Mortgages for Police Officers

There can be a variety of barriers which can make it difficult for police officers to get a mortgage, and finding the time in a busy schedule can seem impossible.

Thankfully, at Barlow Irvin, we have a professional team of experts who are on hand to help with all your police officer mortgage queries.

Speak to us about Mortgages for Police Officers

What is a police mortgage?

While mortgages for members of the police force aren’t different to regular mortgages, lenders are more likely to offer loans due to the level of respect and security that comes with the role of being a police officer. So, while there is no specific mortgage, there are certainly products that are suited to match the specific demands of the emergency services and additional security of professional roles

Get Mortgage Advice Now

Do police officers get discounts on mortgages?

Police officers are unlikely to receive discounts on their mortgage, but it may be possible for them to receive better interest rates.

If you are a police officer, it is likely your job is secure, and if you’re on a permanent contract, it will demonstrate to your lender that you’re a low risk applicant. This will make lenders more willing to offer lower interest rates.

What mortgage options are there for police officers?

Since a police mortgage is not a product in itself, the majority of lenders will still expect you to meet some eligibility requirements. However, as a police officer, your salary and employment type can have a positive impact on your mortgage application.

There are therefore, multiple mortgage options available for you to choose from, including:

Fixed rate mortgages: This is the most common type of mortgage, offering a fixed rate over a set period of time, meaning that the monthly payments remain the same for that set period of time.
Variable rate mortgages: This covers a lot of mortgages for police officers, and they generally all have the basic key points. Your monthly payments may go up or down depending on the lender’s standard variable rate, or the Bank of England base rate.

To see if you’re eligible for a police mortgage, contact our friendly and professional team today.

Mortgages For Trainee Police Officers

Since trainee police officers are paid during their 12 week training, you should be able to secure a mortgage whilst you complete your training. However, this might already be a stressful time without trying to secure a mortgage on top of it.

Instead of going through the mortgage application, you can apply for a mortgage in principle. This is a written agreement from the bank, stating that they would be willing to lend you a certain amount, provided you pass the rest of the checks at a later date.

Alternatively, you could use a mortgage guarantor, which will involve a friend or family member co-signing on your mortgage. They won’t own any of your property, but they must make payments if you are unable to do so.

Mortgages for Police Community Support Officers

A police community support officer who has passed their six month probationary period may then have access to key worker mortgages, which is a scheme designed to make affordable housing accessible to civil service employees.

Mortgages for Newly Qualified Police Officers

Once you have qualified as a police officer and completed your two years probation, you will be eligible to apply for a mortgage.

You should make the most of any schemes available to you, such as those for first time buyers, as it can make the process much more manageable. Lenders will look kindly on officers who have a stable career ahead of them.

How are police mortgages assessed?

When assessing whether to lend to you, mortgage lenders may ask you questions and require evidence of:

Your income
Deposit size
Credit history
Age
Property type
Employment type

Each lender will have their own criteria to go by that they will use to determine whether or not they can offer a loan; so just because one may reject you, doesn’t mean another will.

Get Mortgage Advice Now

How long do I have to have been in the police force to apply for a mortgage?

When you apply for a mortgage, the majority of your success will fall on your risk level to the lender. The longer you have been in your career, the more likely the lender will offer you a loan as you are a low risk applicant.

However, if you’re new to your career, don’t worry. There are many specialist mortgage lenders who are willing to consider applications from newly qualified police officers.

Getting a police mortgage with Barlow Irvin

Here at Barlow Irvin, we know it’s important to have complete confidence in your mortgage lender.We can guarantee that we will take the time to understand your individual needs in order to get the best mortgage possible for you. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.

FAQs about Police Mortgages

Do Police Officers get better mortgages?

No, police officers do not get better mortgages. However, some lenders may be more willing to provide lower interest rates or bigger loans thanks to the security and low risk nature of being a police officer.

Can I get a mortgage on my probation period in the police force?

Yes, you can get a mortgage if you are still on your probation period, although you may have to visit a specialist mortgage lender to do so.

Can you get a mortgage on a police pension?

While it can be true that certain lenders have reservations about lending to retired borrowers, there are specialist lenders who will take factors into account, including your police pension, savings and benefits.