How Strive Secured a 6x Income Mortgage in Outer London with Just a 5% Deposit

The Challenge

Our client, a 29-year-old professional based in outer London, was earning £52,000 per year and looking to buy her first home. Like many buyers in London, her biggest hurdle wasn’t the deposit — she had saved a 5% deposit — but affordability.

When she approached high street lenders, most capped her borrowing at around 4.5x income. On her salary, that meant a maximum loan of £234,000. With property prices in her area averaging above £300,000, this fell well short of what she needed.

She was left frustrated, feeling that despite a strong salary, her options were limited.

The Solution

At Strive, we knew that some lenders take a more flexible approach, particularly under “Helping Hand” style products designed for first-time buyers. Instead of the standard 4.5x cap, these lenders can offer up to 6x income for applicants who meet the right criteria.

We reviewed her profile in detail:

• Salary: £52,000 PAYE
• Deposit: 5% (£15,800)
• Good credit history
• Intention to commit to a five-year fixed rate

This opened the door to a 6x income mortgage. At 6x, her maximum borrowing increased to £312,000 — a difference of almost £78,000 compared with the high street offers.

The Result

With Strive’s guidance, she was approved for a £312,000 mortgage at just 5% deposit. This made a huge difference:

• Instead of a one-bed flat, she was able to purchase a two-bedroom property in outer London.
• She chose to rent the second bedroom to a close friend, covering a large part of the monthly mortgage payment.
• Not only did this make her mortgage affordable, but she also created a small profit buffer each month.

What This Means

By securing a 6x income mortgage, our client didn’t just buy a property — she bought a home that fits her lifestyle and future plans. Without Strive’s specialist knowledge, she may have been stuck with smaller borrowing power and a less suitable property.

✅ Strive Difference:
We know which lenders go beyond the standard 4.5x income cap, and how to present applications in the best possible light. For our client, it meant turning a frustrating search into a success story.

👉 Thinking about buying in London or the South East and worried about affordability? Speak to Strive today to see if you could qualify for a 6x income mortgage. build purchase.

👉 Want to learn more? See our full guide on Mortgage 6 Times Income — including which lenders offer them, who qualifies, and how Strive can help maximise your borrowing.