No guaranteed hours? You can still buy.
Zero-hours and agency work is the toughest category for the high street — but a minority of lenders will average your income over time to build a figure they’ll lend against.
The highest-friction category — and the way through
Without guaranteed hours, most lenders struggle to see a dependable income. The solution is a smaller group of lenders who average your earnings over an extended period — often 12 months or more — to establish a reliable figure, rather than insisting on contracted hours.
Consistency is what wins here. A steady record with the same agency or in the same sector demonstrates that your income, while variable, is dependable in practice. The clearer that pattern, the more of your income a lender will count.
What helps your case
- 12+ months of consistent work in the same field.
- Clean bank conduct showing regular income credits.
- A larger deposit, which widens the lender pool and improves rates.
- A clean credit record to offset the income variability.
Estimate your borrowing
Enter your average annual income — the steady figure once the ups and downs are smoothed out.
Lenders open to variable income — a selection
Zero-hours mortgages, answered
Can you get a mortgage on a zero-hours contract?+
Yes, though it’s the hardest contractor category. A minority of lenders assess zero-hours and agency workers by averaging income over an extended period — often 12 months or more — to establish a dependable figure to lend against.
How much history do I need?+
Usually at least 12 months in the same line of work, sometimes longer, to show consistent income. A stable pattern with the same agency or sector strengthens the case considerably.
How is my income worked out?+
Lenders average your earnings over the assessment period — for example, the last 12 months of payslips or bank credits — rather than relying on guaranteed hours. The more consistent your income, the more of it counts.
Will I be offered worse rates?+
Not automatically. Once a lender accepts the income basis, you’re assessed like any other applicant. A larger deposit and clean credit widen your options and can secure mainstream rates.