There’s something unique about reaching your second six. After months of shadowing and absorbing, you’re finally on your feet, taking on your cases, and earning your fees. It’s the start of something, not just professionally, but financially too.
And naturally, with that new income and growing independence, one question starts to surface: Can I get a mortgage now?
The short answer? Yes, but it depends on how you go about it.
The second six is the beginning of your career in practice. You’re still under supervision, yes, but you’re generating income, building client relationships, and proving yourself in court. It’s also the point where some lenders will start to take your financial profile seriously, if you know where to look. That’s where we come in.
Most high-street banks won’t be falling over themselves to offer you a mortgage just yet. They typically want to see two to three years of accounts or tax returns. But not all lenders operate like that. Specialist mortgage providers, the ones used to dealing with professionals early in their careers, are much more open to understanding the trajectory you’re on.
They understand that if you’ve secured pupillage, one of the most competitive professional pathways in the UK, you’ve already proven yourself against extraordinary odds. The determination, discipline, and intellect it took to get here speak volumes about your future.
Lenders who specialise in working with barristers know this journey. They won’t assess you purely on past earnings; instead, they build a case around your potential. Either a confirmed tenancy, a forecasted income from chambers based on a potential tenancy. They take a more human, forward-looking view, one that reflects not just where you are, but everything you’ve already overcome to get here.
You might not feel like you’re earning much right now, in comparison to what you would earn as a tenant. Securing a mortgage sooner rather than later can be a smart move. Property prices rarely wait. Buying early could save you significantly over time.
If you’ve got family help with a deposit, or if you’re already thinking about putting down roots, there’s no harm in exploring your options. Even if you’re not ready to move just yet, understanding what you could borrow can help you plan with more confidence.
At Henry Dannell, we’ve helped many barristers buy their first home during or shortly after pupillage. We know which lenders understand your career path and how to present your case in a way that makes sense to underwriting teams.
We’ll guide you through the paperwork, help you shape your financial profile, and make sure you’re matched with a lender who understands where you are now and, more importantly, where you’re going.
Starting your second six is a turning point. Professionally, it’s the moment you begin to stand on your own. Financially, it can be the first step toward building something permanent, a home, a foundation, a future. If you’re curious about what mortgage options are available now that you’re on your feet, we’d be happy to talk.