Mortgages for Agency Workers

Getting a mortgage as an agency worker can be more complex, especially when it comes to maximising how much you can borrow and securing the best rates. Here, we’ll explain how agency workers can get a mortgage, what lenders look for, tips to improve your chances of approval, and how to find the most competitive deals.

Can agency workers get a mortgage?

Yes, but the process can be more difficult than it is for permanent employees. Agency workers are often viewed as higher risk by some lenders because your income may fluctuate, work can be temporary, and your assignments may not guarantee long-term stability.

Some agencies also pay weekly, which can make your income appear inconsistent on bank statements. This applies to all types of agency work, including healthcare, education, hospitality, warehousing, and industrial roles.

Despite these challenges, certain lenders will still consider agency workers, provided you can demonstrate a steady work history and a reliable source of income.

Eligibility criteria for agency workers

Below is an explanation of the key areas that can impact your application in the eyes of lenders.

Agency employment history

Most lenders want to see at least 12 months of continuous agency work, though some may accept 6 months if you’re in the same role or industry.

Gaps are allowed, but they should be no longer than 4 to 6 weeks, as long breaks can make income appear inconsistent. If you’ve switched agencies but stayed in the same type of work, some lenders will still treat this as continuous employment.

Type of agency work

How lenders assess your income can vary depending on the type of agency role you have, for example:

• NHS bank and healthcare agency staff: Some lenders are more flexible due to the high demand for these roles and consistent shift availability.

• Supply teachers: Lenders familiar with academic year patterns may accept recurring temporary contracts and gaps linked to school holidays.

• Industrial and logistics workers: Continuity in hours and your specific sector is key, even if your agency assignments change.

• Umbrella company PAYE workers: Your income must be clearly documented and traceable through payslips. How lenders treat your income for affordability can vary.

• Self-employed: If you’re technically self-employed but your primary source of income comes through an agency, you may fall under a different set of criteria, requiring you to provide tax returns or self-assessment documents.

• Seasonal or short-term roles: These may require proof of longer working history or additional evidence of ongoing employment from your agency.

Contract renewals or assignment history

Lenders may ask for evidence that your work is ongoing, such as written proof of contractor renewals, an assignment schedule, or a letter of confirmation from your agency.

If you’ve been working regularly in the same sector (e.g., healthcare, logistics, education), this helps prove that future income is likely, even if you don’t have a permanent contract.

Income verification

Your agency income is typically verified using 3 to 6 months of payslips and bank statements showing regular payments (but sometimes one payslip can suffice).

Some lenders may average your earnings over a more extended period if your income fluctuates, while others will use your current earnings if they’ve recently increased and you can support it with evidence.

Umbrella company workers may also need payslips that clearly break down taxable pay and deductions.

Deposit size

A 5% to 10% deposit (meaning a respective 95% or 90% LTV) may be acceptable for certain lenders, especially if your income history is strong and consistent.

However, if your work is highly variable or you have gaps in employment, a larger deposit (such as 15% to 20%) can increase your chances of approval or unlock more competitive rates.

Credit profile

A clean credit history can make a big difference for agency workers, as some lenders already view variable income as higher risk.

While minor issues like late payments may be acceptable, more serious adverse credit, such as defaults or CCJs, may require a specialist bad credit lender and potentially a larger deposit. Checking your credit reports before applying can help avoid delays or unexpected declines.

How to get a mortgage

Here’s what you need to know about applying for a mortgage as an agency worker and some straightforward steps to follow:

1. Gather your details and documents: Having everything ready upfront makes your application smoother and reduces the risk of delays. Most lenders will ask for:

• Your latest 3 to 6 months of payslips

• Bank statements showing any agency income

• Your current assignment or contract

• Proof of identity and address

2. Speak with a specialist mortgage broker: Not all lenders accept agency income, and applying to the wrong one can lead to unnecessary rejections or poor terms and rates. An experienced broker can:

• Recommend the most suitable lender based on your work patterns

• Package your application correctly to maximise approval chances

• Help you avoid lenders who don’t accept agency workers

• Maximise how much you can borrow based on your agency income

• Find and compare the lowest interest rates available for your circumstances

3. Apply with the best lender: After your broker has reviewed your documents and confirmed exactly how much you can borrow, they’ll submit your application to the most suitable lender, making sure to:

• Structure and present your income in the best way

• Review and evaluate any potential issues on your credit file

• Match you with the most appropriate agency-friendly lender

• Guide you through the whole application from start to finish

If you’d like to compare rates online for free or speak with an advisor who specialises in agency worker mortgages, you can get started here.

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UK mortgage lenders for agency workers

Some high street lenders may consider mortgage applications from agency workers. Here are examples of well-known lenders that may consider applicants with temporary or agency-based income:

• Halifax: If you’re a fixed or short-term agency worker, Halifax may consider your mortgage application if tax is deducted by your employer (not including IR35). You’ll need your most recent payslip as evidence, or the latest 3 months’ payslips where other income is being used. Income is calculated on a 46-week annualised basis.

• Nationwide: May consider agency workers for a mortgage, as Nationwide draws no distinction between temporary agency workers and those employed directly. Applicants who are temporary workers must have at least 12 months’ continuous employment, but exceptions can be made for NHS bank nurses, NHS locums, and supply teachers.

• Norton Home Loans: Norton may accept applications from agency workers as long as you can provide proof of continuous employment from the last 2 years. If you can’t provide this proof, you may still be referred for manual underwriting, but it will depend on the strength of the rest of your application.

Because lender policies and approaches to agency workers differ, speaking with a mortgage broker who specialises in non-standard income is the best way to find and compare all your realistic borrowing options.

Are the rates higher?

Mortgage rates for agency workers aren’t automatically higher, but they can vary depending on:

• How long you’ve been in continuous employment

• The size of your deposit (and the resulting loan-to-value ratio)

• How predictable your income is and how much you earn

• Your credit history (bad credit doesn’t always mean higher rates)

• Your specific profession and industry

Some lenders may offer the same rates as permanent employees if your income is stable and well-documented. Others may be more cautious, especially if you’ve recently started agency work. Comparing all your options or getting guidance from a specialist broker is the best way to ensure you find the lowest rates possible.

You can compare the latest rates available from these lenders and more by using our free mortgage-sourcing tool below:

Tips to boost your chances of approval

Here are some strategies that can help improve your chances of securing a competitive mortgage deal as an agency worker:

• Show at least 12 months’ continuous employment

• Avoid long gaps between agency assignments

• Save a larger deposit to expand your choice of lenders

• Keep your credit file clean and check for any mistakes

• Provide clear evidence of income through payslips and bank statements

• Register on the electoral roll at your current address

• Work with a broker who’s familiar with agency-based income

Why choose Money Helpdesk for your agency worker mortgage?

Agency income can be complex and challenging for mainstream lenders to assess and verify, and not all high street lenders evaluate applications in the same way. That’s where the right advice can make a big difference.

At Money Helpdesk, we specialise in helping applicants with non-standard income, including agency workers, contractors, and temporary staff.

Here’s why agency workers across the UK choose us to help them get the best mortgage:

• We specialise in mortgages for agency and temporary workers

• Free initial chat with no obligation to proceed further

• Access to a range of lenders comfortable with variable income

• 5-star rated brokers with experience handling complex applications

If you’d like to compare today’s rates online for free, or speak with a broker who understands agency-based income, you can get started here.

How can I learn more?

Our advisors will be able to help you whatever your situation is, get in touch to start the process today!