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Mortgages for Teachers

One of the benefits of being a teacher is that mortgage lenders have a clear understanding of your earning and pay scales. When it comes to getting a teacher mortgage this can really help in many ways. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the benefits, eligibility criteria, and options available for a teacher mortgage, and how to prepare for a successful mortgage application.

mortgages for teachers
In this guide

Benefits of Mortgages for Teachers

Teachers play a vital role in society, shaping the future by educating the next generation. Recognising the importance of their profession, many lenders offer mortgage criteria tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of teachers. In this guide, we discuss both the advantages of mortgages for professionals and explore the difficulties police can face when getting a mortgage.

You will find that both the high street lender, as well as specialist lenders, will be keen to welcome you as a new customer. This can provide various benefits, such as access to the lowest interest rates, flexible borrowing terms, and increased affordability. In this section, we will delve into the advantages that teachers can enjoy when navigating the mortgage market, highlighting the opportunities available to secure their dream home.

Borrowing Flexibility and Increased Affordability

Lenders may also offer borrowing flexibility for teachers, such as higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios or longer mortgage terms. This can translate into lower monthly payments, making homeownership more attainable for educators.

Higher Mortgage Borrowing Potential for Teachers

Lenders often perceive the teaching profession as low risk due to its stability, career growth opportunities, and potential for increased income over time. This confidence in job security means some lenders are willing to offer teachers more flexibility in borrowing amounts, allowing them to borrow up to 5x their income in certain cases.

To estimate how much you might be able to borrow, use our teacher’s affordability calculator. Keep in mind that this is only an approximate figure.

Mortgage Affordability Calculator

Determine your potential borrowing capacity with our affordability calculator. Simply input your total household income, and our calculator will provide you with an estimate.

Enter your sole or joint income below and see how much you can borrow.

For a more detailed and personalised mortgage affordability, use our Mortgage Affordability Calculator here >

Eligibility Criteria for Teacher Mortgages

Whether you are a Teacher, teaching assistant, or supply teacher you must meet certain eligibility criteria to secure a mortgage, including employment requirements, income requirements, and credit history considerations. By understanding and satisfying these criteria, you increase your chances of obtaining a suitable mortgage and achieving homeownership as a teacher.

Employment Requirements

Mortgage providers usually require that teachers be employed on a permanent basis or have a minimum of 12 months of continuous employment history. A supply teacher will need to provide proof of consistent work over the past two years.

Income Requirements

Lenders will assess your income to determine the mortgage amount you can afford. Teachers with multiple income sources, such as freelance or self-employed work, may need to provide additional documentation to prove their income stability.

Credit History Considerations

A good credit history is essential for securing a mortgage. Lenders will review your credit history to assess your risk level as a borrower. Late payments, defaults, or high levels of debt can negatively impact your mortgage application.

Mortgage Options and Schemes for Teachers

Various mortgage options and schemes are available to support teachers in their home-buying journey. These options cater to different needs and financial situations, offering flexibility and affordability to help you find the perfect solution for your unique circumstances as an educator.

Shared Ownership

Shared Ownership schemes allow teachers to buy a percentage of a property (usually between 25% and 75%) and pay rent on the remaining share. This can make homeownership more affordable, as the deposit and mortgage payments are lower than if you were to buy the property outright.

First Homes Scheme

The First Homes Scheme offers discounted homes for first-time buyers wanting to get on the property ladder, with priority given to key workers, including teachers. The scheme can provide savings of up to 50% on the market value of eligible properties.

Right to Buy

If you are a teacher, supply teacher, teaching assistant, trainee teacher, or even a retired teacher living in a council or housing association property, you may be eligible for the Right to Buy scheme, allowing you to purchase your home at a discounted price.

Guarantor or Springboard Mortgages

Guarantor mortgages enable teachers with low deposits or less-than-perfect credit scores to secure a mortgage with the help of a family member or friend who agrees to act as a guarantor. Springboard mortgages, on the other hand, allow family members to provide collateral in the form of savings or property equity to support the mortgage application.

We help teachers get a mortgage
Put the odds of a successful mortgage in your favour with the help of a qualified and experienced fee free mortgage broker.

The Importance of Working with a Mortgage Broker for Teachers

Partnering with a mortgage broker who specialises in working with teachers can greatly enhance your home-buying experience. Their expertise in the unique needs and challenges faced by educators can unlock exclusive mortgage products and provide valuable guidance throughout the mortgage application process.

Access to Exclusive Mortgage Products

Mortgage brokers have access to exclusive mortgage products not available on the open market, including special mortgage deals designed specifically for teachers.

Expertise in Complex Income Structures

Teachers with multiple income sources may face challenges in securing a mortgage. A mortgage broker with experience in the education sector can help navigate the complexities of income verification and find suitable mortgage options.

Assistance with Mortgage Application and Negotiation

Mortgage brokers can guide teachers through the application process, ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted and negotiating the best mortgage terms on your behalf.

