Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Estimate how much you may be able to borrow based on your income and deposit. Most UK lenders use income multiples of 4x to 4.5x your gross annual income, though individual assessments vary. This tool gives an illustrative estimate only.
Estimate your borrowing power
Toggle between a single or joint application, then fill in your details.
Include existing loan repayments, car finance, credit card minimums, etc. Leave blank or 0 if none.
Related: Mortgage Payment · Stamp Duty · Take-Home Pay
How the mortgage affordability calculator works
UK mortgage lenders assess how much you can borrow using a combination of income multiples and a full affordability assessment. The income multiple approach — typically 4x to 4.5x your gross annual income — gives a quick estimate of the upper borrowing limit. A joint application uses the combined gross income of both applicants. Your deposit determines the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which affects both the amount you can borrow and the interest rate you are offered.
Lenders also carry out a detailed affordability stress test, looking at your monthly outgoings, existing credit commitments, and whether you could still afford repayments if interest rates rose. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requires lenders to assess affordability rather than simply lending based on income multiples alone, which is why the figure produced by this calculator is an estimate only and may differ from a lender's actual offer.
For a more accurate picture, speak to a whole-of-market mortgage broker who can access deals from a wide range of lenders and provide personalised advice. Remember that borrowing the maximum available is not always the right decision — consider your long-term financial goals and the impact of higher payments on your monthly budget.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I borrow for a mortgage?
Most UK mortgage lenders will lend between 4 and 4.5 times your gross annual income, though some lenders may go up to 5 or even 5.5 times for applicants with higher incomes or strong financial profiles. The exact amount also depends on your deposit size, credit history, monthly outgoings, and the lender's own affordability assessment.
What is a loan-to-income ratio?
A loan-to-income (LTI) ratio is the amount you borrow divided by your gross annual income. For example, borrowing £200,000 on an income of £50,000 gives an LTI of 4x. The Financial Policy Committee (FPC) limits the share of mortgages lenders can issue above 4.5x LTI to 15% of their new lending, which is why most standard offers sit at or below 4.5x.
Does my credit score affect how much I can borrow?
Yes. A strong credit score can help you access a wider range of mortgage products and potentially borrow more, while a poor credit history may limit your options or result in a higher interest rate. Lenders look at factors including missed payments, defaults, county court judgements (CCJs), and your overall debt-to-income ratio. Checking your credit report before applying is always a sensible step.
What counts as income for a mortgage application?
Lenders typically accept basic salary and, depending on the lender, may also include regular overtime, bonuses, commission, self-employment profits, rental income, and certain state benefits. Most lenders require at least two to three years of accounts or tax returns for self-employed applicants. Zero-hours contract and gig economy income can be harder to use but some lenders will consider it with sufficient history.