Mortgage Advise

Can You Get a Mortgage on a 0 Hour Contract?

Yes, getting a mortgage on a zero hour contract is possible. It just takes the right guidance and lender. This blog explains what you need to qualify, how lenders view flexible income, what deposit you’ll need, and how Mortgage Broker Near Me can help you secure the best deal, even if you're self-employed, have bad credit, or work in a non-traditional role.

Will Sherman

Jun 23, 2025

Man Holding Payslip

Zero Hour Contracts and Mortgages: What You Really Need to Know

If you’re working on a zero hour contract, you might think your chances of getting a mortgage are slim. No guaranteed hours? Varying income? Sounds like a red flag, right?

Actually, it’s very possible to get a mortgage, even if your income isn’t fixed. At Mortgage Broker Near Me, we’ve helped hundreds of people in your exact situation secure a mortgage by showing lenders what really matters: consistency, not contract type.

What exactly is a zero hour contract?

It’s a flexible agreement where your employer doesn’t have to offer you a set number of hours, and you’re not required to accept every shift. You’re technically employed, but without guaranteed income. Which can make things tricky when applying for a mortgage.

That said, zero hour contracts aren’t the only non-standard employment type we deal with. We also help clients who are:

  • On fixed-term contracts
  • Working through agencies
  • Freelancers or self-employed
  • Holding multiple part-time jobs
  • Or combining PAYE with side income from platforms like Uber, Deliveroo or temp work

Although these jobs don’t follow the typical 9–5 structure, what matters to lenders is your income consistency. If you can show a stable pattern of earnings over the last 6 to 12 months, you’re far more likely to get approved.

At Mortgage Broker Near Me, we understand how to explain your situation to a lender so it makes sense. Whether you’re a nurse on bank shifts, a supply teacher, or a creative juggling contracts, we know how to position your case for success.

“Lenders don’t care that you’re on a zero hour contract. They care whether your income is steady and provable.”

To increase your chances of mortgage approval, here’s what most lenders want to see:

  • At least 6–12 months of continuous work history in your current role or industry
  • Consistent income, even if it varies slightly month to month
  • Proof in the form of payslips, P60s, or bank statements
  • Minimal or no gaps in your work history

Some lenders are even more lenient if you’ve been working in the same sector, especially in the NHS, education, or skilled trades.

At Mortgage Broker Near Me, our advisors specialise in this kind of application. We know which lenders are flexible, and which will waste your time. That’s part of the value we bring, speed, clarity, and strategy.

How much deposit you’ll need?

Most buyers on zero hour contracts will need between 5% and 10%, but some lenders may ask for 15–25%, depending on how they assess risk. That said, with the right documentation and application, we’ve successfully helped clients secure mortgages with as little as 5% down.

A larger deposit can reduce your interest rate, monthly repayments, and improve your approval odds. But you don’t need to panic if you don’t have 20% saved. You’ve got options.

Curious about your potential monthly payments? Try our free mortgage calculator to get a quick estimate.

Got bad credit? Don’t count yourself out.

Many people on zero hour contracts also worry about historic credit issues, but lenders are more forgiving than you think.

What really matters is:

  • How recent your credit issues were
  • How severe they were (e.g. missed phone bill vs. recent CCJ)
  • Whether you’ve shown improved financial behaviour since

At Mortgage Broker Near Me, we’ve successfully helped clients with low credit scores, past defaults, and even past bankruptcies find lenders willing to work with them, especially if they’ve rebuilt their financial habits over time.

buy to let sign

Buy-to-Let mortgage

If you’re looking for a Buy-to-Let mortgage on a zero hour contract, it’s still possible, just a bit trickier.

Lenders will look primarily at the projected rental income from the property. However, many will still want to see a minimum salary (often £20k–£25k) from you. If you’re an experienced landlord already, the process is easier. If you’re a first-time landlord, expect to provide 12 months of income history and a larger deposit.

