Research from Nottingham Building Society found that one in five people (22%) have taken up a side hustle to increase their income for mortgage approval, with a further 44% considering it.
Among those under 35, more than eight in 10 had considered or begun side gigs.
More than half of Brits (51%) believed a nine-to-five job better demonstrated financial stability, and 45% thought it was harder to get a mortgage without one.
Issues with obtaining a mortgage were noted by 21% of participants due to their career choice, with 38% having to take extra steps to prove affordability, and 19% still facing rejection without a more traditional job.
Praven Subbramoney, chief lending officer at Nottingham Building Society, said: “These findings reinforce an issue we are increasingly discussing with brokers – that traditional lending practices are not delivering for a large proportion of ordinary people across the UK today.
“We know that what was once considered the ‘normal’ route to homeownership via a 9-5 job simply isn’t how lots of people are living and working anymore.
“What really stands out is just how pronounced the trend is with younger people.
Subbramoney added: “Non-traditional paths to homeownership are increasingly becoming the norm and we know that brokers are keen for more flexible solutions to support clients who fall into this category.
“We are committed to supporting this cohort of borrowers to make the dream of homeownership something everyone can aspire to, regardless of where their income comes from.”
