How Graduates and Young Professionals Can Get a Mortgage

Just started your career? Learn how graduates and young professionals can get a mortgage with limited history, new jobs, or student loans. Expert help from Mortgage Knight.

Just finished university or starting your first full-time job?

You’re not alone in dreaming about buying your first home — but the big question is: can you actually get a mortgage yet?

Good news: yes, you can.

Even with a short work history or student loan, lenders are now far more open to graduates and early-career professionals.

Here’s how to make it happen — and how Mortgage Knight helps you start strong.

Can You Get a Mortgage with a New Job?

Yes — many lenders will accept a signed job offer or employment contract, even if you’ve only just started or haven’t been paid yet.

Some key points:

If you’re permanent and salaried, that’s ideal.
If you’re on a graduate scheme, lenders often view it as long-term employment.
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to show early trading records or contracts.

Mortgage Knight works with lenders who are flexible on start dates and probation periods, so you don’t have to wait 6–12 months to apply.

How Student Loans Affect Your Mortgage

Student loans don’t usually stop you from getting a mortgage — they’re just part of your affordability check.

Lenders look at how much you actually repay monthly, not your total balance.
For most graduates, this only makes a small difference to how much you can borrow.

Tip: If you earn under the repayment threshold, your student loan won’t affect affordability at all.

How Much Deposit You’ll Need

For most young professionals, saving for a deposit is the hardest part.

But you can start with as little as 5% using:

First Homes Scheme (discounted new builds)
Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
Shared Ownership
Family-assisted or JBSP mortgages

Mortgage Knight can show you which lenders offer the best rates with smaller deposits — including those who accept help from parents.

What Lenders Look for in Early-Career Applicants

Lenders mainly care about:

Employment stability (or offer letter)
Regular income
Clean credit record (no missed payments)
Reasonable spending and low debt

Even without years of payslips, you can still qualify if you can show consistent income and sensible finances.

How to Boost Your Chances

Check your credit report (Experian, Equifax, or Credit Karma).

Keep bank statements clean — avoid unnecessary spending before applying.

Save a clear deposit trail (avoid cash deposits).

These small steps can make a big difference when your profile is new or thin.

Why Mortgage Knight Works Well for Graduates

Many online mortgage calculators underestimate graduates — especially those with new jobs or variable income.

At Mortgage Knight, we take a personal approach to show lenders your potential, not just your paperwork.

We:

Work with over 90 UK lenders
Understand graduate schemes and early career patterns
Find affordable, long-term fixed rates suitable for new buyers

Whether you’re a nurse, engineer, analyst, or designer — we’ll help you find a realistic route onto the property ladder.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Emma – Graduate Accountant

Emma started her first job at a London firm. Mortgage Knight used her signed contract (before her first payslip) to secure a 95% mortgage with Halifax under the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme.

Case Study 2: James – Software Developer on a Graduate Scheme

James earned £32,000 and had a student loan. We arranged a 5-year fixed deal with NatWest, proving his loan repayment had minimal impact on affordability.

Case Study 3: Ayesha – Marketing Assistant with Family Support

Ayesha had a £10,000 deposit and a gifted contribution from her parents. Mortgage Knight placed her with Nationwide, who accepted gifted funds and offered a 5% deposit product.