Key Worker Mortgages
Specialist mortgage advice for NHS, teachers, police, and emergency services with priority schemes and flexible income assessment
Do key workers get special mortgage deals?
Yes, key workers can access several mortgage benefits: priority access to government schemes like First Homes (30-50% discount), some lenders offering exclusive rates or reduced fees, flexible income assessment including shift allowances and overtime, and favourable treatment due to job security. NHS staff, teachers, police, firefighters, and armed forces personnel typically qualify as key workers.
Key workers get priority access to 30-50% discounted new build homes under the First Homes scheme
Some lenders offer reduced rates or fee waivers specifically for NHS, teachers, and emergency services
Shift allowances, unsocial hours, and overtime more likely to be included in affordability calculations
Mortgages by Profession
Roles covered:
Key benefits:
- Unsocial hours included
- NHS pension considered
- Flexible income assessment
- Some lenders offer rate discounts
Roles covered:
Key benefits:
- Stable employment viewed favourably
- Teaching allowances included
- Term-time only income accepted
- Good approval rates
Roles covered:
Key benefits:
- Shift allowances included
- Overtime considered
- High job security rating
- Priority housing access
Roles covered:
Key benefits:
- Retained firefighter income
- Shift patterns accommodated
- Stable public sector employment
- Additional income sources
Key Worker Income: What Lenders Count
| Income Type | Standard Lenders | Key Worker Friendly |
|---|---|---|
| Basic salary | ||
| Unsocial hours payments | Sometimes 50% | Often 100% |
| Regular overtime | 50% average | Up to 100% |
| Shift allowances | Varies | Usually included |
| London weighting | ||
| Teaching allowances (TLR) | Sometimes | Usually 100% |
Government Schemes for Key Workers
First Homes Scheme
Key workers get priority access to new build homes at 30-50% below market value. Local authorities can reserve homes specifically for NHS, teachers, and emergency services in their area.
Learn more about First Homes →Shared Ownership
Buy a 25-75% share of a home and pay rent on the rest. Some housing associations prioritise key workers for their developments.
Learn more about Shared Ownership →NHS Homes Schemes
Some NHS Trusts partner with housing providers to offer dedicated affordable housing for staff. Check with your Trust's accommodation office for local schemes.
Lenders Favouring Key Workers
While most lenders will consider key workers, some go further with specific benefits:
- Nationwide: Flexible with public sector income, good track record with teachers and NHS
- Halifax: Includes shift allowances and unsocial hours for key workers
- Teachers Building Society: Specialist lender for education professionals
- Police Mutual: Dedicated products for police officers
- Kensington: Flexible with complex income structures common in public sector
People Also Ask
Key Worker Mortgage Advice
Our advisers understand the complexities of key worker income - from NHS bank shifts to teacher supply work. We'll find lenders who properly value your income and access any available schemes or discounts.
Related: First Homes Scheme | Mortgages by Profession | Contract Worker Mortgages