UK Mortgage Affordability Calculator

The standard UK rule of thumb: maximum mortgage = 4.5× gross annual income.

Updated May 2026, using HMRC 2026/27 rates and current ONS / gov.uk figures.

FCA stress-test rules require lenders to assess affordability at 1% above their reversion rate. In practice this caps most borrowing at 4-4.5× income. Some lenders go to 5-6× for higher earners or specific schemes.

Worked examples

£40k income: £180k max (4.5x)

£60k income: £270k max

Joint £80k: £360k max

Sources: FCA mortgage affordability rules · retrieved 2026-05-12.

Frequently asked questions

Are there exceptions to 4.5x?

Yes — some lenders go higher for first-time buyers, professionals, and high earners. Specialist lenders sometimes 6×. Always shop around.

What about other debts?

Existing loans and credit-card balances reduce affordability. Lenders use ONS-based deduction tables for typical living costs too.