Can You Refinance If You Just Started a New Job?
Often, yes. Lenders are not concerned by a job change in itself. They are checking that your income is secure and likely to continue. A move to a better-paid permanent role in the same field is usually viewed positively. A move to a new industry, to casual hours or to self-employment is treated more carefully.
How Do Lenders Treat Probation?
| Situation | Common treatment |
|---|---|
| Permanent role, same industry, on probation | Accepted by a number of lenders with a contract and one or two payslips |
| Permanent role, new industry, on probation | Fewer lenders; some want probation complete |
| Probation with a high loan-to-value ratio | Tighter; lenders mortgage insurers often require probation to be finished |
| Gap between jobs | Short gaps are usually fine with an explanation; long gaps draw questions |
| New role is casual or contract | Assessed under casual or contract policy instead |
These are general patterns across the lending market, not rules. Each lender sets its own policy and changes it without notice, which is the practical reason to have the scenario checked against 50+ lenders before applying.
What Evidence Do Lenders Want for a New Job?
- Your signed employment contract showing role, salary, start date and any probation period.
- Your first one or two payslips.
- Evidence of your previous role, such as a final payslip or income statement, to show continuity in the industry.
- Sometimes direct confirmation from your employer.
The easiest refinance is the one lodged before you change jobs. If you know a move is coming and your loan needs attention, do the refinance first and resign after settlement, provided you can still comfortably afford the loan. If the move has already happened, that is fine too. I just need the contract and first payslip, and I will take it to lenders that do not mind probation.
When Is It Better to Wait?
- Your new pay relies on commission or bonuses with no track record yet (see bonus and commission income).
- Your loan is above 80% of the property value and the lender or insurer requires probation to be complete.
- You have moved from employment to self-employment, where most lenders want one to two years of financials.
Waiting does not mean doing nothing. Your current lender can reduce your rate through a pricing request with no employment check at all. See repricing vs refinancing.
Should You Tell the Lender If You Change Jobs Mid-Application?
Yes. You are required to tell the lender about material changes before settlement, and many lenders verify employment again just before the loan funds. A change that is disclosed can usually be worked through. One that is discovered can stop the settlement. For the full process, see refinancing on a PAYG salary.
General information only. It does not take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account. All lending is subject to lender assessment and approval. Fees and figures are typical ranges at 14 November 2026 and can change. Lend & Loan, Australian Credit Licence 511092.
