Newly Qualified Solicitor Secures £750k First Home Before Probation Completion
A newly qualified solicitor secured a mortgage on a £750,000 London flat before completing probation, using a signed employment contract and strong deposit rather than waiting for first payslips.
Client Snapshot
Profession: Newly qualified solicitor (NQ)
Buyer Status: First-time buyer
Location: London
Property Type: Flat
Purchase Price: £750,000
Income: £110,000 base salary
Key Objective: Secure a mortgage before probation ended to proceed with purchase
Context
The client had recently qualified as a solicitor and accepted a role with a six-figure starting salary. They wanted to move quickly on a first home rather than wait several months for probation to complete and payslips to be issued.
While income was strong, the timing introduced complexity: limited UK employment history in the new role, probation status, and the tighter scoring typically applied to first-time buyers.
The Challenge
Many lenders are cautious when applicants are in probation, often requiring at least one payslip or full probation completion before issuing an offer.
In addition, standard automated assessments can be restrictive for first-time buyers with short employment tenure, even where income and deposit strength are clear.
Without careful lender selection and clean packaging, the purchase risked unnecessary delay.
Lender Strategy
Lenders were assessed based on their willingness to proceed using a signed employment contract and confirmed start date, rather than insisting on completed probation.
Professional ranges applicable to solicitors were kept in scope to preserve flexibility if affordability tightened. The application emphasised the stability of base salary, strong deposit position, and clean credit profile, reducing perceived risk at underwriting stage.
Documentation was kept deliberately tight to avoid follow-up queries and keep the case moving at pace.
What We Can Do for You
Identify lenders that will proceed during probation
Structure new-job applications using contract and start-date evidence
Navigate professional lending ranges where appropriate
Minimise delays through clean, upfront packaging
The Result
A mortgage offer was issued before probation completed, allowing the client to proceed with the £750,000 purchase without delay. Terms aligned with the required timeline, avoiding the need to wait for first payslips or probation sign-off.
Why This Matters for Similar Clients
High-earning professionals often assume they must wait until probation ends before applying for a mortgage. In reality, lender choice and how a new role is presented can make the difference between waiting months and moving ahead confidently.
Request your fee free mortgage consultation today. No obligation, just sound advice.
FAQs
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Yes—some lenders may consider applications during probation, case-by-case.
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Often—if the start date is within three months and the contract confirms role and salary, several lenders will key the new job.
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They can—certain ranges for newly qualified professionals (including solicitors) offer enhanced multiples subject to criteria.
What Our Clients Say
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24 Feb - Written By David Walsh
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSESSED IF YOU DON’T KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
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APPROVED BY THE OPENWORK PARTNERSHIP ON 24/09/2025