Myth Buster: "I Can Only Borrow 4 or 5 Times My Income"

Many buyers are told there’s a hard limit on how much they can borrow - usually around four or five times their salary. Once they hear that figure, they assume their budget is fixed and start lowering expectations.

The truth? In the right circumstances, some borrowers can access mortgages of up to 7 times their income.

At Endurance Mortgages, we help clients understand what’s actually possible - and when higher income multiples may apply.

Where the Myth Comes From

Most high-street lenders use a standard affordability model. This often caps borrowing at around 4 to 4.5 times income.

That works for many people - but it’s not the full picture.

Some lenders will go higher when the application is strong, stable, and low risk. This is where specialist and professional-focused lenders come in.

Who Might Qualify for Higher Income Multiples?

Borrowing up to 6 or even 7 times income isn’t for everyone, but it is achievable for some borrowers, particularly those with:

• Strong, stable income

• Good credit history

• Low existing debt

• Larger deposits

• Secure or high-demand professions

• Clear affordability after stress testing

In many cases, higher multiples are available to:

• First-time buyers with strong earnings

• Professionals (such as doctors, accountants, engineers, or solicitors)

• Dual-income households

• Buyers with future earning potential

• Applicants with low monthly outgoings

Each lender has different rules - and that’s where expert advice matters.

Why Your Bank Might Not Mention This

Most banks will only show you what they offer. If their policy caps borrowing at a certain level, that’s all you’ll hear - even if other lenders would lend more.

That doesn’t mean the higher borrowing option doesn’t exist. It just means it’s not available there.

Why a Broker Makes the Difference

At Endurance Mortgages, we don’t start with one lender - we start with you.

We look at:

• Your income structure (basic, bonus, commission, dividends, profit)

• Your deposit and credit profile

• Your monthly commitments

• Your long-term affordability, not just headline figures

Then we match you with lenders whose criteria fit your situation - including those that offer higher income multiples, where appropriate.

Is Borrowing More Always the Right Choice?

Higher borrowing can help you:

• Buy in a better area

• Avoid compromising on property size

• Secure a longer-term home

• Compete in a strong market

But it’s not about borrowing the maximum at all costs. It’s about borrowing responsibly, in a way that still feels comfortable month to month.

That’s why advice matters just as much as access.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been told your borrowing power is limited, it may not be the full story.

Key takeaways: ✓ Some lenders offer up to 7x income in the right cases ✓ Eligibility depends on income, stability, deposit, and affordability ✓ One lender’s limit isn’t the market’s limit

If you’re curious about how much you could really borrow, speak to Endurance Mortgages for a clear, expert assessment - and an honest answer tailored to you.

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Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. Some Buy to Let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.

Endurance Mortgages Ltd is an appointed representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales no. 15060351. Registered Address: Worting House, Church Lane, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG23 8PX.