JUNIOR DOCTOR MORTGAGE GUIDE
Junior Doctor First Mortgage Checklist
A simple guide for newly qualified doctors and doctors completing training
Buying your first home is exciting, but applying for a mortgage as a junior doctor can feel more complicated than it should. NHS rotations, fixed-term contracts, multiple payslips, overtime and changing employers can sometimes confuse lenders.
The good news is that many lenders understand the medical profession and, with the right preparation, securing your first mortgage can be straightforward.
Use this checklist to make sure you are mortgage-ready.
Specialist medical professional advisors
NHS contract experience
Support for first-time buyers
Your 8-step mortgage checklist
Work through each section as you prepare to apply.
01
1. Work Out Your Budget
Before viewing properties, understand what you can realistically afford.
✔ Calculate how much deposit you have saved
✔ Consider additional costs such as:
- Stamp Duty (if applicable)
- Solicitor fees
- Survey costs
- Moving expenses
- Furniture and home improvements
✔ Estimate your monthly mortgage payment and ensure it fits comfortably within your budget.
Many lenders will offer around 4–4.5 times income, while some professional mortgage schemes may offer higher income multiples for doctors depending on circumstances. We have been able to get up to 6.5 times income for some professionals.
02
2. Save Your Deposit
Most lenders require a minimum deposit of 5%, although 10% or more can provide access to better rates.
Example:
- £300,000 property
- 5% deposit = £15,000
- 10% deposit = £30,000
A larger deposit can:
- Reduce monthly repayments
- Access lower interest rates
- Improve mortgage approval chances
03
3. Check Your Credit Score
Before applying:
✔ Check your credit report
✔ Ensure you are registered on the electoral roll
✔ Correct any errors
✔ Avoid missed payments
✔ Keep credit card balances low
Junior doctors often move frequently during training, so make sure your address history is accurate.
04
4. Gather Your Documents
Having paperwork ready can speed up the process significantly.
Identity
✔ Passport or driving licence
Address Verification
✔ Utility bill
✔ Bank statement
✔ Council tax bill
Income Evidence
✔ Last 3 months’ payslips
✔ Latest P60
✔ Current NHS contract
✔ Future contract or employment letter if rotating hospitals
Bank Statements
✔ Last 3 months of statements
If you receive additional income from nights, weekends, on-call work or locums, make sure evidence is available as some lenders will include this income.
05
5. Understand Your NHS Income
Lenders may look differently at:
✔ Basic salary
✔ Banding payments
✔ On-call income
✔ Overtime
✔ Locum shifts
Not all lenders understand NHS payslips, so choosing the right lender can make a significant difference to how much you can borrow.
06
6. Avoid Big Financial Changes
In the months before applying:
✘ Avoid taking out loans
✘ Avoid large credit card spending
✘ Avoid missed payments
✘ Avoid changing jobs unnecessarily without evidence of future employment
Lenders prefer stability.
07
7. Get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle
An Agreement in Principle (AIP):
✔ Gives an idea of how much you may be able to borrow
✔ Shows estate agents you are a serious buyer
✔ Helps narrow your property search
This can often be arranged before you start viewing homes.
08
8. Consider Using a Specialist Doctor Mortgage Broker
Junior doctors often work:
- Fixed-term contracts
- Rotational posts
- Multiple employers
- Variable income patterns
Specialist mortgage advisers understand:
✔ NHS contracts
✔ Training pathways
✔ Future earnings potential
✔ Additional NHS income
This can help avoid delays and improve the chances of securing the right mortgage.
A little preparation goes a long way
Having your deposit, documents and income information organised can make it easier to understand your options before you start viewing properties.
Deposit example
£300,000 property
5%
Deposit = £15,000
10%
Deposit = £30,000
Deposit calculator Required
Pending
Quick Mortgage Checklist
Before You Apply
- Save your deposit
- Check your credit report
- Register on the electoral roll
- Gather payslips and contracts
- Organise bank statements
- Understand your affordability
- Obtain an Agreement in Principle
- Speak to a specialist mortgage adviser
With the right preparation, your first home purchase can be far simpler than many junior doctors expect.
Keep your checklist handy
Complete the form below to request the Junior Doctor First Mortgage Checklist and keep the key steps handy as you prepare to apply.
Explore our junior doctor mortgage advice
Learn more about mortgage options for junior doctors, including how specialist advice can help with training rotations and changing contracts.