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House prices in the UK have been rising steadily for years, and securing a large enough mortgage can be a real challenge in today’s market.
Most high street lenders cap borrowing at around 4–4.5 times your salary, but for many buyers — especially in areas where property prices are high — that simply isn’t enough.
The good news is that it is possible to secure higher income multiples. At Strive Mortgages, we’ve helped hundreds of clients secure 5x, 5.5x, and even 6x income mortgages, giving them the borrowing power to buy the home they really want.
In this guide, we’ll explain how higher income multiple mortgages work, what you’ll need to apply, and how to get the best deal.
👉 See how we helped one client secure a mortgage at 5.5 times their income — unlocking the home they thought was out of reach – .How Strive helped Sophie secure a 5.5 x income Mortgage
What is a 5.5x salary mortgage?
A multiple for mortgage is a term used to refer to the amount of money a lender is willing to lend you based on your income.
Typically, lenders use a multiple of your income to determine how much they will lend you for a mortgage. The multiple is usually expressed as a number, such as 4.5 or 5 times your income.
For example, if you earn £40,000 per year and the lender is offering a mortgage at a multiple of 4.5 times your income, they may be willing to lend you up to £180,000.
At 5.5 times income, you may be able to borrow £220,000. The mortgage you can borrow to buy a property is combined with the deposit you can provide to make up the full purchase price.
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Can I get a mortgage five and a half times my income?
Mortgages with a loan-to-income ratio of 5.5 times or higher are generally reserved for those with higher incomes.
They are typically available to those earning over £75,000 – £100,000 per year, although it is still possible to borrow 5.5 times your salary on lower incomes.
If a borrower has of 5% or 10% deposit, they can usually borrow up to 4.5 times- 5 times.
For example, if someone earns £30,000 per year and has a 5% deposit, they could borrow up to £135,000 (4.5 x £30,000).
If a borrower has a deposit of 15% or more, they may be able to unlock higher income multiples. Whilst it is still possible to borrow more than 4.5 x income with less than 15% deposit, your options will be limited.
Each lender will have its own lending criteria and affordability assessments that take into account various factors beyond just the borrower’s income.
📊 How Much More Can You Borrow at 5.5x Income?
Here are some examples showing the difference higher income multiples can make:
| Annual Income | 5x Salary Mortgage | 5.5x Salary Mortgage | Extra Borrowing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| £25,000 | £125,000 | £137,500 | +£12,500 |
| £50,000 | £250,000 | £275,000 | +£25,000 |
| £75,000 | £375,000 | £412,500 | +£37,500 |
| £85,000 | £425,000 | £467,500 | +£42,500 |
| £100,000 | £500,000 | £550,000 | +£50,000 |
How does a 5.5x income multiple work if I want a joint mortgage?
If you are applying for a joint mortgage in the UK, the lender will typically use the income of both applicants to calculate the maximum amount that you can borrow.
The income multiple used by the lender will depend on a variety of factors, including your credit history, employment status, and overall financial situation.
How much deposit do I need for a 5.5 times income mortgage?
Whilst the minimum deposit to borrow 5.5 times your income is 5%, you will be very limited on options.
At the time of writing, only one lender will consider lending 5.5 times income with less than 10% deposit and this is only available for first time buyers. If you have 15% deposit you will have a lot more options.
How to improve your chances of getting a mortgage 5.5 x income
Focusing on these points can greatly improve your chances of getting a bigger mortgage:
- Shop around: It’s always a good idea to compare different lenders and mortgage products to find the one that best suits your needs. By shopping around, you may be able to find a lender that offers more favourable terms and conditions, which could help you get approved for a bigger mortgage.
- Improve your credit score: A good credit score is crucial to getting approved for a bigger mortgage. Take steps to improve your credit score, such as paying off outstanding debts, keeping your credit utilisation low, and making sure that all bills are paid on time.
- Put down a bigger deposit: A larger deposit can lower the amount you need to borrow, which may make it easier to get approved for a bigger mortgage. By putting down more money upfront, you may also be able to negotiate more favourable terms and conditions with the lender.
