Doctor Mortgages

Doctor Mortgages – what’s the best way to find a good deal?

When it comes to mortgages there are some unique challenges for Doctors. While it shouldn’t be difficult to find you a mortgage deal, there are a few things to consider. 

How can I find Doctor mortgages?

Mortgage lenders will usually welcome Doctors as customers – you have good earnings, are highly employable and tend to be reliable and trustworthy. But finding the right mortgage deal can take a little time and research.

There are a few features that can make Doctor mortgages a little more complex. These include:

• Student Debt – Doctors spend many years studying, so they often have substantial student debt. A lender will want to know how much is outstanding and including this in their affordability calculations.

• Multiple employers – Many Doctors work across numerous NHS and private settings, which can make it more complicated to assess their income.

• Newly qualified Doctors – Your early contracts as a junior Doctor are often short-term, which can deter some lenders.

• Future earnings – Fortunately, Doctors have excellent career potential, and certain lenders will take this into account.  

How much can a Doctor borrow?

The general rule for mortgages is that you can borrow around 4-5 times your income. The challenge for a Doctor then is to prove your total income. This can get a little complicated if you’re an employed Doctor but you also do some private practice or locum working. 

You will also need to put down a deposit towards the mortgage. A 5% cash deposit is the minimum, but you will need good credit and you will also face higher rates and more expensive repayments on your mortgage. If you can save up a bigger deposit, you should get better interest rates and reduce the monthly cost.

How do you prove income if you are a Doctor?

Proving your income largely means getting various documents together. If you are employed by a single NHS entity, you just need to supply payslips. But if you’re a locum Doctor, a GP, or you work in a few settings, you may need a range of documents as part of the application process. 

You might need to provide practice accounts, your self-assessment tax forms, and bank statements ready when you’re applying for a mortgage. 

Do I get mortgage discounts if I work for the NHS?

Some mortgage providers offer special discounts to people who work for the NHS. Not all these offers apply to Doctors, so it’s important to look at the criteria and small print if you think an NHS mortgage offer could work for you.