GUIDES
Agency Worker Mortgages - GoMortgage®
Working via an agency or on a temporary/contract basis? You can still get a mortgage.
Just because your job isn’t permanent or “classic” PAYE, it doesn’t mean you’re shut out from home-ownership. At GoMortgage we specialise in helping agency workers, temps, and contract staff get a mortgage – by matching your income style to the right lenders and putting forward the strongest possible case. Welcome to our guide on Agency worker mortgages.
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Self-Employed Guides - Agency worker mortgages
Can agency workers get a mortgage?
Yes – even though it may be more complex than a standard mortgage application. Many lenders will still consider agency-based income, especially if you can show consistent work history, steady earnings, and documentation to back everything up.
The pool of deals is smaller than for permanent PAYE employees, but with the right approach and broker your chances improve significantly.
What lenders look for on agency-worker applications
When you apply for a mortgage as an agency or temp worker, lenders typically assess:
- Work history & income consistency — usually at least 12 months of regular income via agency work.
- Proof of income: pay-slips or agency paysheets, bank statements, contract or assignment history.
- Affordability beyond pay dips: because agency work can fluctuate, lenders often stress-test for stability.
- Deposit or equity and other strengths: having a decent deposit, good credit history, and low debt improves your application.
- Contract terms / proof that work is likely to continue: ongoing contracts or a strong history of assignments help.
If you meet enough of these, many lenders are willing to proceed.
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What to expect - borrowing, deposit, rates
Because agency-worker income is considered riskier than permanent employment, there are a few things to expect:
- You might need a larger deposit or stronger deposit/equity than standard cases, especially if income history is shorter or variable.
- Lenders may apply more conservative affordability multipliers or be more strict when assessing income or expenditure.
- Some deals may come with higher interest rates or stricter conditions (lower LTV, more documentation).
That said, if your agency work has been stable and properly documented, you may access a good range of mortgages.
How GoMortgage helps agency workers get a mortgage
We aim to make the challenging process as smooth as possible:
- We review your full income history – payslips, agency records, bank statements – and assess exactly what lenders will see.
- We pick lenders experienced with agency/temporary income – not all lenders accept agency work, but we know the ones who do.
- We build a strong application package – showing consistency, stability, deposit/equity, and affordability, even if work has been variable.
- We guide you on deposit, budgeting and timing – ensuring you’re as attractive a candidate as possible when lenders assess your case.
We stay with you until completion – from Decision in Principle, through offer, to completion (no surprises, no dead ends).
What to do now - how to improve your chances
If you’re an agency worker thinking about applying for a mortgage, here’s what we recommend:
- Try to collect 12 months of consistent income via agency work (payslips, contracts, bank statements).
- Maintain a clean credit history – pay bills/credit obligations on time, avoid defaults.
- Save up a realistic deposit or aim for strong equity – this helps compensate for perceived income risk.
- Be ready with paperwork – recent payslips, proof of address, bank statements, agency contracts.
Speak to a specialist broker (like us). Getting the right lender match makes a big difference.
Ready to start your application?
If you work through an agency, temp contract, umbrella company or similar – don’t assume you’re excluded from getting a mortgage.
📞 Call GoMortgage on 01253 935050 or complete our enquiry form. We’ll review your situation, tell you what lenders we can approach, and build a plan to get you a mortgage on your terms.
GoMortgage® – Real work, Real income, Real mortgage possibilities.
Thanks for reading our guide on Agency worker mortgages.
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Author: Chris Days - Gomortgage
- 5 Mins
- Updated: Nov 17th 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage if I’ve only done 6 months agency work?
It’s possible – but harder. Most lenders prefer around 12 months of stable agency income. Having a contract with guaranteed continuation or a higher deposit helps.
Will my mortgage rate be worse than a permanent employee’s?
Not necessarily – but lenders may view you as higher risk, so rates might be slightly higher or you may need stronger deposit/security.
Can I still apply if I’ve had gaps between assignments?
Yes – gaps don’t automatically disqualify you. But the lender will look more closely at overall income history, deposit and affordability.
My credit isn’t perfect - can I still get a mortgage?
Possibly – combined with stronger income history or deposit, or with specialist lenders used to flexible employment types.
What if I’m on zero-hours or agency umbrella pay?
Some lenders and brokers accept umbrella/zero-hours pay, but criteria tend to be stricter. Transparency and documentation are key.
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Speak With A Mortgage Advisor
Contact our friendly mortgage advice team. Sound mortgage advice from the experts at GoMortgage.