Mortgage on a zero hour contract
Mortgage on a zero hour contract
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Mortgage on a zero hour contract
Mortgage on a zero hour contract
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Free advice
If you’re working under a flexible employment agreement and wondering about your chances of getting a mortgage on a zero hour contract, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know , from how long you need to be in employment, to how lenders assess affordability, to the loan-to-value (LTV) options available to you.We’ve also built a mortgage calculator to help you work out your potential borrowing amount based on your income and deposit. Whether you have just 6 months of employment history or the full 24 months needed to access high street lenders’ best rates, we’ll show you how to position your application for success.
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Why do I need a specific mortgage?
You need a specific mortgage on a zero hour contract because many traditional lenders assess applications based on fixed, guaranteed salaries. With a zero hours contract, your income can vary month to month, which means lenders need to see a different type of evidence to feel confident about your ability to repay the loan. Specialist lenders offering zero hour contract mortgages are more flexible in how they assess income. They understand that although your contract doesn’t guarantee hours, you may still have a stable and reliable earnings pattern. These lenders can use 100% of your received income for affordability calculations and may offer borrowing between 3.75x and 6x your annual income, depending on your full financial profile. Choosing the right lender who understands zero hours contract and mortgage applications increases your chances of approval and helps you access better rates, terms, and loan-to-value options tailored to your situation.
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Under 1 hour response time
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31 days average offer time
Can you get a mortgage with a zero hour contract?
If you’re wondering can you get a mortgage with a zero hour contract, the answer is yes, but it does come with a few more hurdles compared to standard employment. Securing a zero hour contract mortgage is absolutely possible with the right preparation and guidance. Many people working flexible hours or freelance-style shifts worry that lenders will automatically decline them. However, an increasing number of mortgage providers are willing to consider applicants on zero hours contracts, provided they can demonstrate a reliable and sustainable income. Typically, most lenders will expect you to have at least 6 months of continuous employment on a zero hours basis. It’s also important that you’re no longer in your probationary period, as lenders view probation as a period of uncertainty when assessing affordability and job security. The longer and more stable your employment record looks, the better your chances of securing a mortgage with favourable terms. When it comes to accessing the most competitive products from high street lenders, the requirements are usually even stricter. If you are applying through a mainstream bank or building society, they will often want to see a full 24 months of consistent income from your zero hours contract work. This longer track record helps prove to lenders that your earnings are stable over time and that you can comfortably manage monthly mortgage repayments.
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Not quite sure what you need?
If you aren’t sure what you need, request a call back from one of our expert mortgage advisors!
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Under 1 hour response time
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31 days average offer time
Zero hour mortgage affordability
When applying for a zero hour contract mortgage, one of the biggest questions is how much you can borrow based on your income. The good news is that some lenders, especially specialist lenders, will assess 100% of your received income when considering your application. This can make a big difference compared to more cautious lenders who might only consider a portion of variable income.
If you have a strong, consistent earnings history, certain lenders may offer you borrowing between 3.75x and 6x your annual income. The exact multiple will depend on several factors, including:
- Your total income
- Your time in employment
- Credit history and existing debts
- The lender’s individual affordability calculations
Specialist lenders tend to be more flexible for zero hour contractors compared to high street banks, who might apply stricter affordability models. If you’ve built up at least 6 months of stable income, or ideally 24 months for the best deals, you’ll have a much wider range of borrowing options available. We work with mortgage lenders that accept zero hours mortgage contract applicants, so regardless of your time-in-employment, we should we able to make a suitable mortgage strategy for you.
Questions on a mortgage with a zero hour contract
Yes, you can get a mortgage with a zero hour contract. While it may require a little more paperwork and proof of income stability, many lenders — including both high street banks and specialist providers, are open to considering applications from zero hours workers. Lenders typically want to see at least 6 months of consistent earnings, and in some cases 24 months for the most competitive rates.
For a zero hour contract mortgage, you’ll usually need at least 6 months of payslips, a recent P60, and corresponding bank statements. If you’re aiming for a high street lender, they may require proof of 24 months’ income. The more documentation you can provide to demonstrate stable earnings, the stronger your application will be.
Borrowers applying for a mortgage on a zero hour contract can usually access borrowing between 3.75x and 6x their annual income, depending on the lender. Specialist lenders tend to offer higher income multiples if your earnings history is strong and consistent. Factors like credit score, existing debts, and deposit size will also influence the final offer.
When applying for a mortgage on a zero hour contract, your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) plays a big role. A lower LTV, meaning a bigger deposit — can strengthen your application significantly. Lenders are more comfortable offering mortgages to zero hours workers when they see a higher deposit, as it reduces their risk.
Yes, you can get a mortgage on a 0 hours contract. Many lenders, including both specialist and some high street banks, are willing to consider applications from zero hours workers. The key is proving that your income is stable and sustainable. Most lenders will want to see at least 6 months of consistent earnings, though the best rates often require 24 months of income history.
Some specialist lenders can assess 100% of your received income and may offer borrowing between 3.75x and 6x your annual income, depending on your financial circumstances. To strengthen your application, you’ll usually need to provide payslips, P60s, and bank statements that show regular, reliable work patterns.
At Mortgage Lane, we help borrowers on zero hours contracts find the right lenders who understand flexible employment — giving you the best chance of securing a competitive mortgage deal.
When applying for a zero hours contract and mortgage, lenders pay closer attention to your income history. Unlike salaried employees, you’ll need to provide more evidence that your earnings are regular and sustainable over time. This might mean submitting 6 to 24 months of payslips, P60s, and bank statements to show a consistent pattern of work.
Yes, you can get a mortgage on a zero hour contract with just 6 months of employment history — but typically through specialist lenders. These lenders are more flexible and may lend based on 100% of your received income. High street lenders, however, often prefer applicants with 24 months of history to offer their best rates and products.
Yes, being in your probationary period can affect your application. Most lenders prefer you to have completed your probation before approving a zero hour contract mortgage. They want to be confident that your job is secure, particularly given the flexible nature of zero hours contracts.
Having a second job can definitely improve your chances when applying for a zero hours contract and mortgage. Additional stable income makes your application stronger in the eyes of lenders. Both incomes may be combined when calculating affordability, provided you can show evidence for each role over the required employment period.
The best 0 hour contract mortgage will depend on your individual circumstances, but generally, the most competitive deals come from lenders who are willing to assess 100% of your income and offer flexible affordability criteria. If you have at least 24 months of stable earnings, you may qualify for high street lender products with lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits.
For those with 6 to 24 months of income history, specialist lenders often provide the best 0 hour contract mortgage options. These lenders typically offer borrowing between 3.75x and 6x your annual income, and may be more understanding of variable or fluctuating work patterns.
Key features to look for when choosing the best mortgage include:
- Competitive interest rates
- High loan-to-value (LTV) options if you have a smaller deposit
- Flexible income assessment methods
- Minimal restrictions on zero hours employment