- Reduce your debts: Lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio when determining how much you can borrow. By reducing your debts, you can lower your debt-to-income ratio, which could increase your chances of getting approved for a bigger mortgage.
By focusing on these key areas, you can greatly improve your chances of getting a bigger mortgage.
5-Year Fixed Rate and 5.5x Income Mortgages
Some lenders will only consider offering higher income multiples if you commit to a 5-year fixed rate deal. Locking in for longer gives lenders more certainty over your repayments, which in turn allows them to stretch affordability further.
For example, Nationwide’s Helping Hand mortgage offers up to 5.5x–6x income, but only if you take out a 5-year fixed rate. Other lenders such as Halifax, Santander, and Barclays may also be more flexible when you fix for at least five years, often allowing you to borrow more than if you chose a 2- or 3-year product.
That said, this isn’t always the case — some lenders don’t link income multiples to fixed rate length. The key is knowing which lenders do, and how to match your circumstances to the right product.
Can I get a 5.5x salary mortgage with bad credit?
While it may be more challenging to find a lender that will offer a mortgage with a 5.5 times income multiple if you have adverse credit, it’s not impossible. There are lenders who specialise in offering mortgages to borrowers with bad credit, and they may be more flexible in their lending criteria than traditional lenders.
It is generally true that mortgage rates for individuals with bad credit may be higher than those with good credit. In addition, applying for a mortgage at 5.5 times your income may also result in a higher interest rate, as lenders may consider this level of borrowing to be high risk.
Can I get 5.5x income on an interest-only mortgage?
Yes — some lenders will allow 5.5x income on an interest-only basis. However, there are usually stricter criteria compared with repayment mortgages.
- Some lenders place caps on the maximum loan-to-income multiple for interest-only.
- You’ll typically need a larger deposit or equity stake (often 25%+).
- A clear, acceptable repayment strategy (such as investments, sale of another property, or bonuses) must be in place.
It’s not always straightforward, but it’s certainly possible — especially with lenders who are more flexible on higher-income multiples.
Which Mortgage Lenders Offer 5.5x Income?
Not all lenders stretch to 5.5x income, but several high street names do — especially for first-time buyers on fixed rates. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Lender | Max Income Multiple | Who Qualifies | Notes |
|---|
| Nationwide | Up to 6x | First-time buyers, 5-year fixed | Branded as “Helping Hand” mortgage |
| Leeds BS | Up to 5.5x | First-time buyers, 5-year fixed | Selective, stricter criteria |
| Halifax | Up to 5.5x | Professionals & higher earners | Case-by-case assessment |
| HSBC | Up to 5.5x | Stable employment & good credit | Deposit and term affect max multiple |
| NatWest | Up to 5.5x | First-time buyers & employed | Strong affordability required |
| Barclays | Up to 5.5x | Mainly professionals & higher earners | Flexible, but criteria apply |
| Santander | Up to 5.5x | First-time buyers & higher income | May require larger deposits |
Can I get 5.5x income as a first-time buyer?
Yes — some lenders do offer 5.5 times income mortgages for first-time buyers. Examples include Nationwide’s Helping Hand Mortgage, Leeds Building Society, and Halifax.
In fact, in many cases first-time buyers can access more generous affordability checks than existing homeowners, as certain lenders design these higher income multiple products specifically to help new buyers onto the ladder.
What are the interest rates for 5.5x income mortgages?
The interest rates on 5.5x income mortgages are usually not much higher than those offered at lower income multiples. The bigger factor is the deposit size:
- 5% deposit – tends to come with the highest rates.
- 10% deposit – unlocks noticeably better deals.
- 15%+ deposit – usually secures the most competitive rates.
Lenders typically improve rates at these deposit thresholds.
Professional mortgages (such as those for doctors, solicitors, or accountants) can sometimes carry slightly higher rates, as they are more bespoke products, but they also allow higher borrowing.
Can older borrowers get a mortgage 5.5 times their income?
It’s possible for mortgages for older borrowers to get a mortgage at 5 times their income in the UK, but it may be more difficult than for younger borrowers.
