Partners new job - how long until income "counts" for mortgage application

hounslowfish

My partner and I are keen to trade up from our current tiny one-bedroom flat.

Ideally, we'd like a 3-bedroom house. If my partner was working, we'd be able to afford this. However, my partner is currently in between jobs. She's well qualified and I expect her to get a new job soon but it might be on a temporary contract. To complicate things further, on my salary alone we could afford a 2-bedroom flat right now, and we'd appreciate the extra space so there's the temptation not to wait and just go for the 2-bed instead.

How long would my partner have to be in her new job before that income would "count" for the bank? Can temporary job salaries (eg two-year contract) count towards a mortgage at all?

We'll speak to a mortgage advisor soon, but I'm keen to hear the views of this forum as well. It has advised me very well in the past!

HappyMJ

As soon as you're in a job the income counts. However, the job does need to be a permanent job. Some banks will not take temporary or fixed term contracts into account so as you say best to see mortgage advisor.

Personally, if you need somewhere bigger right now I'd rent the 2 bedroom property and continue to get enough evidence together to secure the mortgage on the 3 bedroomed property.

I'm renting the 2 bed flat that I'm living in. I would never consider buying it even though I could afford to buy it.