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Written by:
Alison Gibson
Ascot Mortgage Expert
Last Updated:
16.12.2022
Written by:
Alison Gibson
Ascot Mortgage Expert
Last Updated:
16.12.2022
Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Use this calculator to determine how much you could potentially borrow for a mortgage, based on the typical salary multiples used by most UK lenders.
Get expert advice immediately if...
- You need to borrow more than 4.5 times your annual income
- You are only using one income on your application
- You earn income through sources such as Benefits, Commission or Rental income
- You consider yourself to be on ‘low’ income
If one or more of the above apply to you, it’s important to get expert advice before making an application. The right broker can help maximise your chances of approval based on your circumstance.
Over recent years, with mortgages being harder to obtain, there has been a new urban myth generating, namely that you need to be earning mega bucks to even dream of getting a toe on the property ladder.
That does not necessarily have to be the case: what lenders largely look for is a borrower’s ability to pay their mortgage, which means a low income mortgage can be a real possibility.
Of course, making sure that somebody can pay their mortgage is one thing, but the banks still need to calculate how much is the maximum they will be prepared to lend to each individual. The traditional figure used to be three times the main, or sole, applicant’s salary, but since the recession the borrower’s ability has been much more important, and this can also go in favour of the borrower, even if you are on a low income.
Using a mortgage broker to help you find the best mortgage for your situation. By using a broker not only will you be sure that you are borrowing the most that you can have, but also that you are working with the best lender for your circumstances. Using a broker also means that you are not running unnecessary applications, which can impact on your credit rating: critical at a time when mortgage lenders can be selective about who they lend to.
Traditional methods for working out your mortgage amount
Some lenders still work on the basis of four times a joint income, so if you earned £20,000 and your partner earned £10,000, you could potentially be able to lend £120,000. There is a little variation available in this calculation, where excellent credit ratings are rewarded with a bigger loan amount. For single applications, the amount that you can borrow can be up to five times your salary, so for those earning £20,000, then the figure could be £100,000.
Mortgages based on affordability
Other lenders calculate the amount based on affordability. This reflects much more the idea that, since the recession, simply looking at a piece of paper does not prove that an applicant can pay their mortgage. Lenders are now choosing to assess a person’s income and outgoings to determine if the person is able to pay their mortgage or not. This could either increase or decrease the actual amount you can borrow, but as some lenders are prepared to consider other forms of income towards your actual income, for example Child Maintenance payment, it is quite possible that your borrowing ability is better than first expected. Each lender is different which is why it is recommended that you speak to an experienced mortgage broker such as Ascot.
Ascot Mortgages can discuss these methods with you, and tailor your needs to the right lender. If you have low incomes, then it might be better to use the salary calculation, but if you have higher outgoings, or debts, then it might be more sensible to go with a lender who uses the affordability calculator.
- Mortgages for people on low incomes
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- Simple, fast, hassle-free service
- We will search across the market for you.
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FAQ
The loan to value (LTV) rate determines how much you can borrow. A lower LTV typically results in better interest rates and more choice of lenders for remortgaging, as it represents lower risk to lenders.
Yes, you can choose to remortgage with a different lender. However, this should be based on factors such as interest rates, fees, and the terms and conditions of the potential new mortgage. Contact us today and we can help you to find the best option to suit your needs.
Most lenders will require a valuation of your property when you remortgage to ascertain its current market value. Some lenders may use an automated valuation model instead of a physical appraisal. Need help navigating this? Reach us today to discuss your mortgage needs.
Yes, when remortgaging a solicitor is required for both the mortgage lender and the applicant. Some mortgage lenders offer mortgage products that have a free legal facility. They handle the legal paperwork and advise on potential issues.
The amount you can borrow with a remortgage depends on multiple factors including your income, outgoings, credit score, the value of your property, and the lender’s criteria. Easy contact us to discuss your remortgage borrowing capacity.
The remortgaging process typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks, but can be quicker or slower depending on your circumstances and the lender’s processes. For help in understanding what you can expect, contact us today!
To improve your chances of being accepted for a remortgage, maintain a good credit history, ensure your income is stable, and reduce your overall debt. It can also help to have a clear purpose for remortgaging. Need advice? Reach us today.
It is possible to remortgage with bad credit, but options may be limited and interest rates may be higher. Some specialist lenders provide services for people with poor credit histories.
Applying for a remortgage will likely require a credit check, which can leave a footprint on your credit file. However, the impact on your credit score is usually minimal and temporary.
If your remortgage application is rejected, seek to understand why. It could be related to your income, property value, or credit score. You may need to consider alternative lenders or improve your financial situation. Contact us today for a free consultation and guidance on your options.
Yes, self-employed individuals can remortgage. However, you’ll need to provide more evidence of your income, usually in the form of HMRC documents for the last two or three years. If you’re self-employed and considering remortgaging, feel free to reach out to us whenever you’re ready to discuss this further.
Seeking advice on remortgaging can be beneficial to understand the costs, benefits, and potential risks. Professional mortgage advisors can guide you to make the best decision based on your circumstances. Need professional advice? Easy reach us and we always here to help!
Yes, there are fees involved in remortgaging. These can include exit fees from your current lender, arrangement fees for your new mortgage, valuation fees, legal fees, and broker fees. It’s important to factor these in when considering a remortgage.
