Zero-Hours Contract Mortgage

Zero-Hours Contract Mortgage

At Bolt Mortgages, we know that your employment status should not be a barrier to homeownership. Many people believe that being on a zero-hours contract makes getting a mortgage impossible, but that is simply not the case.

In this guide, Anthony McQuilliam breaks down how lenders assess your income, what you need to prepare and how you can successfully secure a mortgage even without guaranteed hours.

Podcast recorded in August 2026 and approved by The Openwork Partnership on xx/xx/xxxx. Information correct at time of recording.

Can you get a mortgage if you’re on a zero-hours contract?

Yes, you can. It’s not always as straightforward as securing a mortgage with a permanent or self-employed role as there are extra steps to consider.

Some lenders will require a longer track record of your employment contract compared to a standard Pay As You Earn (PAYE) employee, but it is still certainly achievable.

How do lenders calculate your income when you don’t have guaranteed hours?

Lenders assess your income by looking at the average amount you have earned over a set period. While some lenders may be flexible, the vast majority will want to see your payslips from the last 12 months to determine your average earnings.

Once they have calculated this, they can proceed with the application.

How many months of payslips do lenders typically want to see from a zero-hours worker?

The vast majority of lenders will want to see at least 12 months of payslips from the same employer to demonstrate job sustainability.

There are a few lenders that are more flexible and may consider an application after three or six months, but 12 months is the typical requirement.

Is there a difference between how lenders treat a zero-hours contract versus a fixed-term contract?

Yes. For fixed-term contracts lenders typically look at the contract value and duration, often requiring proof of extended experience or ongoing contract value.

With a zero-hours contract, lenders primarily look at the average income shown on your payslips.

Do you need a larger deposit if you’re on a zero-hours contract?

Not necessarily. If you have the required income proof, the amount you can borrow and the deposit you need to provide are generally the same as they would be for a standard PAYE employee.

The key is simply having documented proof of income that meets the lender’s criteria.

Can you use overtime or bonus payments to increase your borrowing if you’re on zero-hours?

Yes, you can, provided these payments have been sustainable in the long run.

If lenders are reviewing your last 12 months’ payslips, they will look for regular proof of bonuses, overtime or commission during that period.

What if you have a zero-hours contract with more than one employer – can you combine the income?

This depends entirely on the lender and their assessment of sustainability. If you are working an excessive number of hours across two jobs that might be considered unsustainable in the long term, they may decline.

However, if the combined roles are manageable and show a sustainable pattern of work, they may be willing to take both incomes into account.