Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Enter your income, deposit, and monthly commitments to get a maximum borrowing estimate and the highest property price you could afford. Includes LTV, payment as a share of take-home, and a stress test at 3% higher rate. No email address needed. Nothing uploaded.
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Affordability Estimate
This is an estimate based on standard UK lender criteria (4.5× income multiple, 40% affordability threshold). Actual lender decisions vary. This is not financial advice. Consult an independent mortgage adviser.
Learn more: UK mortgage affordability and lending limits
What actually limits your mortgage - two constraints
Two limits apply simultaneously. The income multiple cap (typically 4.5x salary) sets the hard ceiling. The affordability assessment - whether your monthly repayments are manageable as a share of net take-home - is often the binding constraint for people with significant debt commitments or higher interest rates. Most UK lenders will lend up to 4.5 times your gross annual income as a maximum. However, the actual limit also depends on your deposit size, monthly commitments (car finance, loans), and current interest rates.
The 4.5x income multiple and FCA affordability rules
UK lenders typically cap mortgage borrowing at 4 to 4.5 times the applicant's gross annual income. This is a regulatory guideline from the Financial Conduct Authority to prevent excessive borrowing. Some lenders will go to 5x income for high-income earners or professionals, but 4.5x is the standard starting point. Lenders must also check that you can afford your mortgage repayments if interest rates were to rise by 3% above the current rate (the stress test). If your monthly payment at the stress rate exceeds approximately 40-45% of your net income, lenders may reduce the maximum they will lend.
Joint applications and maximum borrowing
A joint application uses the combined income for the multiple calculation. Two applicants each on £35,000 can borrow up to 4.5 × £70,000 = £315,000, compared to £157,500 each separately. The calculator supports joint applications and shows your maximum property price given your deposit size and income constraints.
FAQ
How much can I borrow for a mortgage on a £50,000 salary?
Most UK lenders will lend up to 4.5 times your gross annual income as a maximum. On a £50,000 salary, that is up to £225,000. However, the actual limit also depends on your deposit size, monthly commitments (car finance, loans), and current interest rates. The affordability calculator accounts for all of these.
What is the 4.5x income multiple rule for mortgages?
UK lenders typically cap mortgage borrowing at 4 to 4.5 times the applicant's gross annual income. This is a regulatory guideline from the Financial Conduct Authority to prevent excessive borrowing. Some lenders will go to 5x income for high-income earners or professionals, but 4.5x is the standard starting point.
What is a mortgage stress test?
Lenders must check that you can afford your mortgage repayments if interest rates were to rise by 3% above the current rate. This is the stress test. If your monthly payment at the stress rate exceeds approximately 40-45% of your net income, lenders may reduce the maximum they will lend.