On your own
Borrow up to 6.5x income with a Key Worker mortgage
Whether you're a firefighter, doctor, nurse or teacher, you could borrow up to 6.5 times your salary with an NHS or Key Worker Mortgage to significantly increase your total buying budget.
Suitable for buyers, movers & remortgagers
Borrow up to 6.5x your income
You must work in a qualifying profession
What are NHS mortgages?
Sometimes called Blue Light, Key Worker or NHS mortgages, these are specialist mortgage schemes for doctors, nurses, teachers, police and other public service workers that allow you to borrow more than a traditional mortgage.
Because professional career paths are seen as more secure and likely to enjoy structured salary increases, mortgage lenders see borrowers in key worker roles as less risky. As a result, they could be more likely to lend you a higher income multiple than with a standard mortgage. Increasing your borrowing from the typical 4.5x income up to 5 or even 6.5 times your salary.
There isn't one type of Key Worker or NHS mortgage - different lenders offer different products or enhance borrowing options, each with their own eligibility criteria. To see which mortgage schemes you could be eligible for, create a free Tembo plan today for a personalised recommendation.
Why Tembo?
We help buyers, movers and homeowners discover how they could boost their affordability in 3 simple steps. It’s why we’re the UK’s Best Mortgage Broker.
Things to consider
All mortgages have risks and benefits. Here are some key things you should know before applying for a Key Worker or NHS Mortgage.
What are the benefits?
Increase your budget, even on a low income
With a standard mortgage, lenders typically let you borrow between 4-4.5 times your income. With an NHS or Blue Light Mortgage you could borrow more - even on a low income. This is because lenders take into consideration future pay increases in your career.
Enjoy enhanced borrowing with a 5% deposit
If you are purchasing a pre-owned property with an NHS Mortgage or other key worker scheme, you may only need to put down a 5% deposit. This can be extremely helpful for first time buyers who may only have a small amount saved up.
Get on the ladder without family support
Many buyers need a guarantor to support them in getting a mortgage. If you qualify for enhanced borrowing with an NHS mortgage, you won’t need to involve any family members or friends to boost your buying budget.
Risks and considerations
You must work in a qualifying role
Typically to qualify, you’ll need to be considered “clinical staff” (for example, doctors, nurses, midwives etc.) or work in a qualifying role. You may also need to have qualified in the last ten years, be registered with the appropriate UK professional body and work in a field related to your profession.
A low credit score may impact how much you can borrow
If you have a poor credit score, depending on the severity you may have fewer lenders willing to lend to you and be offered a smaller income multiple.
Non-professional applicants won’t qualify
If you are buying with a partner or friend who does not work in a professional role, they will only be able to borrow 4-4.5 times their salary. For example, if you work in the police and earn £50,000, and your partner works in marketing and earns £30,000, together you could borrow up to £410,000.
Got questions? We've got answers
See all FAQsFrequently asked questions
The application process
Get into your very own home in 4 simple steps
Make a Tembo plan
In under 10-minutes we’ll check your eligibility for a Key Worker or NHS Mortgage as well as our other buying schemes. Plus you’ll get a personalised mortgage recommendation including interest rates and repayments.
Talk to an expert
Book a call with our mortgage experts to complete the qualification process. We’ll cover any questions you have about NHS Mortgages and any other schemes.
Apply for a mortgage
Once you’ve found a property, your dedicated advisor will undertake full affordability and submit a Decision in Principle with your chosen lender. Once accepted, we’ll submit a full mortgage application for you.
Make home happen
Once you’ve found a property, we’ll prepare & submit your mortgage application. We’ll liaise with the developer or seller and your solicitors to ensure a smooth purchase.
Other schemes you might like
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Deposit Unlock
Purchase a new build home from a participating home builder with just a 5% deposit.
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Income Boost
Add some or all of a guarantor’s earnings to your household income to boost your mortgage affordability.
See detailsPart buy part rent
Private Shared Ownership
Buy a share of a home, then pay rent on the rest. Over time, buy more of the home till you have full ownership.
See detailsLearn more
Confused about mortgages? Read our guides for expert tips on saving, buying and the market.
Other mortgage schemes
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