Locum, agency or bank nurse? Lenders should value every shift.
Nurses working locum, agency or bank shifts often earn well but get declined because the income looks irregular on paper. The right lenders average your recent shift earnings — day and night rates included — and treat NMC-registered nurses as the reliable key workers they are. As a whole-of-market, FCA-authorised brokerage, we place locum and agency nurses with lenders who understand shift-based pay.
- Assessed onSalary + bank shiftsNHS and private income considered
- Income multiple~4.5×Professional multiples for some roles
- Deposit from5%Better rates at 15%+
- AdviceWhole-of-marketDirectly FCA authorised
Why nurses get turned away (and shouldn't be)
A generic lender sees "agency" or "bank" and expects instability. In reality, nursing demand is constant and your shift history is usually strong. Specialist lenders recognise this, often viewing healthcare roles favourably as essential, in-demand work.
How your income is assessed
Most lenders average your gross shift income over the last 3–12 months of payslips, including enhanced night and weekend rates, then lend on that figure. A 12-month record gives the widest choice; several lenders accept 6 months, and a few work with less where you have prior NHS service.
Employed, bank, agency or umbrella — where you fit
Many nurses mix a substantive NHS post with extra bank or agency shifts; lenders can often combine both. If your shifts run through the NHS staff bank, see NHS bank & agency staff mortgages; if you're paid via an umbrella, see umbrella company mortgages. Doctors and other clinicians: mortgages for doctors and locums.
What you'll usually need
- NMC registration details
- 3–12 months of payslips (bank/agency/substantive)
- Photo ID and proof of address
- Recent bank statements
- Contract or roster evidence where you're newer to agency work
Estimate your borrowing
Use the contractor mortgage calculator, then speak to an adviser to confirm the figure.
Lenders that welcome nursing shift income — a selection
Lender guides: Halifax · Barclays · HSBC · NatWest · Nationwide · Accord · Clydesdale · Yorkshire BS · Kensington See how we place cases →
Locum & Agency Nurse Mortgages, answered
Can I get a mortgage as a locum or agency nurse?+
Yes. Specialist lenders average your recent shift income — including night and weekend enhancements — and lend on that, treating NMC-registered nurses as reliable key workers.
Do lenders count my bank and agency shifts?+
Many do, and some can combine a substantive NHS salary with additional bank or agency earnings to increase your borrowing.
How much history do I need?+
Commonly 6–12 months of payslips. A few lenders accept less where you have prior NHS or nursing employment.
Are there special mortgage schemes for nurses?+
There's no universal "nurse-only" product, but key-worker-friendly lenders and low-deposit routes can suit nurses well — we'll find the best fit.
Will enhanced night rates be included?+
Yes, most shift-aware lenders include enhanced pay in the average, which can meaningfully raise your assessed income.