How lenders decide
Most lenders lend 4–4.5× household income, reduced for loans and credit cards, and check you could still afford payments if rates rose (often about 3 points above the product rate). The Bank of England limits high loan-to-income lending (over 4.5×) to a share of each lender’s new loans.
FAQ
How much can I borrow on £70,000?
Around £315,000 at 4.5× income with no other debts.
Sources (checked 6 Nov 2026): Bank of England FPC LTI flow limit; lender criteria.