Can Locum Doctors and Agency Nurses Get a Mortgage in the UK? (2026 Guide)

TLDR

Yes, locum doctors and agency nurses can get a mortgage in the UK. Although income may be variable, many lenders will assess affordability using recent earnings, contracts, or averaged income. The key is presenting the income correctly and choosing the right lender.

Why locum and agency income can be challenging

Healthcare professionals are in high demand, but mortgage applications don’t always reflect that reality.

Common challenges include:

• No fixed annual salary
• Multiple employers or agencies
• Income fluctuating month to month
• Short-term contracts

For traditional lenders, this can appear inconsistent – even when income is strong.

How lenders assess locum income

What strengthens your application

• Consistent work history (even across agencies)
• Evidence of ongoing contracts or demand
• Clear income documentation
• Good credit profile
• Reasonable deposit

Common mistake to avoid

Applying with the wrong lender first

This can:

• Lead to unnecessary declines
• Impact your credit profile
• Delay your purchase/ remortgage

Why advice matters

Locum income is not “one-size-fits-all”.

The difference comes down to:

• How income is presented
• Which lender is chosen
• How the case is structured

Real-life example (policy-based assessment for locum professionals)

A locum medical professional (working across NHS trusts, including bank shifts) approached us to purchase a property.

• Income was consistent overall but variable month to month

At first, the concern was whether a lender would accept the income due to its structure.

What the lender required

The lender was comfortable with locum income, provided the following were evidenced:

• Minimum 12 months’ experience in the same field
• Latest 12 months’ contracting history
• Copy of the current contract (and next contract if less than 3 months remaining)
• Latest month’s bank statement
• Latest payslip or invoice
• Latest P60

How income was assessed

Instead of guessing income, the lender used a structured approach:

✔ Income calculated using the lower of:

• Annualised year-to-date earnings (from latest payslip) or
• Income shown on the latest P60

This ensured affordability was based on sustainable, evidenced income.

Outcome

• Income was accepted despite being variable
• Affordability assessed realistically
• Mortgage approved successfully

Final thought

Your income may be variable on paper, but it can be highly stable. The key is working with lenders who understand that.

FAQs

Can I get a mortgage as a locum doctor?

Yes, many lenders accept locum income.

How much history do I need?

Typically, 3 to 12 months depending on the lender and contract type.

Do I need a permanent NHS contract?

No, agency and locum work can be accepted.

Can limited company income be used?

Yes, depending on lender criteria.

Are rates higher for locum professionals?

Not necessarily, it depends on your overall profile.

FCA Disclaimer

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
This content is for general information only and should not be relied upon as advice.