Find out how much you could borrow based on your income, deposit, and current mortgage rates.
Most UK lenders will offer between 4 and 4.5 times your annual salary. Some may stretch to 5x or even 5.5x for certain professions or with a large deposit. Joint applicants can combine their salaries.
For example, if you earn £40,000, you could typically borrow between £160,000 and £180,000. With a £30,000 deposit, that means you could afford a property worth £190,000 to £210,000.
| Lender Type | Typical Multiple |
|---|---|
| High street banks (HSBC, Barclays, etc.) | 4 – 4.5x |
| Building societies | 4 – 4.75x |
| Specialist lenders (professionals) | 5 – 5.5x |
| With large deposit (40%+) | Up to 5x |
Credit score: A higher credit score means lenders are more willing to lend you more. Check your score for free with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion before applying.
Existing debts: Credit cards, loans, car finance, and student loans all reduce how much you can borrow. Lenders look at your overall debt-to-income ratio.
Deposit size: A larger deposit (lower LTV) gives you access to better rates and potentially higher multiples. The best rates typically require a 25-40% deposit.
Employment type: Permanent employees find it easier than contractors or self-employed. If you're self-employed, most lenders want 2-3 years of accounts. Use our self-employed calculator to work out your income.
A common rule of thumb is that your mortgage payments should be no more than 28-35% of your monthly take home pay. Going above this can make it difficult to manage other expenses and save. Use our salary calculator to see your exact take home pay.