Many buyers assume they need to have completed their probation period before applying for a mortgage. In reality, that’s not always the case. Some lenders are willing to consider applicants from day one of a new role, provided the wider application is strong. In this case study, we helped a senior executive secure a £750,000 mortgage shortly after starting a new role, despite being in the middle of a probation period and having only recently received their first payslip.
Quick Answer
It is possible to get a mortgage during a probation period. While some lenders require probation to be completed, others are willing to assess applicants who have recently started a permanent role, particularly where affordability is strong and there is a solid employment history.
Quick Summary
- Senior executive relocating within London
- Recently started a new permanent role
- Still within probation period
- Required a £750,000 mortgage
- Limited payslip history available
- Several lenders unwilling to proceed
- Specialist lender selection secured approval
The Situation
Our client had recently accepted a senior leadership position with a well-established company. The move represented a significant step forward in their career, with a substantial increase in salary and long-term earning potential. At the same time, they had found a property they wanted to purchase and required a mortgage of £750,000 to proceed. However, there was a complication.
The client had:
- Only recently started their new role
- Received very few payslips
- Not yet completed their probation period
- Been advised by some lenders to wait until probation had ended
Understandably, they were concerned that the purchase might have to be delayed.
The Challenge
The challenge was not affordability. In fact, the client’s new salary comfortably supported the level of borrowing required. The problem was timing. They had secured a significant promotion and wanted to move quickly on a property purchase, but many lenders viewed the recent job change and ongoing probation period as additional risk.
Many lenders take a cautious approach when applicants:
- Have recently changed jobs
- Are still in probation
- Have limited payslip history
- Have not yet demonstrated long-term income in the new role
Several lenders either declined the application outright or requested that the client wait until probation had been completed. Unfortunately, waiting several months was not an option if they wanted to secure the property.
What We Did
We completed a detailed review of:
- Employment contract
- Salary package
- Career history
- Previous earnings
- Deposit position
- Credit profile
- Overall affordability
- Future earning potential
Importantly, the client had:
- A strong track record in their sector
- Moved into a permanent position
- Increased their salary significantly
- Maintained an excellent credit profile
Rather than approaching lenders with restrictive probation policies, we identified lenders more comfortable assessing applicants who had recently started a new role.
We structured the application around:
- The signed employment contract
- Confirmed future earnings
- Career progression
- Strong affordability
- Stable employment history
The Result
The client successfully secured a £750,000 mortgage and completed their purchase without needing to wait for their probation period to end.
Key outcomes included:
- £750,000 mortgage approved
- Probation period accepted by lender
- Competitive mortgage product secured
- Purchase completed within the required timeframe
- No need to delay the move or renegotiate the property purchase
Most importantly, the client was able to focus on settling into both their new role and their new home without unnecessary stress.
Why This Matters For Buyers In New Jobs
One of the biggest misconceptions in the mortgage market is that being in probation automatically prevents you from getting a mortgage. While some lenders do require probation to be completed, many others take a more flexible approach.
Factors that can strengthen an application include:
- A permanent employment contract
- Strong previous employment history
- Career progression
- Higher income
- Good credit history
- Healthy affordability
The key is understanding which lenders are most likely to support your circumstances.
Oportfolio Insight
Across London and the South East, we regularly help buyers who have recently changed jobs, received promotions, or started new positions. In many situations, the issue is not the probation period itself. The issue is lender fit. We often find that borrowers who have been told to wait by one lender can secure approval elsewhere because lender criteria varies significantly across the market. Some lenders will automatically decline applicants in probation, while others are perfectly comfortable lending from day one of employment. Choosing the right lender can make the difference between securing your property now or having to wait months before reapplying.
Who This Case Study May Help
This case study may be relevant if you:
- Have recently started a new job
- Are currently in a probation period
- Have only received one or two payslips
- Have recently been promoted
- Are relocating for work
- Need a large mortgage
- Have been told to wait until probation ends
Key Takeaways
- Being in a probation period does not automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage
- Some lenders will consider applicants from day one of a new role
- Employment contracts can be used as evidence of income
- Strong career history can improve lender confidence
- Specialist lender selection is often critical
- Mortgage advice can significantly improve outcomes
Need Help Getting A Mortgage During Probation?
Whether you’ve recently changed employer, accepted a promotion, started a new role, or are still within your probation period, we can help. At Oportfolio Mortgages, we regularly help professionals, executives, and complex borrowers secure mortgages that fit their circumstances. Book a confidential mortgage review and get tailored lender-backed guidance before you apply. The earlier you seek advice, the more options may be available to you.
