Most lenders will lend between 4 and 4.5 times your annual income, with some stretching to 5 times or, through certain schemes, 5.5 times or more for the right applicants. On a household income of £40,000 that is roughly £160,000 to £180,000 as a starting point. Your outgoings, credit history and choice of lender all affect the final figure. Speak to us for a reliable number.

Some lenders will lend 5 times income, and a few first time buyer schemes go higher still, up to 5.5 times or more, for applicants who meet the criteria. It usually depends on your income level, profession and overall affordability. As a whole-of-market broker we can identify which lenders offer higher multiples and whether you qualify.

Your deposit does not usually change the income multiple a lender will offer, but it does affect how much you need to borrow and the rates available to you. A larger deposit means a lower loan-to-value, which unlocks cheaper rates and can improve your affordability. Read our guide to how much deposit you need.

Most lenders start with your basic salary, but many will also include a proportion of overtime, bonuses, commission and shift allowance, and some count benefits or second jobs. How much of each they use varies a lot between lenders. Getting all your income presented correctly can add thousands to what you can borrow.

Yes. Lenders will typically want to see at least two years of accounts or tax returns, though some accept one year. As whole-of-market brokers we have access to lenders who are flexible with self-employed income, whether you are a sole trader, company director or contractor.

They can. Lenders factor your regular credit commitments into their affordability assessment, so loans, car finance and credit card balances can reduce what you are offered. Clearing a commitment before you apply can sometimes increase your borrowing by more than the balance you cleared. We will advise on what is worth doing first.

Options include buying with someone else, a joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage where a family member supports your application without owning the property, reducing your outgoings before you apply, or finding a lender that offers higher income multiples. The right route depends on your circumstances, and we will talk you through them.