Mortgage guide for teachers

Mortgages for newly qualified teachers

When you’re looking to buy your first home, you might not have been a teacher for very long. That’s not a huge problem in itself, but in teaching, your first post is rarely a permanent one.

In many cases, teaching careers start out with a 12-month contract. This contract can often be renewed for several years until a permanent role is offered.

For some lenders, this causes concern. Lenders need to know you can pay your mortgage back, and job stability is a key part of that. Some lenders would view the lack of a permanent role as a lack of security.

That’s why for newly qualified teachers, it can help to use a mortgage broker who understands the nature of your job. 

Mortgages for supply teachers

Supply teachers can also find things tough when it comes to getting a mortgage. As a supply teacher, you not only have the challenge of proving job stability, you may also have a salary that fluctuates each year.

This can make it hard for lenders to assess what you may able to pay back. But it doesn’t mean a mortgage is impossible.

Getting a mortgage as a supply teacher will depend much on how your employment is structured. You may be:

• On a school’s payroll
• An agency worker paid through your own limited company
• Self-employed as a sole trader

Those on payroll may find it easier to show proof of earnings. But if you have a history of self-employment, your tax records can be used to show proof of income. Lenders will usually want to see records for at least the last two years.

Professional mortgages for teachers

Wherever you are in your career, professional mortgages for teachers may give you the best chance of a great offer. 

Professional mortgages are designed for trusted professions like teachers, doctors, dentists, accountants and solicitors. Jobs which are often seen as a more reliable long-term risk.

You won’t find professional mortgages everywhere. They are only available from certain lenders. But these lenders will often be more accepting of your occupational challenges.

You may find these lenders can provide better interest rates, more generous offers and reduced-deposit mortgages for teachers in many cases.

At Wesleyan Financial Services, we act as a broker, with access to a range of professional mortgage lenders. We can help you find a great deal.

Who can get a professional mortgage?

Every professional mortgage lender has its own eligibility criteria. But in many cases, deals are available to wider educational professionals as well as teachers. 

It may be worth exploring the option of a professional mortgage if you are:

• A teaching assistant
• A nursery nurse
• A children’s therapist

Sometimes, you may need to show certain professional qualifications. For example, nursery nurses and teaching assistants may need to be qualified to NVQ Level 3. Other lenders might require you to be registered with a recognised teaching body.

Your employment status will also need to be taken into consideration. If you're applying for a mortgage as a self-employed person (for example, a supply teacher), your lender may require additional information to prove your income.

Getting a mortgage as a retired teacher

Mortgage advice is often aimed at those on the first rungs of the housing ladder. But if you’re looking at buying a property when you’re older, you may still qualify for a professional mortgage as a retired teacher.

You’ll still need to prove affordability of course. But as the Teachers’ Pension Scheme pays a defined benefit each year, it’s seen as a stable source of income. More stable, perhaps, than a salary.

Bear in mind that you may need to find a specialist provider. A lot of mainstream banks will only lend up to the age of 70.

Whatever your circumstances, we can help you find a professional mortgage that works for you. As a broker, we can bring you exclusive professional mortgage deals you won’t find on the high street.

Your mortgage is secured on your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.