Our Experience at Mortgage Broker Near Me

Over the last few years, we’ve helped over 600 zero-hour contract clients successfully secure mortgages, even when they were previously declined elsewhere.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • We don’t rely on generic advice, we dig deep into your employment history and position your application to match the lender’s criteria
  • We maintain a database of 51+ lenders who actively accept zero hour contracts, so we match you with the right one from the start
  • We work with people from all sectors, especially NHS bank staff, care workers, hospitality, and teaching

Even if you’ve been told “no” elsewhere, we’ve often found the right lender by adjusting the documentation or choosing a more suitable product. We also do not perform credit checks during your initial enquiry, so there’s no impact on your score while we review options.

 FAQ: Can I Trust a Mortgage Broker With My Situation?
“Getting a mortgage on a zero hour contract is absolutely possible, but you need the right advice and the right lender.”

FAQ: Can I Trust a Mortgage Broker With My Situation?

Do I need a specialist mortgage broker if I’m on a zero hour contract?

Yes. Not all brokers understand how to present zero hour income correctly to a lender. At Mortgage Broker Near Me, we work with clients in flexible or non-traditional employment every day. We know which lenders accept these contracts, how to package your income clearly, and what documents give you the best chance of approval.

What should a good mortgage broker offer me?

A good broker should:

  • Understand your employment situation and match it to lender criteria
  • Have access to both mainstream and specialist lenders
  • Be able to explain every step of the process in plain English
  • Focus on securing you the best rate, not just any approval
  • Support you with advice even after your mortgage offer

We offer all of this and more — and we never charge for an initial consultation.

Why choose Mortgage Broker Near Me?

We’ve helped over 600 clients on zero hour or irregular contracts secure mortgages. Our team includes advisors who specialise in non-standard income, including agency workers, NHS staff, and freelancers.

We also:

  • Work with 51+ lenders known to accept zero hour income
  • Understand how to position your application so it’s seen as stable and reliable
  • Know what documents lenders want and how to get them right
  • Provide honest advice, even if it means telling you to wait a few months to strengthen your case

We treat every application like it’s our own no shortcuts, no false promises.

How Mortgage Broker Near Me Can Help You

Whether you’ve been told "no" elsewhere, are unsure what you can afford, or are just getting started, we're here to help.

At Mortgage Broker Near Me:

  • We don’t do credit checks for initial conversations
  • We help you understand your options clearly
  • We connect you with the right lender the first time
  • We guide you through every document, every step, until the keys are in your hand

If you’re on a zero hour contract and want advice that’s honest, friendly, and based on real experience speak to our team today. You’ve got options. We’ll help you unlock them.

Other Articles

Mortgage Broker vs Bank – What Gets You the Better Deal in 2025?

Flat-style digital illustration comparing a bank and a mortgage broker in 2025, with icons of a traditional bank building on one side and a smiling advisor with paperwork on the other, representing choice and better mortgage deals.

Considering a remortgage in 2025? This guide breaks down fixed vs tracker mortgages in plain English - with real examples, expert advice, and a clear path to choosing the right deal for your situation.

Read Article

Can I Change My Mortgage to Buy to Let?

Can I Change My Mortgage to Buy to Let?

Wondering if you can change your current mortgage to a buy to let? In this blog, we explain exactly how it works, what criteria you’ll need to meet, and the key things to watch out for . Including landlord rules, consent-to-let, and what it means for your future borrowing power. Whether you're upgrading to a new home or turning your property into a rental investment, here’s what you need to know.

Read Article

Fixed vs Tracker for Your 2025 Remortgage – Which Should You Pick?

UK homeowner comparing fixed vs tracker mortgage options on a laptop in 2025

With interest rates shifting and remortgage deals changing weekly, choosing between a fixed or tracker mortgage in 2025 isn’t just about the numbers, it’s about what fits your goals, budget, and risk tolerance. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of both options, share real examples from clients we've helped, and give you the insight you need to make the right move this year.

Read Article
Chat on WhatsApp logo

Get In Touch We’d love to hear from you!

Contact details

Reach out to us directly via email or phone—we’re here to assist you with any inquiries.

Phone
0203 4884 491

Follow us on social media

Stay connected and see our latest events, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Chat IconX icon to exit
Start a conversation
What channel do you prefer?
Send a message
How can we help?
We usually reply within 24-hours.
Thank you!

Your message has been sent!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Use this window to start new conversations.