Table of Content
Introduction to Professional Mortgages
If you’re trained in a recognised profession, you may be eligible for a more preferential type of home loan known as a professional mortgage. Lenders recognise that careers such as medicine, law, dentistry, or accountancy and other public sector roles often come with predictable career trajectories, stable earnings, and strong long-term prospects.
Because of this, professionals are sometimes offered higher income multiples, more flexible criteria, or tailored underwriting that may not be available through mainstream ranges. However, access depends on your circumstances, the lender, and how your income is structured — for example, being newly self-employed can still present hurdles.
At Strive Mortgages, we’ve been helping professionals secure tailored mortgage solutions for over a decade. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about mortgages for professionals, who qualifies, which lenders offer them, and how to apply.
What is a Professional Mortgage?
In mortgage terms, a professional mortgage is a product designed for people in certain careers that lenders consider to have strong earning potential and stability.
A working professional is generally someone who:
- Holds a recognised qualification awarded by a registered professional body
- Is practising, or training towards, a career in that field
This definition matters because only certain careers are recognised under specialist professional mortgage ranges.
Which Professions Qualify for a Professional Mortgage?
Different lenders set slightly different lists, but the following are most commonly recognised as eligible for professional mortgages:
- Accountants
- Actuaries
- Architects
- Barristers
- Chartered Surveyors
- Dentists
- Doctors and medical professionals
- Nurses (NHS Band 3 and above or equivalent)
- Optometrists
- Pharmacists
- Pilots and airline staff
- Police Officers
- Solicitors
- Teachers and civil servants
- Veterinarians
Is it Easier for Professionals to Get a Mortgage?
For some applicants, yes. Lenders offering professional products often provide:
- Enhanced income multiples – up to 5.5 or 6 times annual salary, versus the standard 4.5× seen in mainstream ranges
- Flexible underwriting – for newly qualified professionals, equity partners, or those transitioning into self-employment
- Consideration of future earnings – such as junior doctors on training programmes or solicitors recently promoted to partner
However, not every case is straightforward. For example:
- A newly self-employed dentist may still face stricter affordability checks if they lack two full years of accounts
- Some lenders require minimum incomes (e.g. £35,000 with Metro Bank or Co-op)
- Enhanced borrowing can sometimes come with slightly higher interest rates than standard products
Professional Mortgage Eligibility Criteria
Most lenders expect you to:
- Hold a recognised qualification from a UK professional body (see list above for examples)
- Work in the relevant field (or be in training)
- Meet minimum income or employment requirements
- Provide proof of qualification and professional registration
Examples of professional bodies include:
Institute of Chartered Accountants – for accountants
General Medical Council (GMC) – for doctors
General Dental Council (GDC) – for dentists
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – for surveyors
The Bar Council – for barristers
Law Society – for solicitors
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons – for vets
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.
Which Lenders Offer Professional Mortgages?
There are a number of lenders who support professionals. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the main players with dedicated professional mortgage products, together with the key criteria they use.
If you can comfortably borrow what you need without using a professional mortgage range, you’ll usually have access to a wider pool of mainstream lenders and potentially cheaper rates. But if you need higher multiples or specialist underwriting, these lenders stand out:
- The Co-operative Bank – up to 6× income, 90% LTV, professionals must earn £35,000+
- Metro Bank – up to 5.5× income, 90% LTV, must be fully qualified and registered
- Bank of Ireland – bespoke underwriting for newly self-employed or those with variable income
- Virgin Money – beneficial pricing and incentives for many professional roles
- Kensington Mortgages – up to 6× for professionals with high incomes or complex cases
Other options include Scottish Building Society and Scottish Widows.
What Products Are Available?
Professional mortgage ranges often come with fewer product choices than mainstream deals. Some lenders only make their ranges available on specific fixed terms (e.g. Co-op offers 2 and 5 years; Metro currently only offers 5 years).
How Much Can I Borrow on a Professional Mortgage?
Most professional ranges allow borrowing up to 6× income, though some cap at 5.5×. In rare cases, certain lenders may stretch higher.
Your actual borrowing will also depend on:
- Loan-to-value (LTV)
- Commitments and credit profile
- Future earning potential..
What are the Rates Like for Professional Mortgages?
Professional mortgages sometimes carry a slight premium compared to mainstream products, especially when using enhanced borrowing multiples.
If you don’t need the higher multiple, you may be better off with a standard product at a lower rate.ortgages, usually with a 20–25% minimum deposit.
Speak to a mortgage expert today for the best deal.
Documents Needed for a Professional Mortgage
- Proof of professional qualification (certificates, membership numbers, or letters from your professional body)
- Employment contract or practice partnership agreement
- Payslips or SA302s
- Bank statements
- Proof of ID and address.
Why Use Strive Mortgages for Professional Mortgage Advice?
At Strive, we’re trusted specialists in helping professionals secure mortgages that reflect their true potential. With over a decade of experience, we know which lenders to approach, how to present complex cases, and when to use professional ranges versus mainstream products.
👉 See our case study to learn how we helped a London lawyer secure a £600k professional mortgage in London at 6× income.
FAQs on Professional Mortgages
Can I get a 6× income mortgage as a professional?
Yes — some lenders like Co-op, Virgin and Kensington allow up to 6×, while Metro caps at 5.5×.
Do I need a bigger deposit for a professional mortgage?
Not always. Some lenders allow from 5% deposit, while others require more.
Is there a minimum income requirement?
Yes, often £35,000 for professional applicants.
How long ago can I have qualified?
Varies — some lenders accept within the last 5 years, others within 10.
Can I apply if I’m still in training?
In some cases, yes — junior doctors and trainee solicitors may be considered.
Final Thoughts on Mortgages for Professionals
Professional mortgages can be an excellent option for those in recognised careers, offering enhanced borrowing potential and flexible underwriting. But they’re not always the cheapest or most suitable.
If you’re a doctor, solicitor, dentist, vet, pharmacist, teacher, civil servant, or even airline staff, Strive Mortgages can guide you through the options and secure the most competitive deal for your circumstances.
Read more in our guide on; Professional Mortgages vs Standard Mortgages
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.
