Mortgage on Probation — Which UK Lenders Say Yes
Starting a new job on probation doesn't stop you getting a mortgage — it just narrows the lender choice. Around 30 of the UK's 60+ lenders will accept probation applicants with no extra conditions. Here's who says yes, who doesn't, and the supporting documents you'll need.
What Lenders Mean by "Probation"
Probation in employment law is just an initial period during which either party can end the employment with shorter notice than the substantive contract would require — typically 3, 6 or 12 months. Most lenders care about two things:
- Do you have a signed permanent employment contract? (Not fixed-term.)
- Is there any evidence your previous job was continuous with this one (same industry, promoted role, same employer group)?
"How long into probation" matters less than applicants often assume.
Lenders by Probation Position
Criteria updated April 2026. Always check lender-specific rules before applying as these change.
| Lender | Probation Stance |
|---|---|
| Halifax | Accepted with signed contract |
| Nationwide | Accepted with signed contract |
| HSBC | Accepted with signed contract |
| Barclays | Accepted, may ask for continuity |
| NatWest | Accepted with evidence of role stability |
| Santander | Accepted with signed contract |
| Coventry BS | Accepted with signed contract |
| Skipton BS | Accepted with signed contract |
| Leeds BS | Accepted with signed contract |
| Yorkshire BS | Accepted with signed contract |
| Virgin Money | Accepted with signed contract |
| Accord | Accepted with 3 months' continuity |
| Principality | Case by case |
| Clydesdale | Usually accepted — strong manual UW |
| Metro Bank | Case by case, needs signed contract |
| TSB | Accepted with signed contract |
| Bank of Ireland | Probation must be confirmed short |
| Kensington (specialist) | Accepted with signed contract |
| Precise (specialist) | Accepted with signed contract |
| Smaller BS (varies) | Often require probation complete |
Documents You'll Need
- Signed permanent employment contract (with salary, probation length, notice period, start date)
- Latest 1–3 payslips (depends on lender; pre-start applicants submit on first payslip)
- 3 months of bank statements showing the previous salary arriving before the job change
- Optional but helpful: a short letter from the new employer confirming the start date, role, and expected probation outcome
- If you've moved industry: any evidence that your prior skills transfer (LinkedIn recommendations, training certifications)
Common Mistakes
Applying to a Lender That Doesn't Accept Probation
A hard-search decline sits on your credit file for 12 months. Running an affordability check across all 60+ lenders before applying stops you from wasting a search on a lender that would never have said yes.
Not Declaring the Probation
Lenders check employment with HR or via Experian's employment-verification product. Undeclared probation coming out in underwriting is a guaranteed decline. Declare upfront.
Applying Before the Contract Is Signed
An offer letter isn't enough for most lenders. A fully signed contract (both parties, all pages) is the minimum. If your contract hasn't arrived yet, wait — a rushed application with a missing contract will be withdrawn by the lender.
See Which Probation-Friendly Lender Will Offer the Most
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Run My Affordability CheckFrequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage while on probation?
Yes. Roughly half of UK lenders will consider applicants on probation with no extra conditions, and most of the rest will consider it with a signed contract and evidence of continuity from your previous employment. A minority require probation to be complete.
Which UK lenders accept probation?
Lenders typically comfortable with probation include Halifax, Nationwide, HSBC, Barclays, NatWest, Santander, Coventry BS, Skipton BS, Leeds BS, Yorkshire BS, and Virgin Money. Lenders who often decline include smaller building societies without manual underwriting and some challenger banks. The exact list changes — check lender-by-lender before applying.
Does it matter how long I've been in probation?
Less than you'd think. Most lenders care more about the signed permanent contract than elapsed weeks. If you're 4 weeks into a 6-month probation with a signed permanent contract on £45k, you can still apply with most mainstream lenders.
What if I'm about to start a new job?
Many lenders accept applications with a signed contract dated within the next 3 months — so long as you have a start date. Halifax, Nationwide, Barclays, Santander all allow pre-start applications. Some require your first payslip; others accept the contract alone.
Is probation a bigger issue if I've changed industry?
Potentially. Lenders look for employment continuity. Moving from a £40k IT role to a £55k IT role in probation is low-risk. Moving from a £40k bartender role to a £55k sales-commission role in probation with variable income is higher-risk. In the second case, expect to be asked for 3–12 months' evidence of earnings.
