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The amount you can borrow for a mortgage depends upon two factors :-
However how much it is wise to borrow may be very different.
Unless you are purchasing a house at a large and genuine discount to its market value the maximum loan is 100%, ( 105% at times, subject to the market ), of the purchase price or value, ( whichever is lower ).
In reality this means that only tenants under "right to buy" can borrow a lot more than the purchase price, and then it is normally expected that the extra will be spent on improvements to the property.
Be warned however, borrowing over 90% can be a very expensive business, involving high Mortgage Indemnity Guarantee premiums, and often a higher than usual interest rate.
Also be aware that the value of the property is that placed on it by the valuer, or the sale price, whichever is lower. Valuers are cautious people and may value a property at less than the asking price. This may make it hard to borrow the funds, but can be used to your advantage in negotiations. If the vendor really wants to sell they may drop their price.
Normally 3 times main salary plus second, or 2.5 times joint are the limits to borrowing. Other terms may be available from some lenders at some times.
*Only for people with reliably growing income, or where partners income is being ignored (bad credit history, lack of accounts etc, but where you know that you can rely on it). Normally only given on a case by case basis.
The lender wants to see that the incomes are stable or rising and ideally you will have been an employee for 2 years in a stable job.
Self employed and contractors should show three years accounts, and, unless a clear ( and continuing ) trend upwards is shown, your average earnings over this period will normally be used to define your income for mortgage purposes.
Those who cannot meet these requirements can expect a harder time raising the money, even if they can show good income. ( Though self employed without two years accounts should forget it, unless the self certification or non status route is open ).
One route open to those who want to borrow a modest percentage, ( 60-70%) is the Non Status or Self Certification route. In this system you declare that you can afford the mortgage. The lender is happy because if you cannot meet the repayments he can repossess, sell at cut price and still recover his money.