Halifax Intermediaries has relaxed its affordability assessment for some doctors and dentists to allow their full annual income to be considered.

The changes, which took effect on 9 November, apply to resident doctors, locum doctors and associate dentists.

Previously, these borrowers were typically assessed using contractor affordability calculations, which annualised income over 46 weeks.

Under the new approach, eligible applicants will be assessed in the same way as permanently employed customers.

Halifax says the change is designed to better reflect the way some medical professionals earn their income and reduce barriers to obtaining a mortgage.

The approach brings the affordability assessment in line with how Halifax and Lloyds already consider nursing bank staff.

Halifax says it should mean income is more accurately reflected in its lending decisions.