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.
Jun 23, 2025
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
Many people on zero hour contracts also worry about historic credit issues, but lenders are more forgiving than you think.
What really matters is:
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.
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.
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:
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.
“Getting a mortgage on a zero hour contract is absolutely possible, but you need the right advice and the right lender.”
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.
A good broker should:
We offer all of this and more — and we never charge for an initial consultation.
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:
We treat every application like it’s our own no shortcuts, no false promises.
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:
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.
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If you have multiple income streams, recent changes to your accounts, or you have been told your income is “too complex”, you can still get a mortgage. The key is how your income is evidenced, explained, and presented to the right lender. In this guide, we break down how lenders assess complex income, what documents you will need, when cases get declined, and how we helped a self-employed buyer secure a full mortgage offer in time to keep their property chain together.
Read ArticleIf you’re buying, moving, or remortgaging, speak with a MBNM adviser and get clear guidance on what’s realistically available to you, before you commit to anything.
Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.
Mortgage Brokers Near Me LTD is an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage LTD which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The guidance and/or information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Will Writing and some forms of Trusts and Buy to Lets. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.
Mortgage Brokers Near Me LTD are registered in England and Wales with company number 15189091.
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