How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage?
Updated June 2026 · 6 min read · Free calculator inside
✓ Checked against standard lender affordability rules
How much you can borrow for a UK mortgage depends mainly on your income, your outgoings and your deposit. Lenders start from an income multiple and then apply affordability checks. This guide explains the rules of thumb and what really moves the number.
Estimate how much you could borrow
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Open the Mortgage Affordability Calculator →The income multiple rule of thumb
Most UK lenders cap borrowing at around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income, and occasionally up to 5.5x for higher earners or specific products. So a household income of £50,000 typically supports a mortgage of roughly £200,000–£225,000 before other factors.
Affordability and stress tests
Beyond the multiple, lenders assess affordability: your regular outgoings, existing debts, childcare and credit commitments. They also stress-test whether you could still pay if interest rates rose, so high outgoings reduce what you can borrow even on a good income.
Your deposit changes everything
- A bigger deposit lowers your loan-to-value (LTV) and unlocks better rates.
- Typical deposits range from 5% to 25% of the property price.
- At 90% LTV you borrow more but usually pay a higher interest rate than at 75% LTV.
What lenders look at
Income (including some bonuses and self-employed profits), outgoings, credit history, the property type, and the term all feed into the decision. A longer term lowers monthly payments and can increase the maximum loan, but costs more interest overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I borrow on a £50,000 salary?
As a rough guide, 4–4.5x income suggests about £200,000–£225,000, but your outgoings, deposit and credit profile can move this up or down significantly.
Do two incomes count for a joint mortgage?
Yes. Lenders usually combine both applicants' incomes, though the multiple applied to the joint figure may be slightly lower than for a single applicant.
Does a bigger deposit mean I can borrow more?
A bigger deposit mainly lets you buy a more expensive home and access lower rates. The loan itself is still capped by income and affordability.
Estimate how much you could borrow
Skip the maths — get an instant, up-to-date figure with our free calculator.
Open the Mortgage Affordability Calculator →Related Guides
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⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Rates and thresholds can change — always check the latest figures on GOV.UK and consult a qualified professional before making decisions.