There is more than one answer to this question.
Certainly, in the past, it was possible to borrow more than you might actually be able to afford. However, since 2008 new mortgage lending criteria has been introduced in order that affordability is properly tested by various stress analysis calculations based on theoretical increases in interest rates or loss of overtime or other income.
This all sounds very technical but the upshot is that a mortgage lender will look at several things when deciding how much you can borrow. These will include assessments based on;
- What is the Loan to Value Ratio? In other words how big a deposit can you put down. Most lenders want to see 5 - 10% deposit as a bare minimum.
- What element of disposable income does your household have after basic monthly expenditure and how much income is dependent on variables (i.e. a second income or bonuses and overtime).
- How big an effect will a notional increase in interest rates have on the monthly repayment and can your household afford this increase?
- How much can you borrow based on the lender’s criteria. Most mortgage lenders have fixed criteria based on a multiplier of the household’s main income. Others will allow for a smaller multiplier on a second income in the household.
Most lenders have an “Affordability Calculator” to help you work this out, but it In conclusion, it is impossible to offer a comprehensive answer here unless we have all of your information. This is one of the primary reasons why employing an independent mortgage advisor is so important.
For an obligation-free consultation and informal chat, contact our team of mortgage advisers in Maidenhead on 01628 507477.
Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide
Recent posts
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
The Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey, has advised that, due to the “very big energy shock” the economy is facing, they won’t be in a rush to increase UK interest rates.
Many homeowners don’t realise that a simple act or oversight could invalidate their home insurance policy. Home insurance is essential in protecting your most valuable assets; however, it is important to understand what affects your cover to ensure you are fully protected.
In certain areas, impressive views are one feature that buyers are willing to pay price premiums of more than 30 per cent.
The UK mortgage market is seeing lenders withdraw deals and hike mortgage rates amid the escalation of conflict in Iran. This isn’t great news for borrowers, with the average rate for a two-year fixed deal sitting above 5%.
Statistics now show that those looking to purchase a property would have to save a deposit bigger than their annual gross pay.
Analysis from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) shows that those looking to buy their first home could face a sharp increase if house prices follow the latest predictions, as Coventry Building Society suggests.
According to Zoopla, four in 10 homes are now cheaper to buy with a mortgage than to rent due to lower-cost mortgages - a sign that ownership is becoming more affordable.
More information
Trusted by
