How Long Do You Need to Be Contracting to Get a Mortgage?

How Long Do You Need to Be Contracting to Get a Mortgage?

Blog Article

One of the most common questions from self-employed professionals is: “How long do I need to be contracting before I can get a mortgage?” The good news is, you don’t always need years of contracting history to qualify.

With the right approach and a contractor-friendly lender, you may be eligible for a mortgage even if you've recently started.

Minimum Contracting Experience Required
The requirement depends on the lender:

Some lenders prefer at least 12 months of contracting experience

Others may accept 6 months, especially if you’ve been in the same industry or have prior PAYE employment

A few specialist lenders will even consider day-one contractors, provided you have a strong CV and contract in place

What Lenders Want to See
Regardless of how long you’ve been contracting, lenders will want to verify:

A current contract showing your rate and length

Evidence of continuous work or minimal gaps between contracts

A history of working in your profession, whether as an employee or contractor

If you’re new to contracting but have several years in a similar role, this works in your favour.

Day-One Contractor Mortgages
Yes, it’s possible to get a mortgage as a day-one contractor—but it usually requires:

A signed contract in hand

A strong employment background

A mortgage broker who can present your case to the right lender

Lenders are more open to this if you’re moving from a permanent role into contracting, especially in fields like IT, finance, or engineering.

How a Broker Can Help
Contractor mortgage brokers know which lenders are flexible with new contractors. They’ll:

Find lenders who use contract-based underwriting

Help you prepare the right documents

Maximise your borrowing potential, even early in your contracting journey

Final Thoughts
You don’t need to wait years to buy a home. With a valid contract, a stable work history, and guidance from a specialist, you can get a contractor mortgage much sooner than you might think.

Contractor Mortgage Solutions is here to help, whether you're just starting out or years into your contracting career.