How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage?

Most UK lenders offer 4 to 4.5 times your annual income. On a £50,000 salary, you could typically borrow £200,000-£225,000. Some specialist lenders offer 5-6x income for professionals, high earners, or those with large deposits. Your actual amount depends on your deposit, existing debts, and monthly outgoings.

How do lenders calculate how much I can borrow?

Lenders use two main factors: income multiples (typically 4-4.5x your annual salary) and affordability assessments. They stress-test your finances against higher interest rates and factor in your monthly outgoings, existing debts, and living expenses. Self-employed borrowers use net profit or salary plus dividends.

Can I borrow more than 4.5 times my salary?

Yes, some lenders offer 5x or even 6x income multiples for certain borrowers. High earners (typically £75,000+), professionals like doctors and solicitors, and those with large deposits may qualify for higher multiples. However, stricter affordability rules apply.

How much can I borrow on a £50,000 salary?

On a £50,000 salary, you could typically borrow £200,000-£225,000 (at 4-4.5x income). With specialist lenders offering higher multiples, this could increase to £250,000-£300,000. Your actual borrowing depends on deposit, debts, and other commitments.

Does my partner's income count towards a mortgage?

Yes, on a joint mortgage both incomes are combined for affordability. If you earn £40,000 and your partner earns £35,000, lenders would assess you on £75,000 combined income. This could allow borrowing of £300,000-£450,000 depending on the lender.

How do debts affect how much I can borrow?

Outstanding debts reduce your borrowing power significantly. Monthly debt payments are deducted from your available income before calculating your mortgage amount. A £300/month car payment could reduce your mortgage by £50,000-£70,000.

Can I borrow more with a larger deposit?

Yes, a larger deposit gives you access to better rates and some lenders offer higher income multiples to lower-risk borrowers. With 40%+ deposit, some specialist lenders may offer up to 6x income. You also have more equity to absorb market fluctuations.

Quick Answer

How Much Can I Borrow for a UK Mortgage?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Typically 4-4.5x your annual income. A £50,000 salary could borrow £200,000-£225,000, rising to £300,000+ with specialist lenders.

UK mortgage lenders calculate borrowing using income multiples and affordability assessments. Standard high street lenders typically offer 4 to 4.5 times your gross annual income. For someone earning £50,000, that's £200,000-£225,000. However, specialist lenders and some building societies offer enhanced income multiples of 5x or even 6x for qualifying borrowers - professionals like doctors, solicitors, and accountants, high earners above £75,000, or those with substantial deposits. Your actual borrowing power also depends on your credit score, existing debts, monthly outgoings, and the size of your deposit.

These figures are estimates only. Your actual borrowing depends on individual circumstances and lender criteria. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.

Key Points

1Standard income multiple: 4-4.5x annual salary
2Enhanced multiples (5-6x) available for professionals and high earners
3Joint applications combine both incomes
4Existing debts significantly reduce borrowing power
5Larger deposits can unlock higher multiples
6Self-employed: based on net profit or salary + dividends

Eligibility Criteria

Stable employment or 2+ years self-employed accounts
Good credit history (no recent defaults or CCJs)
Manageable debt-to-income ratio
Sufficient deposit (minimum 5%, better rates at 10%+)
Pass lender's affordability stress test

Typical Timeframe

A mortgage agreement in principle (AIP) takes minutes online. Full mortgage applications typically take 2-4 weeks, though complex cases may take longer. Having documents ready (payslips, bank statements, ID) speeds the process.

Next Steps

1Use our mortgage calculator for a quick estimate
2Gather your payslips and bank statements
3Check your credit score before applying
4Speak to a mortgage adviser about your options
5Get an agreement in principle before house hunting

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Related Questions

Mortgage affordability explained

Use our mortgage calculator

First time buyer mortgages

Self-employed mortgage options

For more detailed information about this topic, visit our comprehensive guide:

Mortgage Affordability Hub

Jay Sabine

CeMAP Qualified

29 Years Experience

Content reviewed: 13 January 2026

Mortgage Borrowing by Income Level

Annual Income	Standard (4-4.5x)	Enhanced (5-6x)
£30,000	£120,000 - £135,000	£150,000 - £180,000
£40,000	£160,000 - £180,000	£200,000 - £240,000
£50,000	£200,000 - £225,000	£250,000 - £300,000
£60,000	£240,000 - £270,000	£300,000 - £360,000
£75,000	£300,000 - £337,500	£375,000 - £450,000
£100,000	£400,000 - £450,000	£500,000 - £600,000

Enhanced multiples typically require higher income, professional qualifications, or larger deposits. Figures are estimates only.

What Affects Your Borrowing Power?

Income & Employment

Basic salary (most weight)
Regular bonuses and commission
Overtime (varies by lender)
Second job income
Rental income from other properties

Monthly Outgoings

Credit card minimum payments
Loan repayments
Car finance/PCP agreements
Childcare costs
Student loan repayments

Deposit Size

5% - Limited lender choice
10% - Better rates available
15-20% - Sweet spot for rates
25%+ - Best rates tier
40%+ - May unlock higher multiples

Credit Profile

Credit score and history
Registered to vote
No recent defaults or CCJs
Low credit utilisation
Consistent address history