Can I get pre-approved if I have only been in my job for 3 months?

Starting a new job and worrying it has put your home loan on hold is one of the most common concerns buyers raise. The reassuring news is that a short time in a role, even being on probation, does not automatically rule you out. Many lenders can work with it. The trick is knowing which lenders, because this is an area where policies differ a great deal.

Why lenders care about job tenure at all

A lender lending over a long term wants confidence that your income is stable and likely to continue. Time in a job is one signal of that stability. Someone who has been steadily employed looks lower risk than someone whose income situation is uncertain. That is the whole reason tenure is considered, and once you understand it, the exceptions make sense.

Probation is not an automatic no

A widespread myth is that you cannot get a loan while on probation. In reality, many lenders can consider borrowers on probation, particularly where the move makes sense, such as staying in the same industry or stepping up in the same field. What looks risky on paper, a brand new job, often looks perfectly stable once the full picture is explained.

That said, lenders vary widely here. Some are relaxed about probation, others want it completed first. This is exactly why the choice of lender matters so much in your situation.

What strengthens your case

Several things can make a lender comfortable lending soon after a job change.

• A consistent work history in the same field, showing the move is a continuation, not a gamble.
• No significant gaps in your employment leading up to the new role.
• A permanent or ongoing position rather than a short fixed term.
• Strong savings and a clean credit history, which offset the newness of the job.
• An employment contract or letter confirming your role and terms.

Casual, contract and part-time work

If you are casual, on contract, or part time, the picture is different but still workable. Lenders generally want to see a track record, so a steady history of casual or contract work in the same area can carry real weight even without a permanent role. Again, some lenders are far more comfortable with this than others, so the match is everything.

Why lender choice is everything here

This is the single most important point. Applying to a lender that wants probation completed, when you are three months in, can mean a knock back and a wasted credit enquiry. Applying to a lender comfortable with your situation can mean a clean approval. The difference is not your situation, it is the fit between your situation and the lender policy. Getting that match right the first time is the whole job.

What to have ready

To put your best case forward soon after starting a job, it helps to have a few things prepared.

• Your employment contract or a letter confirming your role and that it is permanent or ongoing.
• Recent payslips from the new job.
• Evidence of your previous employment, to show continuity in your field.
• Your usual income, savings and identity documents.