How Much House Can I Afford? A Realistic UK Guide

Most UK mortgage lenders will pre-approve you for more than you should actually buy. This guide separates what you can borrow from what you can comfortably live with for 25 years.

The 28/36 rule

Keep housing costs under 28% of your gross monthly income, total debt payments under 36%. On £6,000 gross monthly, that's £1,680 housing / £2,160 total.

What "housing costs" really means

Beyond the mortgage: council tax, buildings insurance, service charge if leasehold, and maintenance (roughly 1% of the home's value per year). A £1,500 mortgage payment can easily mean £2,000+ in real monthly cost.

Stress-test your budget

Before you commit, pay the proposed monthly amount into a savings account for three months. If you barely notice it, you're fine. If it pinches, you have your answer.

Run the numbers

Try our UK Mortgage Calculator or pick your exact loan amount on the amount hub.