Mortgages & Money2 min check

Mortgage Affordability Calculator

Get an indicative range of how much you may be able to borrow. This is a guide only — actual lender decisions depend on credit, stress-tests and policy.

Short answer

UK lenders typically offer 4 to 4.5× annual income for sole applicants and joint income for couples, reduced by debt commitments and child costs. Your maximum mortgage = (combined gross income × 4.5) − annual debts × 5, with affordability stress-tested at ~3% above the product rate.

Step 1 of 20%

Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: Applicant 1 annual income, Applicant 2 annual income (optional), Total monthly committed outgoings (loans, credit cards, childcare), Number of dependants, Available deposit.
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Mortgages & Money. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

Primary sources and official verification

Use these official sources to verify current rules before acting. Coverage and dates can differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

See the sitewide source policy.

How it works

We multiply your combined gross income by 4.5 (a typical lender cap), then deduct an allowance for monthly debts and dependants. Adding your deposit gives the maximum property price you may be able to borrow against. Specialist lenders may go to 5–6× for high earners or professionals.

Worked example

Couple earning £40k + £30k = £70k joint, £200/m credit card, no kids, £30k deposit: 70,000 × 4.5 = £315,000 borrowing − affordability adjustment ≈ £305,000 + £30k deposit = £335k max property price.

Who should use this

•First-time buyers checking budget before viewings
•Movers calculating bigger property potential
•Couples comparing sole vs joint applications
•Self-employed people estimating borrowing range

Common mistakes

×Using gross income but forgetting student loan / pension deductions affect take-home affordability
×Ignoring the lender's stress test (rate +3%)
×Counting bonus / commission at 100% (most lenders use 50–60%)
×Forgetting deposit needs to cover stamp duty + fees too

Frequently asked questions

How much can I borrow on a £50k salary?▾

Typically £200,000–£250,000 (4–5× income), depending on outgoings, credit, and the lender's stress test.

Do lenders use gross or net income?▾

Gross (pre-tax) income for the income multiple, but they then affordability-test against your net take-home and outgoings.

Does Help to Buy still exist?▾

The Help to Buy equity loan closed in 2023. Shared Ownership and the Mortgage Guarantee scheme are still available for low-deposit buyers.

How much deposit do I need?▾

5% minimum, 10–15% for better rates. 25%+ unlocks the lowest rates.

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