Mortgage Affordability Calculator

Before you start house-hunting, it helps to have a realistic idea of what you could borrow. This depends on your income, outgoings, deposit and credit history, and every lender applies its own criteria on top of that.

How affordability is worked out

Lenders typically start with a multiple of your gross annual income — often around four to four-and-a-half times for a single applicant, or based on combined income for joint applications — then adjust that figure based on your existing debts, monthly outgoings and credit history. The result is an estimate of how much you could be offered, not a guarantee.

What affects how much you can borrow

• Your income, including any second job, bonuses or commission
• Regular outgoings such as credit cards, loans and childcare costs
• Your credit history (£14.99 per month after the free 30-day trial; cancel at any time)
• The size of your deposit and resulting loan-to-value
• Whether you're applying alone or with someone else

For first-time buyers, a smaller deposit is often possible, though this generally means a smaller product choice and a higher rate. Home movers and those remortgaging may also be able to use existing equity to boost their deposit.

Next steps

An affordability estimate is a useful starting point, but the figure a lender will actually offer depends on a full assessment of your circumstances. Speaking to an adviser means you get a more accurate picture and can compare products from a comprehensive panel of 80+ lenders.

Speak to an adviser for a personalised affordability assessment, or browse our full range of mortgage calculators.