Electoral roll registration – whether you’re registered to vote at your address
✔ Credit applications – applying for too much credit too quickly can harm your score

A higher credit score means lenders see you as lower risk, which can help you secure a better mortgage deal with lower interest rates.

How to Check Your Credit Score

You can check your score using:
✔ Experian (£14.99/month)
✔ Equifax (£7.95/month)
✔ TransUnion (£14.99/month)

💡 Want a free credit check?
You can get a 30-day free trial on Check My File, which provides a combined report from all three agencies.

Why Might You Have a Poor Credit Score?

Several factors can lower your credit score, including:
❌ Missed or late payments on credit cards or loans
❌ High credit usage (maxing out credit cards or overdrafts)
❌ Applying for too much credit too quickly
❌ Bankruptcy or County Court Judgments (CCJs)
❌ Never borrowing credit before – a limited history can make it hard for lenders to assess your reliability

How to Improve Your Credit Score

✅ Set Up Direct Debits – Ensure all bills and credit agreements are paid on time every month.
✅ Register on the Electoral Roll – This adds stability to your credit profile and helps lenders verify your identity.
✅ Check Your Address – Make sure all your bank accounts and credit agreements are registered at your current address.
✅ Use a Credit Builder Card – If you have little or no credit history, these cards can help establish positive credit, provided you pay off the full balance each month.
✅ Reduce Existing Debt – Lowering your overall debt improves your debt-to-income ratio, making lenders more confident in your ability to repay a mortgage.
✅ Avoid Unnecessary Credit Applications – Every application leaves a footprint on your report. Too many applications in a short time can reduce your score.
✅ Keep Old Accounts Open – Lenders like to see a long and consistent credit history. Closing accounts can shorten your history and reduce your score.

What to Do If You’re Rejected for Credit?

If a lender declines your application:
❌ Don’t immediately apply elsewhere – Multiple applications in a short period can make you look desperate.
❌ Find out why you were rejected – Contact the lender and ask for feedback.
❌ Fix the issue before reapplying – Address any problems they highlight before trying again.

How to Correct Mistakes on Your Credit Report

Mistakes on your report can harm your score and prevent mortgage approval. If you spot an error:
📌 Contact the lender that provided the incorrect information.
📌 Ask them to update the credit reference agency.
📌 Add a “Notice of Correction” – If the issue isn’t resolved, you can add a 200-word explanation to your credit file, which lenders will see.

📌 Equifax provides guidance on how to escalate unresolved credit disputes.

Final Thoughts

Your credit score is a crucial factor in securing the best mortgage rates and increasing your chances of approval.

✔ Check your credit score regularly
✔ Improve your financial habits
✔ Address issues before applying for a mortgage

By taking control of your credit score, you’ll put yourself in the best position to secure your dream home.

Need Mortgage Advice? Let Bespoke Money Help!

At Bespoke Money, we help first-time buyers, home movers, and remortgagers secure the best possible mortgage deals.

📞 Speak to Matthew Price today for expert mortgage guidance.

📍 Bespoke Money | 4 Cantelupe Mews, Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3BG
📧 matt@bespokemoney.net
📞 Direct: 01342 651505 | Office: 0203 793 3690 | Mobile: 07813 810050

💬 “We are a business built on referrals and recommendations from existing clients. The biggest compliment you can give us is referring a friend or colleague!”