Can You Get a Mortgage on Zero-Hour or Agency Contracts?
Working on a zero-hour or agency contract doesn’t automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage. Lenders care less about contract type and more about income stability and regularity. Understanding how your flexible income is assessed is key to improving your borrowing potential.
How Lenders Assess Flexible Income
Lenders typically look at income history and consistency rather than contract status. For zero-hour or agency workers, common approaches include:
12+ months of consistent income: Some lenders require at least a year of evidence.
Averaging income: Others may average earnings over 3–12 months to reflect fluctuations.
Focus on stability: Regular, reliable payments weigh more heavily than short-term contract changes.
This means even if you move between employers or have variable hours, your income can still be accepted if documented correctly.
Common Challenges for Zero-Hour and Agency Workers
Applicants often face difficulties such as:
High variability in monthly earnings
Frequent employer or assignment changes
Rejections based on contract type alone
Difficulty proving reliable income to lenders
These challenges highlight why tailored guidance is important. Generic online calculators rarely account for flexible work patterns.
Step-by-Step: Maximising Your Mortgage Potential
1. Gather Documentation
Collect payslips, bank statements, and any contracts or assignment confirmations. Complete, accurate records are essential to demonstrate income consistency.
2. Calculate Your Income Consistency
Lenders typically look for an average over a defined period. Documenting fluctuations clearly helps present your income in the strongest light.
3. Identify Suitable Lenders
Not all lenders accept zero-hour or agency income. Using a broker ensures you approach lenders who understand flexible work patterns and can assess your earnings favourably.
4. Obtain an Agreement in Principle (AIP)
An AIP confirms how much you could borrow and provides confidence when viewing or making offers on properties.
5. Submit the Full Application
Include all relevant documentation to evidence ongoing work and income consistency. Clear records speed up assessment and improve the likelihood of approval.
How We Help
We match flexible workers with lenders that accept zero-hour and agency income, ensuring your earnings are presented effectively. Our guidance includes:
Clarifying how income is assessed
Ensuring your documentation is accurate and complete
Maximising borrowing potential through the most favourable calculation methods
We focus on practical, UK-specific advice rather than generic comparisons.
Key Takeaways
Many lenders require 12+ months of consistent income, but some will average earnings over shorter periods.
Stability and regularity matter more than contract type.
Accurate payslips, bank statements, and assignment details strengthen your application.
Using a broker helps match your income pattern to lenders who understand flexible work.
With preparation, clear documentation, and expert guidance, zero-hour and agency workers can access mortgages on a similar footing to salaried applicants. Understanding how your income is viewed gives you confidence and improves your chances of success.
