How Much Can I Borrow?

Can I borrow on a mortgage if I have a poor credit history?

Yes. There are certain lenders that will lend to people who have poor credit histories. Speak to a broker and we can advise you on which lenders would be available to you.

Is there a maximum debt to income or DTI ratio that lenders consider?

Yes, some lenders do. It’s dependent on the lender and their specific criteria.

How does my existing debt such as student loans or credit card debt impact how much I can borrow?

Lenders will assess all outgoings and income to decide how much they deem affordable. Usually, the more outgoings you have, the less you can borrow. Speak to a broker – we can work it out for you and see exactly how much a lender would offer.

Are there any specific affordability assessments that lenders use to determine borrowing capacity?

All lenders have their own way of assessing affordability. When we see a lender with the best rate, we will check their affordability criteria. If they will deem it affordable to you, we’ll then send a quote with that lender.

Can I use a mortgage calculator to get an estimate of how much I can borrow?

Yes, some lenders will have a calculator on their website to advise roughly how much you can borrow. But I would advise speaking to a broker, because all lenders have different affordability rules. You may be able to borrow more with one lender than another. It will also save time, because your adviser will do all the work for you. 

What documentation do I need to provide to prove my income and expenses for mortgage borrowing?

For income, it’s payslips, P60s, and bank statements. You may need tax calculations and tax year overviews if you’re self-employed. With regard to expenses and outgoings, the lender will do a credit search and to see what you pay out to.

If you can have the documents all ready, that will help us a lot. We also have a link to get your credit report on our website. We may ask for that if we need it.

What steps can I take to increase how much I can borrow on a mortgage?

Clear any debts that you have – that’s the main one, if you can do that.

Are there any government schemes or support available to help me borrow more on a mortgage?

Not necessarily to help you borrow more, but there are different schemes that the government offers to help you buy a home. There’s the First Home scheme, shared ownership and other government schemes available.

Can I borrow more than the asking price of a property to cover additional costs?

A lender will not lend you more than the value of the property. If you have additional savings besides your deposit, you can use those to cover any additional costs. A lender wouldn’t let you borrow more than they believe the property to be worth.

Are there any specific rules or limits on borrowing for Buy to Let mortgages?

With Buy to Let mortgages, you usually need a 25% deposit. The affordability is generally worked out using the rental income rather than the person’s income. It’s a 75% Loan to Value, usually.

How can I improve my chances of getting approved for a higher mortgage amount?

Little or no outgoings may mean a higher borrowing amount.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with your mortgage repayments.