Award-Winning Bad Credit Specialist · FCA No. 301173
Agency Worker & Zero Hours Contract Mortgage UK
Variable hours and agency-based pay do not have to stand between you and a mortgage. Lenders increasingly understand that flexible work is now mainstream — over 1 million people in the UK work on zero hours contracts. Darryl explains exactly how lenders assess this income type.
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Can Agency and Zero Hours Workers Get a Mortgage?
Yes. Lenders assess agency and zero hours income differently to fixed salaried income, but most mainstream and specialist lenders now have clear criteria for it. NatWest and Santander, for example, will consider zero hours contract income provided you can evidence 12 months of consistent earnings, while HSBC typically wants your latest P60 alongside three months of recent payslips.
The key principle across almost every lender is consistency rather than contract type. Lenders are not assessing whether your contract guarantees hours — they are assessing whether your actual earnings, evidenced through payslips and bank statements, are stable enough to support a mortgage. Income is usually averaged over 12 to 24 months, and most lenders will lend up to around 4 to 4.5 times your average annual income, subject to affordability.
Darryl Dhoffer — The Mortgage Geezer
20+ years in mortgages. Award-winning specialist. Featured in the Daily Express, FT Adviser and The Intermediary. I have helped hundreds of people across the UK who were told no by their bank — and I work with 90+ lenders including specialist adverse credit lenders you will not find on comparison sites.
When you contact me, you speak to me directly. No call centres. No being passed around. I personally review every case and respond within 2 hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage on a zero hours contract? ›
Yes. Most lenders that accept zero hours contracts will assess your affordability based on your average gross earnings, typically over the last 12 to 24 months. NatWest and Santander will consider this income with 12 months of evidence, and HSBC asks for your latest P60 plus three months of payslips. Not every lender accepts zero hours income, which is why working with a broker who knows current criteria matters.
Can agency workers get a mortgage? ›
Yes, in most cases. Lenders will typically want to see that your work pattern through the agency has been consistent, supported by payslips, bank statements and contract details where available. Additional income sources, such as a second job or other contracts, can also strengthen your affordability assessment.
How much deposit do I need as a zero hours or agency worker? ›
There is no universal rule, and it is possible to secure a mortgage with a 5-10% deposit in the right circumstances. However, a stronger deposit alongside a longer history of consistent income generally opens up more lenders and better rates, since it reduces the lender's perceived risk on a less traditional income type.
How long do I need to have worked on a zero hours contract before applying? ›
Most lenders want to see between six months and two years of continuous work, depending on the lender. Some will also want evidence that your current contract is rolling or has time remaining on it, and may allow short gaps in work history of two to six weeks depending on their specific policy.
Will I pay a higher rate as an agency or zero hours worker? ›
Not necessarily. Many lenders treat this as a standard residential mortgage once affordability is confirmed, rather than charging a specific premium. Rate differences are more commonly driven by your credit history, deposit size and overall financial profile than by your contract type alone.
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FCA No. 301173
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