Getting a Mortgage as a Doctor or Nurse

Do doctors and nurses get special mortgage deals?

There isn’t a universal NHS mortgage scheme or special interest rate available to every doctor or nurse. However, some mortgage lenders offer products or lending criteria that may be particularly suitable for healthcare professionals.

For example, certain lenders may take a more flexible approach to NHS income, professional employment or future earnings. A mortgage broker can help identify lenders whose criteria are appropriate for your circumstances.

How much can a doctor or nurse borrow for a mortgage?

The amount you can borrow depends on your income, deposit, existing financial commitments and the lender’s affordability assessment.

Some lenders may offer around four to four-and-a-half times annual income as a starting point, although actual borrowing limits can be higher or lower. For NHS professionals, lenders may also consider eligible additional earnings such as overtime, bank shifts or unsocial-hours payments.

Because lenders assess income differently, two applicants with similar NHS salaries could receive different mortgage offers.

Can junior doctors get a mortgage?

Yes. Junior doctors, including resident doctors undertaking postgraduate training, can apply for mortgages. Some lenders understand the employment arrangements associated with medical training, including rotational placements, changes in NHS trusts and fixed-term contracts.

Your employment history, contract arrangements, income and future employment prospects may all be considered. A mortgage adviser familiar with healthcare employment can help identify lenders whose criteria may suit your circumstances.

Can newly qualified nurses get a mortgage?

Yes. Being newly qualified doesn’t automatically prevent you from obtaining a mortgage. Some lenders will consider nurses who have recently started permanent NHS employment, even if they have a limited employment history in their new role.

You may need to provide your employment contract, recent payslips or confirmation of your start date. Eligibility will depend on the lender’s requirements and your overall financial circumstances.

Can NHS overtime and bank shifts increase mortgage borrowing?

Potentially, yes. Many NHS employees earn additional income through overtime, bank shifts, weekend working and unsocial-hours payments.

Some lenders include all or part of these earnings when assessing mortgage affordability, particularly where the income has been received consistently. Other lenders may average additional income over several months or require a longer earnings history. Understanding how different lenders treat NHS income can make a significant difference to your borrowing options.

Can locum doctors and agency nurses get a mortgage?

Yes. Locum doctors and agency nurses may be eligible for mortgages, although lenders can assess their income differently from permanent NHS employees. Some lenders consider applicants with a consistent history of locum or agency work, while others may require additional evidence of income or employment continuity.

The assessment may also depend on whether you’re employed, self-employed or working through a limited company. A mortgage adviser can help identify suitable lenders based on how your income is structured.

How much deposit do doctors and nurses need?

Many doctors and nurses can apply for mortgages with a deposit of 5% or more, subject to lender eligibility and affordability requirements. For example, a 5% deposit on a £250,000 property would be £12,500.

A larger deposit may provide access to a wider range of mortgage products and potentially lower interest rates. Some eligible applicants may also have access to low or no-deposit mortgage options, although these products have specific criteria and may involve additional risks.

Can doctors and nurses get a mortgage on a fixed-term contract?

Potentially. Some mortgage lenders accept applications from healthcare professionals working on fixed-term contracts. This can be particularly relevant for doctors undertaking training rotations or NHS staff whose employment arrangements involve temporary contracts.

Lenders may consider your employment history, time remaining on your contract, previous renewals and prospects of continued employment.

Do doctors and nurses pay mortgage broker fees?

Mortgage broker fees vary between firms, and some brokers charge for arranging a mortgage. At GHL Direct, we provide £0 mortgage broker fees for eligible NHS staff, including doctors and nurses.

This means you won’t pay us a mortgage broker fee for our mortgage advice or arrangement service, although lender fees, legal costs and other mortgage-related charges may still apply.

Should doctors and nurses use a mortgage broker?

Using a mortgage broker can be particularly useful when your income includes overtime, bank shifts, locum work or other variable earnings. A broker can assess your circumstances, identify lenders whose criteria may suit your employment arrangements and help you compare available mortgage products.

At GHL Direct, our advisers can compare mortgage options from more than 50 UK lenders and help NHS professionals with first-time buyer mortgages, moving home and remortgaging.

Are you a doctor or nurse looking for a mortgage? Speak to a GHL Direct mortgage adviser and explore your options with £0 mortgage broker fees for eligible NHS staff.