Getting a mortgage while both of us are between jobs?

(UK) Our dream home has come back on the market. Earlier this year, in May, we lost it to another buyer and tried to move on.

Now, five months later, the other buyer backed out, and we got another chance at it last week.

The issue is, since then, I left my job to find something better, and my partner resigned voluntarily. So, here we are, both without jobs at the moment.

We do have interviews lined up in the coming weeks, so employment is within reach, but the estate agent needs our final offer by tomorrow.

Is it realistic to get a mortgage if we both have new job offers in hand? I have payslips until September and my partner until July.

We have a 15% deposit for a house worth £170,000 and absolutely love it. Should we delay things as much as possible or be upfront with the agent? We would like a level 3 survey soon, but getting the mortgage approved is the main challenge.

Any advice is appreciated!

It depends on how long your employment gaps are. Usually, you can qualify with job offer letters if they are firm, non-contingent, and for full-time positions. As long as you start within 60 days of closing and have enough savings, you could be fine. Get those offers and speak to a mortgage broker.

@Frost
Thanks for that. I’ve been out of work for a month, and my partner for three months now.

Abi said:
@Frost
Thanks for that. I’ve been out of work for a month, and my partner for three months now.

With a solid offer letter, you should be okay. Just be ready to explain the job gap and why it won’t be an issue moving forward.

Abi said:
@Frost
Thanks for that. I’ve been out of work for a month, and my partner for three months now.

Unfortunately, without active jobs, a mortgage approval is tricky. Lenders need to see you can repay, which you can’t prove right now.

Try asking the seller if they’d consider renting to you for a few months until you’re employed.

Might be worth waiting for UK-based opinions as most replies here could be based on US guidelines.