Darlington Building Society has broadened its mortgage criteria to better support professionals with complex or variable income streams, particularly those working in key public sector roles.

The expansion applies to the Society’s Professionals range, which is now open to all nationalities, including foreign nationals on a variety of visas. Eligible applicants include nurses, paramedics, teachers, lecturers, police officers, firefighters and members of the armed forces.

The Society will consider 100% of all allowances and overtime in affordability calculations, provided there is a six-month track record.

The lender has also made a series of adjustments to make the range more accessible. There is no minimum income requirement, no minimum time in the UK, and no credit scoring.

Loans are available up to 95% loan-to-value, and the updated criteria are open to holders of skilled worker visas, health and social care visas, spousal visas, BNO visas and ancestral visas.

Christopher Blewitt, head of mortgage distribution at Darlington Building Society, said: “We’re seeing strong demand from key workers and other professionals with complex income arrangements including those who are foreign nationals. These criteria changes are a direct response to that demand.

“Whether it’s shift-based roles, variable allowances or overtime, we understand how important it is to consider 100% of income – not just basic salary – when making lending decisions.”

The Society has also eased restrictions for expatriate borrowers. It will no longer require expat applicants to have spent a minimum of 12 months in their current role.