Mortgages for Different Types of Teachers

Mortgage options vary for teachers based on their unique employment situations. Understanding the specific offerings for different types of teachers can help you find the right mortgage fit.

Mortgages for Supply Teachers

Supply teachers may need to provide evidence of consistent work over the past two years to qualify for a mortgage. Some lenders may require supply teachers to work a minimum number of days worked per year or have a proven track record of contracts being renewed.

Mortgages for Newly-Qualified Teachers

Newly-qualified teachers may be eligible for a mortgage based on their employment contract, even if they haven’t yet started working. Lenders will typically require a confirmed start date, a copy of the contract of employment, and possibly a letter from the employer.

Mortgages for Teachers with Mixed Income Sources

Teachers who earn income through multiple sources, such as part-time or freelance work, may need to provide additional documentation to prove income stability. Lenders may have specific requirements for the amount and duration of self-employed income they will consider.

How to Prepare for a Mortgage Application as a Teacher

Preparing for a mortgage application as a teacher requires attention to detail and organisation. Here are three essential steps to ensure a smooth and successful process.

1) Check Your Payslips and Proof of Income

Ensure your payslips, P60s, or other income documents are accurate and up-to-date. Lenders will use these documents to verify your income and determine your borrowing capacity.

2) Obtain a Mortgage Decision in Principle

A mortgage decision in principle (DIP) is a provisional agreement from a lender indicating how much they may be willing to lend you. Obtaining a DIP can demonstrate your seriousness as a buyer and may give you an advantage in the property market.

3) Review Your Credit History and Financial Stability

Check your credit report for errors and take steps to improve your credit score if necessary. Lenders want to see you can afford a mortgage and therefore look for financial stability. Therefore show you adding to your savings you have for a deposit. Make sure you do not go over any overdraft and if you have any debt try and chip away at the outstanding amount.

Mortgage Adviser and Coordinator - Bliss

Success Story: Getting a mortgage for a newly qualified teacher

Bliss (YesCanDo Mortgage Adviser)
As a mortgage advisor at YesCanDo, I recently helped a newly-qualified teacher, Sarah, in securing her first home. Although she was only starting her career, Sarah's teaching contract and stable employment prospects made her an attractive borrower to lenders. I helped her navigate the mortgage application process, identifying lenders who were willing to consider her contract as proof of income. With my guidance, Sarah was able to find a competitive mortgage rate and secure a loan, allowing her to purchase her first home sooner than she had initially thought possible.

Finding and Choosing the Right Mortgage Broker for Teachers

Selecting the right mortgage broker is crucial for teachers seeking a mortgage. Here’s how to find an experienced, dedicated professional to guide you through the process.

Searching for No-Fee Mortgage Brokers

Many mortgage brokers offer no-fee services, earning their commission from the lender rather than charging the client. Ask friends and family for recommendations or search online for reputable no-fee mortgage brokers specialising in teacher mortgages.

Evaluating Mortgage Broker Experience and Reviews

Look for mortgage brokers with a proven track record of helping teachers secure mortgages. Check their websites for testimonials and case studies, and read online reviews to gauge the level of satisfaction among their clients.

In summary, securing a mortgage as a teacher may offer several advantages, including competitive rates, borrowing flexibility, and access to specialised mortgage products. By working with an experienced mortgage broker and preparing your mortgage application carefully, you can increase your chances of successfully getting the mortgage you need.

Our team are experts at getting mortgages for professionals such as teachers, police, mortgages for NHS staff, accountants, foster careers and more.

We help teachers get a mortgage
Put the odds of a successful mortgage in your favour with the help of a qualified and experienced fee free mortgage broker.

Teachers Mortgages FAQs

While teachers do not necessarily receive "better" mortgages, they may have access to some advantages due to the perceived stability of their profession. Lenders often consider teachers as low-risk borrowers, which can result in more flexible borrowing limits and potentially competitive interest rates. However, the specific mortgage terms and conditions will still depend on individual circumstances and eligibility.

There are no specific schemes designed solely for teachers in the UK to help with buying a house. However, teachers can benefit from general government schemes such as Shared Ownership, First Homes Scheme, and Help to Buy. These initiatives aim to assist first-time homebuyers and eligible applicants to afford homeownership by providing assistance with deposits and mortgage guarantees.

While the Teachers Building Society primarily caters to education professionals, they also offer mortgages to individuals from other professions. Their primary focus is to provide tailored mortgage solutions for teachers and education staff, but their products and services are not exclusive to them.

Yes, newly qualified teachers can obtain a mortgage. A few lenders recognise that teaching contracts typically start in September and will often accept a contract as proof of income instead of the traditional three months payslips. This means that you may be able to start the home-buying process a few months earlier than usual.

Teachers do not automatically receive preferential mortgage rates. However, due to the perceived stability and low risk associated with their profession, some lenders may offer competitive rates for teachers. The specific interest rates available to teachers will depend on individual circumstances, financial history, and the lender's criteria. It makes sense to work with a mortgage broker to compare rates and find the best mortgage deal open to you.

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