Published 5 November 2015 · Last reviewed 1 May 2026

Getting a mortgage if you are employed as a Surgeon, Doctor, Nurse, ambulance services or any other part of the National Health Service

We are getting an increasing number of enquiries from applicants who work for the National Health Service who are struggling to find mortgage lenders that understand their remuneration packages and working patterns which is affecting them getting a mortgage.

First of all, as a National Health staff member there are some good and bad points which affect the ability to obtain a mortgage. The positives are the salaries are generally high with good level of protection and employment rights. The downside is often the pension contributions are high, which some lenders take into affordability calculations, as such directly impact on the amount lender is willing to lend.

Income is typically made up of various components such as basic, shift allowances, overtime and bonuses. It is also common for Doctors and Surgeons to supplement their earnings with consultancy work outside their normal practice with the income derived in a sole trader or limited company entity. Carers might also take on a similar ‘self-employed’ approach with the work underpinned by a one or a series of ‘zero’ hour contracts. Nurses could be work for an agency ‘bank’ nurses. This mixture of income streams and structures can be difficult to decipher and put mortgage lenders off.

The reality is you need a Mortgage and work in the NHS then you should find a Mortgage Broker that is familiar with their grading systems and workings, such as Niche Advice.