Buying guide

How much can I borrow for a mortgage?

Before looking for a home, you should calculate how much you can borrow and afford for a mortgage.

Gill South
Last updated: 27 August 2025 | 5 min read
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To estimate how much you can borrow for a mortgage, a rough guide is your gross salary multiplied by five. For a more accurate figure, use an online borrowing calculator, which considers your income, expenses, and dependents.

Lenders generally require a 20% deposit (10% for new builds) to secure the best rates. Your affordability is also crucial, with repayments typically ranging from 28-40% of your gross income. Your credit score and getting pre-approval will also influence your final borrowing amount.

What you’ll learn:

How much can I borrow for a mortgage?

How much of a mortgage can I afford?

How can I borrow as much as possible?

Regular income earners are treated differently to those that are self employed

Will pre-approval on a home loan tell me exactly what I can borrow?

How can my credit rating affect my ability to borrow for a mortgage?

Author

Gill South Gill South
Business and property journalist