Free Online Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Estimate your borrowing power and maximum property price based on your income, deposit, and monthly financial commitments.
Calculate Your Borrowing Power
Enter your financial details below. The calculator uses standard UK lending multiples to estimate how much a lender might be willing to offer you.
Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Income, debt, and deposit analysis
Your Affordability Estimate
Based on standard UK lending criteria
How to Use This Calculator
Understanding your budget is the most important first step in the home-buying journey.
Enter Your Income
Input your total annual gross income before tax. If applying jointly, you can enter your combined household income.
Add Debts & Deposit
Enter your regular monthly debt repayments and the total cash you have available for a house deposit.
Review Your Results
The calculator instantly estimates your maximum borrowing limit, total property budget, and expected monthly repayments.
UK Lending Guidelines
While every lender has its own criteria, most follow these general rules of thumb for affordability.
| Borrower Type | Typical Income Multiple | Minimum Deposit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Applicant | 4.0x – 4.5x | 5% – 10% | Standard high-street lender criteria |
| Joint Applicants | 4.0x – 5.0x (combined) | 5% – 10% | Some lenders offer up to 5.5x for high earners |
| First-Time Buyer | 4.5x | 5% (Help to Buy schemes) | Stricter affordability checks on disposable income |
| Self-Employed | 4.0x – 4.5x (avg. net profit) | 10% – 15% | Usually requires 2-3 years of certified accounts |
| Buy-to-Let | 125% – 145% of rental income | 20% – 25% | Based on projected rental yield, not personal income |
Mortgage Affordability FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about borrowing power and mortgage applications in the UK.
UK lenders typically use an income multiple, most commonly 4.5 times your annual gross income. They will then subtract any existing monthly debt commitments (like loans, credit cards, or child maintenance) and assess your essential living costs to determine your maximum borrowing limit.
Your deposit does not directly increase the multiple of your income that a lender will offer. However, a larger deposit reduces the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, which can unlock lower interest rates and make you a more attractive borrower, indirectly improving your overall affordability.
Lenders typically consider your base salary, regular overtime, bonuses, and commission. If you are self-employed, they will usually look at your net profit over the last 2-3 years. Some lenders may also consider rental income or certain state benefits.
Monthly debt commitments reduce your disposable income. Lenders will deduct these payments from your affordability calculation, which can significantly lower the maximum amount they are willing to lend you. Paying off small debts before applying can improve your borrowing power.