Summary
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Yes, teachers can get competitive mortgages. Lenders assess basic pay and may include permanent allowances such as TLR or SEN. Supply and agency income can count if it’s consistent. Fixed-term and ECT (Early Career Teacher) roles are often acceptable with the right evidence. We translate the rules into plain English and compare suitable options so you can plan with confidence. CeMAP-qualified, FCA-regulated advisers. Rated 5★ with 2,500+ Trustpilot reviews and 5/5 on Google.
Get startedWhat you’ll get (quick overview)
Clear assessment of salary, TLR/SEN and regular extras used in affordability.
Guidance on ECT/probation, fixed-term and supply/agency roles (policy varies by lender).
Plain-English view of deposit and LTV (loan-to-value = mortgage as a % of the price).
Options explained for shared ownership, new build and standard purchases.
Document checklist so you can apply smoothly.
Indicative timelines from application to offer (varies by lender).
When to speak to an adviser
- You’re on ECT/probation, fixed-term, or mainly supply/agency income.
- Your pay includes TLR, SEN or other allowances and varies term-to-term.
- You’re using shared ownership, buying new build, or have a small deposit.
- You have credit blips or were declined elsewhere.
- You’re moving schools, relocating, or balancing a sale and purchase.
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CeMAP-qualified advisers. FCA-regulated. UK-wide support. Rated 5★ with 2,500+ Trustpilot reviews and 5/5 on Google.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
What are teacher’s mortgages?
A teacher mortgage is a term used for mortgage products that may be more applicable to teachers, depending on their circumstances.
Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t actually a specific mortgage product called a ‘teacher mortgage’. Lenders were previously able to offer discounts under the Key Worker Mortgage Scheme, but this is no longer available. There are some mortgage products, however, that are more suitable for teachers if they are supply teachers, part time or newly qualified on temporary contracts.
At The Mortgage Broker, we specialise in placing you with your perfect mortgage through straightforward and transparent advice.
Exclusive access to mortgage rates through a mortgage broker 20 Mins affordability checksOur Top FAQ’s for Teachers
Yes, teachers with bad credit can still access mortgage products. Some lenders, particularly non-high street ones, offer products tailored for applicants with adverse credit histories.
Yes, supply teachers can get a mortgage. They’ll need to provide evidence of consistent income over months or years to demonstrate financial reliability. Lenders evaluate the income stability of supply teachers before approval.
Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) should indicate their status in applications, as these contracts are often viewed as temporary. Providing proof of contract length and expected income stability is key. Lenders scrutinize these factors, given the temporary nature of NQT contracts.
A teacher mortgage refers to mortgage products that may be more applicable to teachers, based on their unique employment circumstances. These products are often tailored to accommodate supply teachers, part-time roles, or newly qualified teachers on temporary contracts.
Teachers usually need a full teaching qualification, such as an NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant, Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT), or an NVQ Level 3 Nursery Nurse. Proof of a teaching contract, whether full-time, part-time, supply, or as a retired teacher, is also required.
What qualifications are needed for teachers to apply for a mortgage?
In order to qualify for a teacher mortgage, either alone or as part of a joint mortgage, one of the applicants involved in the process needs to have a certain qualification under their belt.
Usually, this means you’ll need a full teaching qualification, necessary in a variety of educational institutions. These include:
- NVQ level 3 teaching assistant
- Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT)
- NVQ level 3 nursery nurse
- An experienced supply teacher
You can be a fully qualified teacher, or you can have one of the qualifications above, and you’ll need to be able to provide proof of a teaching contract you’re on or have been on in the past. These can include both full time and part time contracts, supply teacher contracts, or as a retired teacher.
Yes, retired teachers can use their pension as proof of income during a mortgage application. Most lenders accept it as a viable income source.
Teacher mortgages don’t require a specific deposit amount distinct from regular mortgages, but larger deposits often secure better rates. LTV (Loan-to-Value) ratios play a crucial role in determining rates.
Lenders assess a teacher’s basic salary, any permanent allowances (like TLR), and the consistency of supply or agency income. Employment history and contract stability are key factors in the assessment.
The process involves assessing income stability and providing documentation of teaching contracts. Teachers need proof of regular income, ID, and other financial documents. The application can take several weeks.
Teachers can choose from various mortgage types including fixed-rate, variable, and tracker mortgages. They may also benefit from first-time buyer schemes like Shared Ownership or Help to Buy, which could offer additional support.
How do you apply for a teacher’s mortgage?
There are some differences in the mortgage process when it comes to teacher mortgages. Depending on the kind of contract you have and how long you’ve been working, there may be some additional hoops that you need to jump through.
If you’re newly qualified, be sure to make this clear on your application, as most mortgage lenders will review your application differently if you are an NQT. This is because your NQT contract is technically temporary, which has the potential to make your income appear more insecure in a lender’s eyes, until you have secured a permanent contract.
If you’re a supply teacher, it can be hard to provide proof of reliable income which could impact how a lender views your application. You may have to provide proof of income for a number of months or even years on your mortgage application.
If you’re a retired teacher and are drawing down a pension, this pension can be used as proof of income. It shouldn’t be discounted during an application, and most lenders will be happy to use it as part of the process.
Mortgages for teachers with bad credit
If you’re a teacher with a bad credit score, you can still be eligible for many mortgage products out there. Many lenders, especially those not on the high street, have specific mortgage products in place for applicants with adverse credit, so you shouldn’t let this stop you from making an application.
Why use The Mortgage Broker?
At The Mortgage Broker Ltd, it’s our vision to become the UK’s most trusted and respected mortgage broker. The only way for us to achieve this is by providing straightforward and transparent advice to each and every one of our clients.
From your first call to your last, we put customer service first before all else so you can be confident in getting expert mortgage advice.
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While there are no specific ‘teacher rates’, some lenders may offer competitive rates or products tailored for teachers given their employment stability and consistent income.
Shared ownership schemes allow teachers to buy a portion of a property and pay rent on the remainder, making home ownership more attainable for those with limited deposits or income.
Supply teachers must often demonstrate several months or years of consistent income. Mortgage approval may require additional proofs of income stability compared to permanent roles.
Teachers often face challenges related to temporary contracts, income proof for supply work, and bad credit. Advisors can guide them through specific lender requirements and suitable mortgage options.
Teachers with temporary contracts must clearly present their income consistency and contract history. This often involves providing extensive proof of income to satisfy lender requirements.