We had a great question from a first home buyer recently:
“My partner works in hospitality and I’m in accounting. Will the bank look at his job history and think it’s risky? Does your job choice affect whether the bank will lend to you?”
Short answer? Yes, but it’s not as scary as it sounds.
Let’s break it down in plain English, and talk about what banks are really looking for when it comes to your job, your income, and how “secure” it all seems.
It’s Not Just About the Job – It’s About Income Stability
Banks don’t automatically love one type of job and hate another. What they do love is predictability.
They want to know:
Are you getting paid regularly?
Is your income consistent?
Have you been in your job (or industry) for a decent amount of time?
Are you likely to keep earning what you’re earning, or more?
So even if your partner works in hospitality, which can be a bit seasonal or casual, that’s not an automatic red flag. If they’ve been working steadily, getting regular hours, and can show good income over the past 6–12 months, banks will still take that into account.
Hospitality, Retail, Trades – Are They Seen as Risky?
These industries can be seen as a little more “up and down", especially if someone is working casual shifts or has changed jobs a lot. But that doesn't mean they’re out of the running.
Here’s what helps:
A solid employment history (e.g. working in the same industry for 2+ years, even if at different places)
Permanent part-time or full-time contracts
Payslips or bank statements showing regular income
A clear explanation if there’s been any gaps (e.g. travel, study etc)
We’ve helped heaps of clients in hospo, retail, and trades buy homes, it just comes down to how their income story is told in the application.
What About “Safer” Jobs Like Accounting?
Banks do tend to feel more confident with roles that are salaried, stable, and in professional industries (like accounting, teaching, engineering, etc).
That’s because:
The income is usually regular and easy to verify
There’s a perceived lower risk of job loss
There’s often a clear career progression and income growth potential
So if you’re the one in the "safer" occupations that is a good thing but that doesn’t mean your partner’s income doesn’t count. Your combined picture gives the bank more confidence overall.
However, the same rules apply in terms of a solid employment history, permanent part-time contracts, payslips showing regular income and clear explanation of any gaps (e.g. travel, study etc). Having a "safer" job doesn't mean the rules are much different.
How We Help You Put Your Best Foot Forward
At My Mortgage, we don’t just chuck your payslips into a system and hope for the best. We take time to understand:
How your income works
What your career history is
Where you’re headed
Then we match you with the lenders who are most likely to support your application and present it in a way that gives you the best possible chance of approval.
We’ve worked with café managers, baristas, builders, accountants, teachers, self-employed tradies and more, the trick is knowing which bank will work best for your situation.
Bottom Line: Your Career Doesn’t Have to Be “Perfect”
You don’t have to be a doctor or lawyer to get a home loan. You just need to:
Show that your income is steady
Be upfront about your job history
Have someone (like My Mortgage!) structure the application properly
Together, your combined incomes and job histories tell a story and that’s what banks want to understand.
Touch base with the My Mortgage team about your situation, get expert advice and a team who know how to get home loans for people in all sorts of roles and occupations.
