How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage in 2025?
One of the first questions people ask when thinking about buying a home is:
“How much can I actually borrow?”
The answer depends on a few key things — and while online calculators give a rough idea, there’s much more to it. In this blog, we’ll explain how lenders work out what you can afford in 2025, and how to make the most of your borrowing power.
What Do Lenders Look At?
Lenders want to make sure you can afford your mortgage, both now and in the future. They look at:
- Your income (wages, bonuses, benefits, rental income, etc.)
- Your outgoings (credit cards, loans, childcare, subscriptions, etc.)
- Your credit history
- The size of your deposit
- How long you want the mortgage term to be
A Rough Guide to Borrowing Limits
As a general rule, lenders might offer between 4x and 5.5x your income — but this isn’t guaranteed.
Example:
If you earn £40,000 a year, you might be able to borrow between £160,000 and £220,000, depending on the lender and your circumstances.
Couples applying together can often combine their incomes to borrow more.
Why Two People on the Same Salary Might Get Different Offers
It’s not just about income — lenders also look at:
- Credit scores
- Debt levels
- Number of dependents
- Job type or contract status
- Spending habits from your bank statements
That’s why it pays to speak to a mortgage adviser — we know which lenders are more flexible and can give you a clearer, more personal picture.
How to Maximise What You Can Borrow
Want to increase your chances of borrowing more?
- Pay down debts before you apply
- Keep your credit score healthy
- Avoid taking out new credit (like car finance or Klarna)
- Limit large, unusual spending in the 3 months before you apply
- Save for a bigger deposit — the higher it is, the more options you’ll have
Affordability vs Reality
Just because a lender can offer you a certain amount, it doesn’t mean you should borrow it.
We’ll help you figure out:
- What’s comfortable for your monthly budget
- How future rate changes might affect you
- What term length works best for you (e.g. 25, 30 or 35 years)
Let’s Work It Out Together
At The Mortgage Lodge, we make sense of the numbers. We’ll help you find out exactly what you can borrow — and what feels right for your lifestyle.
Speak to us today for clear, honest advice (and no guesswork).