Can I Refinance After Changing Jobs? (2026 Lending Rules Explained)
Changing jobs is normal — career progression, better pay, redundancy, relocation, or simply wanting a different environment. But when it happens close to a refinance, most people panic.
The question is always the same:
“Can I still refinance if I’ve just changed jobs?”
In 2026, the answer is usually yes. But lenders look at job changes differently depending on your income type, industry, and employment structure.
Here’s the clear breakdown.
1. If you’re salaried, refinancing after a job change is usually straightforward
For PAYG employees, lenders focus on:
your employment contract
your income type (base vs variable)
your probation status
your industry stability
your previous employment history
Most lenders will refinance you even if you’re in probation, as long as:
your role is permanent
your income is stable
your industry is consistent
This surprises most people — probation is not the barrier they assume.
2. If your income increased, refinancing may actually be easier
A job change that results in:
higher base salary
stronger industry
better contract
more predictable income
can increase borrowing power.
Lenders care more about stability than tenure.
3. If your income includes bonuses, commissions, or overtime
Variable income is treated differently.
Lenders may:
shade the income
average it over time
require payslips showing consistency
request previous employment history
But a job change doesn’t disqualify you — it simply changes how the income is calculated.
This is where structure matters more than timing.
4. If you moved from casual to permanent — this is a positive
Many clients move from:
casual → permanent
contract → permanent
part‑time → full‑time
This strengthens your lending profile immediately.
Even if the job is new, lenders often view the shift as reduced risk.
5. If you changed industries, lenders look at your history
Industry changes are assessed differently.
Lenders consider:
whether your new role is related
whether your income is stable
whether your employment type is permanent
whether your previous history supports the change
A complete industry shift isn’t a deal‑breaker — it just requires clearer documentation.
6. If you’re self‑employed, job changes mean something different
For business owners, “changing jobs” usually means:
new ABN
new business structure
new partnership
new company
new income pattern
This is where lenders become more cautious.
But refinancing is still possible with:
BAS statements
accountant letters
profit‑and-loss statements
bank statements
alternative‑doc options
Self‑employed lending is about income evidence, not tenure.
7. The real question: What does your new role mean for borrowing power?
A job change affects:
income stability
income type
borrowing capacity
lender choice
loan structure
documentation requirements
But it rarely blocks a refinance.
A lending review shows:
whether your new income supports the refinance
whether probation matters
whether variable income needs shading
whether your borrowing power increased
which lenders accept your employment profile
Once you know the numbers, the decision becomes simple.
The takeaway
Yes — you can refinance after changing jobs. In 2026, lenders care more about stability, structure, and income type than how long you’ve been in the role.
A quick review shows:
whether your new job strengthens your position
whether probation matters
how your borrowing power has shifted
which lenders support your employment profile
whether refinancing is possible now
Changing jobs is a life event. Your lending decisions don’t need to be.
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