About this calculator
This calculator gives a planning reference for how much you might borrow, using common income multiples, then lets you test the monthly payment against your own budget.
It is not a lending decision. Lenders assess income, spending, credit history and stress-test rates.
How the calculation works
Income multiples: combined gross income × 3.5, 4 or 4.5. Adding your deposit gives an indicative property range.
Budget check: take-home − debts − childcare − essentials − other commitments − buffer = monthly amount for a mortgage. We convert that to a loan at the rate and term you choose.
Worked examples
Single buyer earning £40,000
4.5× gives £180,000 of borrowing. With a £25,000 deposit, a property around £205,000.
Couple earning £35,000 and £30,000
Combined £65,000: £227,500 to £292,500 of borrowing.
Salary needed for a £250,000 mortgage
At 4.5× you'd need about £55,556 of combined gross income.
What changes the result?
- Combined income.
- Deposit size.
- Monthly commitments such as loans and childcare.
- Lender stress-test rate.
Common mistakes
- Treating 4.5× as a guarantee.
- Forgetting buying costs — use the cost of buying calculator.
- Borrowing to the limit with no buffer.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I borrow?
Many lenders lend around 4–4.5× income, some more or less. Your own budget matters just as much.
Is 4.5× income a legal cap?
No. The Bank of England limits how many high-multiple loans lenders make, not what one person can borrow.
Do lenders use gross or take-home pay?
Multiples use gross income; affordability checks look at your actual spending.
Does a second applicant help?
Their income is usually added, but so are their commitments.
Why are there two figures?
Income multiples and budget capacity answer different questions. We keep them separate on purpose.