If you’ve recently changed jobs—or are about to—it’s natural to wonder how that affects your mortgage application. After all, most lenders want stability and predictable income. So, is a new job a dealbreaker?

In 2025, the good news is: you can still get a mortgage if you’ve changed jobs recently. But the lender you choose, how your employment is structured, and when you apply all play a critical role.

Why Lenders Care About Employment Changes

Lenders want to know:

• You have reliable income
• Your employment is sustainable
• There’s no risk of immediate job loss or income drop

A job change may signal higher income and career progression—but it also introduces uncertainty, especially during a probation period or if your income fluctuates.

Key Factors Lenders Assess in 2025

🔹 1. Are You Still in Probation?

Most employers include a 3–6 month probation period. Some lenders will:

• Accept applications during probation (especially for professionals)
• Require a letter from your employer confirming intent to retain you
• Ask for a signed contract and first payslip (in some cases)

Others may refuse to lend until the probation has passed—even if the salary is high.

🔹 2. Have You Changed Industry?

If you’ve moved to a new role in the same industry, lenders are generally more relaxed.

If you’ve made a career switch, expect more scrutiny:

• Can you prove transferable skills?
• Is the new role permanent?
• Does it impact your income stability?

🔹 3. Are You Employed or Contracting?

Lenders treat contract workers differently:

• Fixed-term contracts: Often need 6–12 months of history or renewal evidence
• Day-rate contractors: Usually assessed on a 46–48 week annualised basis
• Umbrella PAYE: Accepted by some, but not all, lenders

Being newly self-employed? That’s a separate category—see below.

🔹 4. Have You Just Gone Self-Employed?

If you’ve recently left employment to start a business or work freelance:

• Most lenders require 12–24 months of trading history
• A few accept 1 year + projection from an accountant
• Bridging loans or joint applications may help in the interim

What Documents You’ll Need

Lenders may ask for:

• Signed employment contract
• Payslip(s)—even just your first one
• Letter from employer confirming position, salary, and probation status
• Previous P60 or payslips to show employment history
• For contractors: contract terms, invoice history, and bank statements

The stronger your supporting documents, the more likely you are to get approved.

Real-World Example

A Willow client relocated from Manchester to London for a new role as a marketing manager, earning £72,000 with a 6-month probation.

They had not yet received their first payslip but had:

• A signed contract
• A letter confirming start date and salary
• A history of consistent employment in the same sector

We placed the case with a lender who accepts applications in probation, and the client moved into their new home just six weeks after starting their new job.

How Willow Private Finance Helps

We regularly work with:

• First-time buyers starting new jobs
• Professionals relocating for work
• Contract workers or freelancers navigating unusual structures
• Clients with job offers but no payslips yet
• Self-employed individuals switching from PAYE

Because we’re whole-of-market, we can identify lenders who:

• Accept probation periods
• Work with contractors or umbrella PAYE
• Base decisions on future income potential—not just time in role

📞 Want Help Navigating Today’s Market?

Book a free strategy call with one of our mortgage specialists.

We’ll help you find the smartest way forward—whatever rates do next.