Short answer
Yes, with some lenders. Some lenders consider applicants on probation, especially if they're in the same line of work as before; others want you to finish probation first. What matters most is that your income looks stable, so a letter from your new employer, your contract and recent payslips help. Tell the lender about the new job when you apply.
What do lenders look at?
Lenders have to make reasonable inquiries about your financial situation and take reasonable steps to verify it. With a new job, they mainly want to know whether your income is stable:
- Same line of work? Moving to a similar role, often for more pay, is usually easier to explain than a career change.
- Type of employment: permanent full-time or part-time, casual or contract
- Probation: whether you're on it, and when it ends
- How your pay is made up: base salary, overtime, commission or bonuses
- Your history: how long you were in your previous job and the same field
Policies differ between lenders. Some consider applicants on probation, especially in the same line of work; others want you to finish probation first.
Documents to have ready
- your employment contract or letter of offer
- a letter from your employer confirming your role, salary, start date and when probation ends
- recent payslips from the new job (and from your previous job, if you're in the same field)
- your ID, bank statements and details of any debts
What is probation, legally?
A probation period is usually set by your employment contract, not by law. Separately, the Fair Work rules set a minimum employment period before most employees can make an unfair dismissal claim: 6 months, or 12 months with a small business employer (fewer than 15 employees). Lenders look at your own contract and employer letter, not these periods.
Apply now, or after probation?
- Now may work if you've moved to a similar role in the same field and can show steady income.
- After probation may give you more options if you've changed careers, moved to casual or contract work, or most of your pay is commission or bonuses.
- Before you change jobs is worth considering if you're about to move anyway: talk to us first about the timing.
How MoneyGenie helps
- Finds lenders on our panel whose policies suit your new role, probation or not.
- Tells you what your employer letter should confirm, before you ask for it.
- Helps you decide whether to apply now or after probation, based on your situation.
Nabita compares options from MoneyGenie's panel of 35+ lenders, tells you upfront which are realistic for your situation, and handles the application with you through to settlement. Our service is generally at no cost to you, as we're paid a commission by the lender, which we disclose to you upfront. Details are in our Credit Guide, available on request. Talk to Nabita: call 040 110 1608 or send an enquiry.
Call 040 110 1608 Send an enquiryLast reviewed by Nabita, mortgage broker, MoneyGenie Finance.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Should I wait until my probation ends?
Not always. Some lenders consider applicants on probation, especially in the same line of work. If you're changing careers, or your income depends on commission or bonuses, waiting until probation ends may give you more options.
Do I have to tell the lender I've just changed jobs?
Yes. Lenders must make reasonable inquiries about your financial situation, and your employment is part of it. They'll usually verify it with your payslips, contract or employer.
Does casual or contract work count?
It can. Lenders usually look at how long you've worked on that basis and how regular your income is. Policies vary, so check before you apply.
The rules and figures in this guide were checked against the official sources above on the review date. Government rules and lender policies change, so check your own situation with us or the relevant authority before acting.