Mortgages Based on 4-4.5 Times Salary
BORROWING 4 OR 4.5×YOUR SALARY: A CLEAR MORTGAGE GUIDE
Do lenders offer mortgages with 4 or 4.5 times salary?
Lenders commonly offer mortgages at 4 to 4.5 times your gross annual income. For instance, on a £50,000 salary with a good credit score, it should be possible to borrow up to £225,000 (4.5×). It is really the most basic income multiple they offer, although borrowers still need to meet the lender's affordability rules to get a sufficiently large mortgage.
What influences how much you can borrow?
- Income multiple: The Basic rule is 4–4.5×—but high earnings, strong deposits, and a clean credit history will more than likely push it higher.
- Expenses and debts: Lenders consider your outgoings—any loans, credit cards, or other commitments can reduce your borrowing capacity. Credit cards, loans, school fees, and cars on finance reduce borrowing amounts.
- Deposit size: Larger deposits (20–30%) can improve your deal or support a higher multiple.
- Employment and credit history: Stable jobs and stable incomes help.
Aaron Strutt, product director at Trinity Financial, says: "The lenders have mortgage affordability calculators and income multiples to help out brokers determine how much our clients can borrow.
"If you are looking for a relatively small income mortgage and you have a good deposit, then you should have access to a range of competitively priced rates. Mortgage rates are getting cheaper at the moment, and there are lots of sub-4% fixes."
Table: Lenders Offering 4× and 4.5× Salary Borrowing
Here are examples of UK lenders who regularly offer income multiples in this range:
|
Lender |
Typical Multiple |
Notes |
|
Nationwide Building Society |
4.5× |
Standard offering for employed or self-employed clients with stable income. Up to 6 times the salary for first-time buyers. |
|
Barclays for Intermediaries |
4–4.5× |
High street lender, terms dependent on credit, deposit, and outgoings. Can lend up to 5.5 times salary. |
|
Santander for Intermediaries |
Up to 4.5× |
Common across high-street banks, subject to affordability checks. Can lend up to 5.5 times salary. |
|
HSBC for Intermediaries |
Up to 4.5× |
Known to be flexible for higher earners or substantial deposits. Can lend up to 5.5 times salary. |
|
Halifax for Intermediaries |
Up to 4.5× |
Wide availability; terms vary by applicant’s profile. Can lend up to 5.5 times salary. |
|
Metro Bank for Intermediaries |
Around 4.5× |
Offers higher multiples for strong profiles. Has a range of higher-income multiproduct products. |
|
Virgin Money for Intermediaries |
Around 4.5× |
Flexible on deposit size and credit history. Lends more to higher earners. |
|
Swansea Building Society |
Up to 4.5× |
Includes smaller mutual lenders offering comparable multiples. |
|
Specialist lenders lending more to “professionals” |
Up to 5.5× or higher |
Open to doctors, lawyers, vets—typically need proof of qualifications/income. Higher earners also qualify for income stretch mortgages. |
Joint Applicants and Income Multiples
With a partner, lenders will usually multiply both salaries by 4–4.5× combined—e.g. 2 × £50k = £100k income → up to £450k mortgage.
What You Need to Qualify
Income proof – payslips, tax returns (for self-employed).
Deposit – ideally ≥ 10%, often 15–20% to get more competitively priced rates.
Credit check – clean history avoids restrictions.
Affordability verification – lenders test your ability under a stress scenario.
How Much Could You Borrow For A Mortgage?
| Single or Joint Income | 4.5× Salary | 5× Salary | 5.5× Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| £55,000 | £247,500 | £275,000 | £302,500 |
| £65,000 | £292,500 | £325,000 | £357,500 |
| £75,000 | £337,500 | £375,000 | £412,500 |
| £95,000 | £427,500 | £475,000 | £522,500 |
| £110,000 | £495,000 | £550,000 | £605,000 |
| £130,000 | £585,000 | £650,000 | £715,000 |
| £140,000 | £630,000 | £700,000 | £770,000 |
| £150,000 | £675,000 | £750,000 | £825,000 |
| £200,000 | £900,000 | £1,000,000 | £1,100,000 |
Why Use a Mortgage Broker Like Trinity Financial?
- We have access to lenders that do not make it obvious they offer higher income multiples.
- Our brokers provide a tailored strategy based on your employment, credit, deposit, and debt profile.
- Streamlined applications to get offers up to 4.5×—or potentially more for professionals and higher earners.
Call Trinity Financial on 020 7016 0790 to secure a more generous mortgage, book a consultation, or complete our mortgage questionnaire.
The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.
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