Lenders are beginning to offer professional mortgages based on criteria other than occupation, it has been revealed.

According to a spokesperson for the Birmingham Midshires, the products could be the solution for prospective first-time buyers with good credit ratings who are currently struggling to get a foot onto the property ladder.

In addition to occupation and credit history, lenders also give consideration to issues of affordability and good long-term prospects, though only one in two applications are expected to be successful.

Commenting on the benefits of professional mortgages, Claire Mortimer, senior press officer at the building society, said: "[It] can allow young professionals to get on to the ladder with a product tailored to their situation."

"It also gives them the security of managing all of their borrowing in one place at one rate."

The comments come as Northern Rock announced that it expects the number of first-time buyers to decline steadily over the second half of 2007, with the rise in interest rates finally taking its toll on the market