Borrowing guide
How much can you borrow for a mortgage?
The simple version is that lenders often start with income multiples, but your real-life budget, monthly commitments, and deposit still matter a lot.
Why the headline borrowing number is not enough
A lender may be willing to lend more than you actually want to live with. That is why it helps to separate the maximum loan from a more comfortable range that still leaves room for bills, childcare, and rate changes.
The mortgage affordability calculator is designed to show both the borrowing range and the likely monthly payment.
What usually affects borrowing most
- Your main and secondary income.
- Your committed monthly costs.
- Your deposit and the size of the property you are targeting.
- Whether the payment still looks manageable if rates stay higher for longer.
Common questions
Do lenders just use salary multiples?
Salary multiples are often a starting point, but they are not the whole answer. Existing credit commitments, childcare, deposit size, and rate assumptions can all change the picture.
Can I borrow more if I have a bigger deposit?
Sometimes the bigger practical benefit is not borrowing more, but getting a lower loan-to-value and a more comfortable payment.
Should I target the maximum I can borrow?
Not necessarily. Many first-time buyers are better served by a comfortable range than by the highest figure a lender might allow on paper.