How Much Can I Borrow?
Get a quick guide to how much a lender might offer, what that means for your property budget, and what the monthly payments would be.
Your finances
A guide only. To allow for debts we reduce your income by 2.5 times your yearly debt repayments, a rough stand-in for lenders’ own checks. Lenders also look at your credit history, spending and how payments would cope with higher rates.
How lenders work it out
Most lenders start with an income multiple: your gross yearly income multiplied by 4 to 4.5. They then run an affordability check on your spending and debts, and a stress test at a higher interest rate.
| Income | 4× | 4.5× | 5× |
|---|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £120,000 | £135,000 | £150,000 |
| £50,000 | £200,000 | £225,000 | £250,000 |
| £70,000 (joint) | £280,000 | £315,000 | £350,000 |
Ways to borrow more
- Pay off or reduce debts before applying.
- Save a bigger deposit to lower your loan to value.
- Check your credit file for errors.
- Use a mortgage broker, who can find lenders with higher multiples.
Next, see your stamp duty and full repayment schedule.
A guide only, not a mortgage offer. Lenders make their own decisions based on your circumstances.
Sources
Figures are checked against these official sources. Last reviewed 7 November 2026.
Common questions
How much can I borrow for a mortgage?
Most UK lenders offer around 4 to 4.5 times your yearly income, or your joint income if buying with someone. Some offer 5 to 5.5 times for higher earners or certain professions.
Do debts reduce how much I can borrow?
Yes. Lenders look at your monthly commitments such as car finance, loans and credit cards. Each lender has its own method; as a rough guide this calculator reduces your income by 2.5 times your yearly debt repayments before applying the income multiple. For example, £200 a month of car finance reduces the income used by £6,000.
How big a deposit do I need?
Usually at least 5% of the price, but 10% or more gets you better rates. Rates generally improve at 60%, 75%, 85% and 90% loan to value.
What is a mortgage stress test?
Lenders check you could still afford payments if rates rose, often by about 1 to 3 percentage points. That is why the amount they offer can be lower than a simple income multiple.
Can I get a mortgage in principle?
Yes. A mortgage in principle from a lender or broker gives a more accurate figure. It usually involves a soft credit check that does not affect your score.