Being on a zero-hour contract doesn’t automatically rule you out of getting a mortgage. While lenders see variable income as higher risk, many will still lend if you can show consistency, a solid work history, and reliable earnings. This guide explains how zero-hour contract mortgages work, how income is assessed, what deposit you might need, and how Mortgage Brokers Near Me help applicants avoid rejections and secure the right lender first time.
Feb 2, 2026
If you’re on a zero hours contract, you’ve probably heard some version of: “Lenders won’t touch you.”
That’s not true.
What is true is that you need to show lenders one thing clearly, that your income is real, consistent enough, and likely to continue. A zero hours contract doesn’t automatically block you, but it does change how your income is assessed and what documents you’ll be asked for.
This guide breaks down how zero hour contract mortgages work, what lenders look for, and what you can do to make approval more likely.
A zero hour contract mortgage is just a normal mortgage, but with one difference: the lender assesses your income differently.
With standard PAYE employment, lenders can usually take your basic salary and move on.
With zero hour contracts, there’s no guaranteed number of hours, so lenders typically look at your earnings over time to decide whether your income is stable enough to support a mortgage.
In plain English, lenders want to know:
You don’t win this by “hoping” a lender is flexible. You win it by building an application that makes the lender comfortable.
Most lenders will ask for a combination of:
The stronger your story, the easier the process.
A strong story usually looks like:
Yes, because a broker can do two things that most buyers can’t:
A rejection is not just “annoying”, it can create delays and more questions later, especially if you then apply elsewhere.
At MBNM, we also sanity-check your numbers early, so you don’t waste time chasing a property that won’t pass affordability based on how a lender views your income.
Will’s take: “With zero hours income, the biggest mistake is applying like a standard employee. If you don’t present the income properly, you can get rejected even when you actually qualify.”
Sometimes, but not always.
A bigger deposit helps because it lowers the lender’s risk. But it’s not a blanket rule that zero hour workers need 15–20% down.
What matters is your full profile:
If your income is consistent and your credit is clean, there are cases where lower deposits can still work. If your income is inconsistent and your credit is messy, expect lenders to be stricter.
Different lenders treat zero hour income differently.
Some will accept it if you show a stable average over a period. Others will only accept it in certain professions, or if your hours have been consistent with the same employer or agency.
The problem is, you won’t know which bucket you fall into until you apply, unless someone who does this daily checks your situation against lender criteria first.
That’s why shopping this yourself can turn into a rejection carousel.
Here’s what actually moves the needle.
Your payslips and bank statements should clearly match. If your income is paid weekly, the bank statements should show regular credits from the same source.
If your income is paid by multiple agencies, that can still work, but it needs to be explained and evidenced properly.
Lenders don’t just look at income. They stress test your budget.
Before applying, try to avoid:
If you can increase consistency for 3–6 months before applying, it can make the difference between a yes and a no.
An AIP is useful, but only if it’s based on a realistic view of your income type.
If you do an AIP that assumes “basic salary” when you don’t have one, it can create false confidence.
Possibly, but you need to be realistic.
Adverse credit plus variable hours is not a deal-breaker, but it does narrow lender options and increases scrutiny.
Lenders will want to understand:
The more recent and severe the credit issue, the harder it gets. The older it is, and the cleaner things have been since, the better your chances.
Buy-to-let is assessed differently from residential, because lenders focus heavily on rental income coverage.
However, many lenders still have minimum income requirements for buy-to-let borrowers, and they will still look at your overall profile.
If you’re a first-time landlord and you’re on a zero hours contract, expect stricter checks. If you’ve got experience, a stronger deposit, and a property with strong rental coverage, it may be easier.
Either way, don’t assume buy-to-let is a shortcut around income checks. It’s different, not “easier”.
Fixed term contracts are usually easier than zero hours, because they still show a defined agreement.
Lenders typically want to see:
If you’ve switched from permanent PAYE to fixed term in the same industry, that can help, because it shows continuity.
Yes, it’s possible. Most lenders will want to see stable earnings over time and clear proof through payslips and bank statements.
It depends on the lender, but many want to see around 12 months of consistent income. Some can consider less if your wider employment history is strong.
Lenders often average your income over a period. If income fluctuates, they may use an average, or sometimes the lower end of your earnings to stay cautious.
Not always. Rates depend on your overall risk profile, deposit size, credit history, and affordability, not just the type of contract.
Yes. A second applicant can strengthen the application, especially if they have stable income and clean credit, but lenders will still assess the overall affordability.
A zero hours contract doesn’t mean you’re “unmortgageable”. It means you need to prove your case properly, and choose lenders who assess income fairly.
Will’s take: “The difference between a yes and a no is usually not your contract. It’s how your income is evidenced and how early we pick the right lender.”
If you’re on a zero hours contract and want a clear answer on what you can do next, speak to the team at Mortgage Brokers Near Me.
We’ll look at your income pattern, your paperwork, and your deposit, then tell you what’s realistic before you waste time on the wrong lender or the wrong property.
Get in touch today and we’ll talk it through by phone or WhatsApp.
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Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.
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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.
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