Mortgage Affordability Calculator

Our mortgage affordability calculator will help you work out how much you can borrow. Just enter some basic financial details and let our calculator search over 50 lenders, giving you a quick borrowing estimate in seconds.

Fill in as many sections as you can. This makes the calculator’s results more accurate.

How to use our mortgage affordability calculator

There are 3 sections to complete. Fill in as much information as you can.

Property & Loan

This section relates to the property you wish to buy or remortgage. Put in the property value and the mortgage amount you need.

The calculator will work out the loan to value percentage. Choose whether it’s to purchase a home or to remortgage. Select the repayment method and mortgage term. 

Applicants

In this section you need to first select whether there is one borrower, or two. If you are buying with someone else then you will need their details as well.

The form asks about financial dependants, or children. Put in your full date of birth.

Income & Expenditure

Here you will be able to enter details about your employment status and income. You should always use gross (before tax) figures for your income.

If there are two borrowers then each will need to complete their own section.

The expenditure boxes are particularly important, as this affects your mortgage affordability status. Remember that all credit cards and loans etc will be noted on your credit file, and will be seen by the lender you eventually make an application with.

The results

Once the calculator has finished searching it will show you how much you could borrow up to. (These figures are not guaranteed).

The calculator uses both the income you have declared and the monthly expenses, to work out the maximum mortgage.

You then have the opportunity to make small adjustments to the loan amount and term etc.

Request Callback

If you would like to discuss your mortgage options then please complete this form and we will be in touch. The calculator will send us the mortgage details you have used, so they can be discussed.

Alternatively, give us a call on 020 8301 7930.

How much mortgage can I afford?

After calculating the maximum you could borrow, it’s important to consider if the monthly repayments are manageable for you. Our mortgage calculator will show you the monthly cost of a mortgage. You can see how this changes by altering the mortgage term and interest rate.

How much mortgage can I get?

Our calculation method mirrors the criteria mortgage lenders typically use.

However, lenders also consider:

• Your credit history: A stronger credit score enhances your prospects of securing better deals.
• Your existing debt levels.
• Expenditure on household necessities, including utilities, internet, and food.
• Spending on leisure and holidays.
• Proof of income through bank statements and payslips.

Getting a larger mortgage

If you find the borrowing estimate lower than needed, consider these options:

• Increasing your deposit: A larger deposit can extend your borrowing reach.
• Having a guarantor: Some mortgages allow guarantors in place of deposits.
• Use a mortgage broker: Brokers can identify lenders more likely to offer larger mortgages.

Our article How to increase your mortgage affordability explains this further.

Mortgage Affordability Explained

Mortgage affordability refers to the process lenders use to determine if you are capable of maintaining the monthly repayments for your proposed mortgage.

This assessment involves considering all aspects of your financial situation.

It includes a review of factors such as your age, employment type, income level, and your monthly expenditure. Lenders also examine the total sum you intend to borrow, assessing your ability to manage the repayments in the current financial climate and in scenarios where interest rates might rise.

The Underwriting Process Explained

Here’s what you need to know to be fully prepared.

As part of the application process, you’ll be required to send the lender evidence of your income. This usually means providing your payslips from the past three months, along with any additional income such as benefits, earnings from part-time work, or child maintenance payments.

For self-employed individuals, securing a mortgage is possible with the right documentation.

You’ll need to present proof of income from the last two complete tax years. This is a standard requirement for self-employed mortgage applicants, involving two years of accounts or tax returns. However, some lenders may accept one year’s accounts, depending on individual circumstances.

Your outgoings are also scrutinised, much like those of an employed applicant. This includes expenses such as credit obligations, Council Tax, and utility bills. For those seeking a self-employed mortgage, having your accounts and tax returns promptly updated is advisable.

Your credit history is another critical aspect regardless of your employment type. Any issues like bad credit, late payments, or existing loans will influence the amount you can borrow.

Improving Your Chances

To maximise your chances of securing mortgage approval, it’s wise to start by examining your credit report.

Accessing your credit history through agencies like Experian, which offer free services, allows you to spot and rectify any inaccuracies. Remember, even minor errors on your credit report can negatively impact your mortgage application.

Building up a really good deposit will significantly improve your mortgage prospects.

However, if you’re a first-time buyer or struggling to save for a large deposit, there are options.

Consider exploring shared ownership or shared equity schemes, or a guarantor mortgage, where a relative or friend agrees to cover your repayments if you’re unable to do so. 

Make sure you understand the loan to value ratio, or LTV.

This term refers to the ratio of your mortgage amount to the value of the property you wish to purchase. The lower your LTV, the more mortgage options you’ll have access to.