Most lenders in the UK allow borrowing of around 4 to 5 times your annual income. Some specialist lenders, or certain professions, may be able to stretch a little higher. Remember, this is a starting point; your outgoings, credit history, and deposit size all play a role in the final figure.

Yes. A strong credit score reassures lenders that you’ve managed debt well in the past. It doesn’t just impact whether you’re accepted, it can also affect how much you’re offered and the rate you’ll pay. A poor score doesn’t necessarily mean no mortgage, but you may need to work with a specialist lender and accept a lower loan amount or higher rate.

Yes. A joint mortgage allows you to combine two incomes, which usually increases affordability. For many first-time buyers, this is the most straightforward way to boost borrowing power. The important thing to remember is that both applicants are jointly responsible for the repayments, if one person can’t pay, the other must cover it.

Yes. Lenders often review three months’ worth of bank statements. They’ll look for your essential spending (bills, food, travel), financial commitments (loans, subscriptions, childcare), and any patterns of discretionary spending. Occasional takeaways won’t harm your chances, but heavy overdraft use, gambling, or high-cost borrowing can raise red flags.