Table of Content
When it comes to professional mortgages, Co-op Bank (and their intermediary arm, Platform) are one of the standout lenders. They have a clear professional range, a strong ethical brand, and — unlike some providers — they allow borrowing up to 6× income.
At Strive Mortgages, we specialise in professional mortgages and have helped thousands of solicitors, doctors, accountants, vets and more secure bespoke solutions with enhanced borrowing power. You can explore the full market in our mortgages for professionals guide.
This guide explains what Co-op / Platform offer, who qualifies, and whether this professional range is the right fit compared with standard and alternative lenders.
Why Choose Co-op / Platform for a Professional Mortgage?
There are a few reasons Co-op and Platform stand out in the professional mortgage space:
- They offer up to 6× income multiples, which is more generous than Metro Bank’s 5.5×.
- They provide both 2-year and 5-year fixed rates, giving more flexibility than some lenders who restrict professional deals to 5-year terms.
- They are widely recognised as an ethical bank, which appeals to many professionals who value responsible lending and corporate values.
- No admin fee is payable, and one free valuation is included per application.
It’s not just about borrowing more. Co-op’s professional underwriting is designed to recognise career potential — whether you’re a newly qualified solicitor, a doctor, or a vet moving into practice ownership.
Outstanding service and clear communication are at the core of what we do. But don’t just take our word for it—read firsthand experiences from our clients and discover why they rate us a 5-star mortgage broker.
Who Qualifies for a Co-op Professional Mortgage?
The scheme is open to a select group of fully qualified professionals who have:
- Qualified in the last five years.
- Registration with the relevant UK professional body.
- A minimum income of £35,000.
- Are over 21 years old.
Approved professions include:
- Accountants (ICAEW, ICAS, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA)
- Actuaries (Institute & Faculty of Actuaries)
- Architects (RIBA)
- Barristers (The Bar Council)
- Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Dentists (GDC)
- Medical Doctors (GMC)
- Optometrists (GOC)
- Pharmacists (GPhC)
- Solicitors (Law Society of England & Wales, Scotland, NI)
- Veterinarians (RCVS)
👉 If you’re in one of these fields, you may also benefit from tailored guidance: mortgages for lawyers, mortgages for doctors, mortgages for vets, and mortgages for pharmacists.
Key Criteria at a Glance
Documentation required: payslips, bank statements, ID, and proof of qualification. LTV).
❌ Limited product choice compared with mainstream ranges.
Purchase applications only (no remortgages under the professional range).
Max income multiple: up to 6×, subject to affordability.
Minimum income: £35,000 for the professional applicant.
Applicants: up to two — at least one must be a qualifying professional.
Overpayments: 20% per year.
Loan size: typically up to £1m+, subject to LTV.
Speak to a mortgage expert today for the best deal.
How Co-op Compares to Other Professional Lenders
Here’s where Co-op / Platform stand out — and where they may fall short:
Strengths:
- 6× income multiples (generous).
- 2 and 5-year fixed deals (more choice than some).
- Ethical brand with no admin fees.
- Solid recognition of professional career trajectories.
Drawbacks:
- Products limited to purchase only (no remortgage under this range).
- Must have qualified within the last five years (less flexible than Metro’s 10 years).
- Limited to specific professions — not as wide as some bespoke lenders.
Professional vs Standard Mortgages: Is It Worth It?
It’s worth remembering that not every professional needs a “professional mortgage.”
Some mainstream lenders now offer 5.5× or 6× income without restricting eligibility to certain careers. They may also offer cheaper rates than Co-op’s professional range.
So what’s the point of a professional mortgage?
- It’s not just about income multiples — it’s about underwriting flexibility. Professional ranges can make allowances for complex income, rapid career progression, or newly qualified applicants.
- If your circumstances are straightforward and you simply want maximum borrowing, a mainstream lender may be better.
- If your income structure is more complex, a professional mortgage could unlock the right deal.
You can read more in our full guide on professional mortgages vs standard mortgages.
Example in Practice
We recently secured a 6× income professional mortgage in London for a lawyer on the partnership track. Their own bank had capped them at 4.5× income, but the right professional lender recognised their earning potential and offered significantly more. You can read the full professional mortgage case study here.
Strive: Experts in Co-op & Platform Professional Mortgages
At Strive, we specialise in professional mortgages and work daily with lenders like Co-op and Platform. We’ve helped thousands of professionals — from junior doctors to senior barristers — access bespoke solutions and higher income multiples.
We’ll compare Co-op’s range with the whole market, weighing up professional and standard deals, so you get the right balance of rate, affordability, and long-term flexibility.
👉 Ready to explore Co-op’s professional mortgages? Speak to Strive Mortgages today — your expert broker for professionals.
For more details, you can also see Co-op’s own criteria here.
Jamie Elvin
Jamie is an expert in all things mortgages, and our most experienced broker. Connect with Jamie and get started to see how Strive Mortgages can help you.
