Remortgage While on Probation at New Job

Do Lenders Accept Applications During Probation?

Yes, many lenders will consider your remortgage application while you are on probation. The extent to which probation affects your application depends on the lender, your employment sector, and how far through your probation you are.

Lenders generally fall into three categories:

Flexible lenders: Some lenders do not factor probation into their decision at all. They assess your application based on your contracted salary, regardless of whether you have passed your probationary period. These lenders take the view that a signed employment contract demonstrates stable income.

Moderately cautious lenders: Others will lend during probation but may require you to have been in the role for a minimum period, such as three or six months. They want to see that the employment relationship is working well.

Restrictive lenders: A smaller number of lenders prefer applicants to have passed their probation before they will consider an application. If you approach one of these lenders, you may be declined, but this does not reflect the market as a whole.

The key message is that being on probation does not lock you out of the mortgage market. A whole-of-market adviser knows exactly which lenders to approach and can ensure your application goes to one that will assess it fairly.

What Documentation Will You Need?

When applying to remortgage during probation, having the right documentation ready can speed up the process and strengthen your application.

Your employment contract: This is the most important document. It shows your salary, start date, job title and the terms of your probation. Lenders want to see that you have a formal employment agreement.

Recent payslips: Provide at least one payslip from your new employer. If you have been in the role for three months, three payslips are ideal. These confirm that you are being paid as expected.

A letter from your employer: Some lenders appreciate a letter confirming your start date, salary, probation period length, and expected confirmation date. While not always required, it can add weight to your application.

Previous employment payslips: If you have only just started the new job, having payslips from your previous employer can demonstrate a continuous employment history and income track record.

Bank statements: Usually three to six months of statements showing your income deposits and spending patterns.

P60 or tax documents: These provide evidence of your earnings history and can be particularly useful if you have recently changed jobs.

Having these documents organised before you start the application process makes everything smoother and shows the lender that you are a responsible, organised borrower.

Does Your Job Sector Matter?

The sector you work in can influence how lenders view your probationary period. Some industries are seen as more stable than others, which can work in your favour.

Public sector roles: Jobs in the NHS, education, civil service and local government are generally viewed very positively by lenders. These sectors are associated with job security, and probation periods are often seen as a formality. Many lenders will not even factor the probation into their assessment for public sector workers.

Professional services: Qualified professionals such as solicitors, accountants, doctors and engineers are also viewed favourably. The skills these professionals have are in demand, so the risk of the probation not being passed is considered low.

Large employers: Working for a well-known, established company can reassure lenders about the stability of your position. Larger companies are perceived as less likely to let people go during probation without good reason.

Smaller companies and start-ups: Lenders may be slightly more cautious about probation periods at smaller or newer companies, where job security is less certain. This does not mean you will be declined, but the lender may want additional reassurance.

Contract and temporary roles: If your new role is a fixed-term contract or temporary position, the probation period adds an extra layer of uncertainty. Specialist advice is particularly valuable in these situations.

An adviser can present your employment in the best light and direct your application to lenders who view your sector positively.

What If You Have Changed Careers?

If your new job represents a complete career change — not just a move to a different employer — lenders may look at your application slightly differently.

A career change during a remortgage application raises a few questions for lenders:

• Is the new salary sustainable, or is it an entry-level figure that may change?
• Is there a risk you might decide the new career is not for you and leave?
• How does the new salary compare to your previous earnings?

If your new salary is similar to or higher than your previous one, and you can demonstrate relevant qualifications or transferable skills, most lenders will be comfortable. The concern arises mainly when there is a significant drop in income or a move into a very different field with no track record.

For career changers, having a clear narrative about why you changed and evidence that the role is working well can help. A letter from your employer expressing satisfaction with your progress, even informally, can be a useful supporting document.

If you have taken a pay cut to pursue a new career, the lender will assess affordability based on your new, lower salary. This might affect how much you can borrow, but it should not prevent you from remortgaging altogether if the numbers work.

Timing Your Application

The timing of your remortgage application relative to your probation period can affect your options. Here are some scenarios to consider.

Early in probation (month 1-2): You may have limited payslips from the new employer. Some lenders may want you to be further along before they consider the application. However, if your current mortgage deal is ending imminently, it is still worth exploring your options rather than defaulting to an expensive SVR.

Mid-probation (month 3-4): This is often a comfortable point to apply. You have a few payslips showing consistent income, and the lender can see that the employment is established. Many lenders are happy to proceed at this stage.

Late probation (month 5-6): If your probation is nearly over, you are in a strong position. Some lenders may even treat you as having passed probation if your end date is imminent. This gives you access to the widest range of deals.

After probation: Once probation is passed, the fact that you are in a new job is not usually an issue at all. Lenders assess your current salary and employment status without any probation-related concerns.

If your current deal is ending soon and you cannot wait, do not panic. Even during early probation, there are lenders who will work with you. The alternative — sitting on your lender's SVR — typically costs significantly more than even a slightly less competitive fixed rate.

Tips for a Successful Probation Period Remortgage

Here are practical steps to maximise your chances of a smooth remortgage while on probation.

Use a whole-of-market adviser. This is the single most impactful thing you can do. An adviser who knows each lender's policy on probation can target your application correctly, avoiding wasted time and unnecessary credit checks.

Present a complete picture. Provide all documentation upfront, including your contract, payslips, previous employment details and bank statements. A complete application moves faster and gives the lender confidence.

Emphasise your employment history. If you have a strong track record of continuous employment, even if you have recently changed jobs, this demonstrates reliability and income stability to the lender.

Highlight salary improvements. If your new job pays more than your previous role, make sure this is clear. An increased salary strengthens your affordability position and makes the move look positive.

Maintain your credit profile. Keep up all payments and avoid taking on new credit in the weeks before and during your application. A clean credit record combined with a stable new job makes a strong case.

Be transparent. Do not try to hide the fact that you are on probation. If a lender discovers this during the process, it can cause delays or even a decline. Honest, upfront applications are always more successful in the long run.

With the right preparation and professional guidance, being on probation at a new job should not prevent you from securing a competitive mortgage deal.