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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Determining your mortgage borrowing power is a crucial first step before house hunting. A rough guide is to multiply your gross annual income by five.

Lenders typically require a 20% deposit, which helps you secure better rates and avoid low-equity fees. They assess your affordability based on income, expenses, dependents, and your credit score. A score over 700 is viewed favourably.

While pre-approval provides a strong framework, the final loan amount depends on the specific property. Using a mortgage broker can help you navigate different lender policies.

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