Can I get a mortgage if I have just started a new locum position?

Yes, you can secure a mortgage with a fresh locum role if you have a consistent history in the medical field. While high-street banks often demand two years of self-employed accounts, specialist lenders are far more flexible. They typically look for three to six months of consistent locum earnings to validate your income. This flexibility is essential for doctors transitioning between training and long-term locum work.

Do I need 3 years of accounts as a new GP Partner?

You don't necessarily need three years of accounts to be approved as a new GP Partner. Many specialist providers will consider your application with just one year of figures, or even based on a letter from the practice manager confirming your projected drawings. They recognise that entering a partnership is a sign of career progression and financial stability, rather than a risk to be penalised.

How do lenders view NHS overtime and bank shifts?

Specialist lenders generally consider 100% of your NHS overtime and bank shifts when calculating your borrowing capacity. This is a significant advantage over generalist banks, which might only count half of these additional earnings. Including these figures in your mortgage application checklist for doctors ensures your full income is recognised, often allowing you to access a much higher loan amount than initially expected.

What happens if I am on a Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa?

Doctors on a Health and Care Worker visa are eligible for mortgages, often after residing in the UK for just six months. While some lenders may require a 15% or 20% deposit, others are more flexible if you have a high income or a long-term contract. It's vital to have a clean UK credit file and proof of your employment status to satisfy specialist underwriting requirements.

Can I use my Clinical Excellence Award (CEA) toward my mortgage affordability?

You can certainly use your Clinical Excellence Award to boost your mortgage affordability. Because these awards are a guaranteed part of your salary for a fixed period, specialist lenders treat them as core income rather than a discretionary bonus. This can make a substantial difference to your final loan offer, especially for senior consultants who receive significant annual awards.

Is a 'Mortgage in Principle' a guarantee that I will be approved?

A Mortgage in Principle is not a legal guarantee of approval; it is an initial estimate based on basic credit checks and the information you've provided. The final approval only happens after a full underwriter review and a satisfactory property valuation. It serves as a vital first step, showing estate agents that you're a serious buyer who has already consulted with a specialist.

How long are mortgage documents valid for during the application?

Most lenders require your supporting documents to be no more than three months old at the point of application submission. This includes your pay slips, bank statements, and utility bills. If your property search takes longer than expected, you'll need to refresh these documents to ensure the lender has the most current view of your financial health throughout the mortgage application checklist for doctors process.

Do I need to provide proof of my NHS pension contributions?

You don't usually need to provide separate proof of pension contributions because they are clearly detailed on your NHS pay slips. Lenders will review these deductions to understand your net take-home pay and overall affordability. While pension contributions reduce your immediate disposable income, specialist lenders view your NHS pension as a sign of long-term financial security and stability.

The Ultimate Mortgage Application Checklist for Doctors (2026 UK Edition)

We are a specialist medical mortgage broker providing mortgages for doctors throughout the UK. We help junior doctors, GPs and locum doctors with tailored mortgage advice, income protection, life insurance and so much more.

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Doctors Mortgages is a trading name of Doctors Mortgages Limited and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 995281.

Registered in England and Wales No: 13452398. Registered Office: Doctors Mortgages, 19 Chessel Avenue, Bournemouth, England, BH5 1LQ

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