Mortgages for Locum & Agency Doctors – Flexible Lending for Sessional & Non-Permanent Medical Professionals

Mortgages for Locum & Agency Doctors – Flexible Lending for Sessional & Non-Permanent Medical Professionals

Working as a locum or agency doctor gives you flexibility, freedom and excellent earning potential—but it can also make getting a mortgage more difficult. Despite your income being high and consistent, many high street lenders struggle to assess it correctly.

At Mortgage Knight, we specialise in mortgages for locum and agency doctors, including NHS and private medical professionals. We understand your pay structure and know exactly which lenders will consider your real earnings, even if you’ve only been working this way for a short time.

Who We Help

We assist:

  • NHS locum doctors (across A&E, general medicine, surgery, psychiatry, etc.)
  • Sessional GPs and part-time general practitioners
  • Private doctors and consultants paid per session or hourly
  • Agency and bank doctors with irregular shift patterns
  • Newly qualified or recently self-employed locums
  • Doctors earning in combination (e.g. NHS + private)
  • Limited company and umbrella-paid doctors

Why Locum Doctors Struggle With Standard Lenders

Most mainstream banks:

This often leads to reduced borrowing or outright rejections—despite high and stable earnings.

  • Want full-time permanent roles
  • Require two years’ accounts or consistent PAYE
  • Ignore income from private work, NHS bank shifts, or agency hours
  • Don't know how to handle irregular payslips or shift work

This often leads to reduced borrowing or outright rejections—despite high and stable earnings.

How We Present Locum Income to Lenders

We work with lenders who:

  • Use average income over the last 3–12 months
  • Accept ad-hoc, shift-based and hourly-paid roles
  • Understand agency and bank work
  • Combine multiple income sources (e.g. NHS + private + teaching)
  • Accept limited company or umbrella structures
  • Offer high-street level rates with flexible underwriting
Examples of Accepted Income Structures
Scenario Lender Approach
Sessional GP earning per session Average sessions/week x rate x 46–48 weeks
Locum doctor via agency Average of last 3–6 months payslips
NHS bank & private combined income Merged income across both roles
Umbrella-paid doctor Gross umbrella payslips averaged
Case Study 1: NHS Locum with 6 Months' History

Status: Dr. Ahmed had been working as an NHS locum for 6 months, after leaving his full-time hospital post.

Challenge: His bank refused to lend due to “insufficient history.”

Solution: We used 6 months of payslips and a reference from the Trust to verify consistency.

Outcome: Dr. Ahmed bought his first home with a £300,000 mortgage at 90% LTV.

Case Study 2: Sessional GP with Portfolio Income

Status: Dr. Roberts worked three days a week at a GP practice, did private clinics on weekends, and occasional teaching.

Challenge: Her income was varied and came from three sources.

Solution: We helped her document all income streams and matched her to a flexible professional lender.

Outcome: She secured a £425,000 home loan with no issues.

Case Study 3: Umbrella-Paid Hospital Doctor

Status: Dr. Singh worked A&E shifts via an agency and was paid through an umbrella company.

Challenge: Lenders either treated him as PAYE or declined due to irregular income.

Solution: We averaged his last 12 weeks of payslips and explained his consistent rota.

Outcome: He was approved for a £350,000 mortgage with a high-street lender.

Why Choose Mortgage Knight for Locum & Agency Doctor Mortgages?

  • Specialist understanding of locum pay structures and medical contracts
  • Access to lenders who work with NHS and agency medics
  • Experience presenting complex and mixed income streams
  • Honest advice from mortgage professionals, not call centres
  • Quick decisions, clear communication, and full application support

Let’s Get You Approved – Without the Hassle

As a locum or agency doctor, you deserve a mortgage that reflects your true earnings and dedication to healthcare, not one based on outdated lending rules. Speak to a Mortgage Knight specialist today for tailored advice and a mortgage solution that truly fits your profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Some lenders accept just 3–6 months of history. The more shift evidence and continuity you can show, the better. We’ll guide you on what’s needed.

A: Yes. Many lenders allow blended income across NHS, private, teaching, and agency roles—if documented properly.

A: Not at all. We can use averages from weekly or fortnightly payslips to demonstrate your full earning potential.

A: Yes. Mortgages are available for 5–10% deposits, subject to affordability and credit checks.

A: That’s fine. We work with lenders who accept doctors with as little as 3 months’ self-employed history, especially with previous NHS experience.

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