Lenders are required to assess a borrower’s ability to repay the loan, and for older borrowers, this may be more challenging if they are nearing retirement age or have retired already.
In recent years, many mortgage lenders in the UK have become more flexible and have started to consider lending to older borrowers, with some even extending the maximum age at the end of the mortgage term to 75 or even 80 years old.
This increased flexibility can help with affordability for older borrowers, as it allows them to spread the cost of the mortgage over a longer period of time.
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Is there a minimum income for a 5.5x income mortgage?
It depends on the lender. Some lenders set minimum income requirements for 5.5x income mortgages, while others do not. Naturally, borrowers with higher salaries (for example, £75,000 or £100,000+) are more likely to qualify, as affordability looks stronger.
For first-time buyers, lenders like Nationwide’s Helping Hand mortgage set clear thresholds — a minimum of £30,000 for sole applicants or £50,000 for joint applicants. Meeting these income levels is key to accessing their 5.5x–6x borrowing products.
What Income Can Be Used for a Mortgage?
Base salary & allowances
- Base salary is always used at 100%.
- Fixed allowances (car, shift, location) are usually accepted at 100% too.
Bonuses, commission & overtime
- Some lenders use 100% of this income if it’s regular.
- Others only take 50–75%.
- Many average variable income over 3–24 months to smooth out fluctuations.
For more detail, see our guides:
Can self-employed borrowers get a 5.5x income mortgage?
Yes — in principle, self-employed borrowers can secure a mortgage at 5.5x income, provided they can show stable and consistent earnings. While some lenders restrict these deals to PAYE applicants, others are open to self-employed clients on the same terms.
The main challenge is how income is assessed. Many self-employed applicants run their business in a tax-efficient way, meaning taxable income can look lower than their real earnings. For example, claiming significant expenses may reduce the figure a lender uses in affordability checks.
That said, with the right documentation — such as 2–3 years of accounts, SA302s, and evidence of steady or rising profits — self-employed borrowers can access the same high-income multiple products as employed applicants.
Can I get a 6x income mortgage?
Yes — in some cases, lenders will stretch to 6x income, especially for first-time buyers and certain professionals.
For example, Nationwide’s Helping Hand mortgage can offer up to 6x income for eligible first-time buyers who take a 5-year fixed rate. Other specialist lenders may also consider it depending on your circumstances.
👉 See our full guide here: Can You Get a Mortgage 6 Times Your Income?
Professional mortgages at 5.5–6x income
Some careers come with strong projected earnings, which means certain lenders are willing to offer higher income multiples. These are often called professional mortgages.
Lenders such as Metro Bank, Co-operative Bank, Virgin Money, and Clydesdale will consider 5.5x to 6x income for applicants in professions like medicine, law, accountancy, and other recognised fields.
👉 Find out more in our guide: Mortgages for Professionals
How can Strive Mortgages help?
How Strive Helps You Secure a 5.5x Income Mortgage
At Strive Mortgages, we’ve helped thousands of happy clients secure high income multiple mortgages, including 5.5x income deals. Here’s how we make it happen:
✅ Finding the right lenders
Not all lenders are open to 5.5x income mortgages. We know exactly which ones are — and we’ll match you with the best fit for your circumstances.
✅ Strengthening your application
We’ll guide you on how to present your income, deposit, and credit history in the best light. A strong application makes a big difference to how much you can borrow.
✅ Negotiating better terms
We speak to lenders on your behalf, negotiating rates, terms, and fees to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.
✅ Expert, personal advice
We’ll explain the mortgage options available, the pros and cons of each, and which route is right for you. From legal fees to surveys, we’ll prepare you for every cost along the way.
✅ Managing the process for you
From paperwork to lender conversations, we handle the entire application from start to finish — keeping things smooth, stress-free, and on track.
With Strive in your corner, you’ll have the best chance of securing the mortgage you need at 5.5 times your income.
Speak to an advisor today, to lock you in with the best deal.
Jamie Elvin
Jamie is an expert in all things mortgages, and our most experienced broker. Connect with Jamie and get started to see how Strive Mortgages can help you.
