If you’re buying a home with someone else, you’re probably asking the big question: how much can we borrow for a joint mortgage? It’s a sensible starting point — and knowing your budget early on can save you time and stress later down the line.
In this article, we’ll break down how joint mortgage borrowing works in the UK, what lenders look at, and how to estimate what you might be able to afford.
What Is a Joint Mortgage?
A joint mortgage is when two or more people apply for a mortgage together. Most commonly, this is couples – whether married, in a civil partnership or simply living together – but you can also get a joint mortgage with a friend, sibling, or even a parent.
Everyone named on the mortgage is equally responsible for the repayments, and the lender will assess all applicants’ income when working out how much you can borrow.
How Much Can We Borrow Together?
Lenders in the UK typically offer between 4 and 4.5 times your combined income. So, if you and your partner earn £30,000 and £25,000 a year respectively, your total income is £55,000. You might be able to borrow up to around £247,500.
Some lenders may go up to 5 or even 5.5 times income, especially if you have a strong credit history, a solid deposit, and low outgoings — but this isn’t guaranteed and depends on your personal circumstances.
Here’s a rough guide:
| Combined Annual Income | Estimated Max Mortgage (4.5x) |
| £40,000 | £180,000 |
| £60,000 | £270,000 |
| £80,000 | £360,000 |
| £100,000 | £450,000 |
What Affects How Much You Can Borrow?
It’s not just about income. Lenders also consider:
Your credit score – missed payments or high debts could reduce your borrowing.
Monthly outgoings – car loans, childcare costs, credit cards, etc.
Deposit size – the more you put down, the better your chances.
Job security – permanent employment is usually viewed more favourably than freelance or temporary roles.
Age and term – younger applicants can often borrow over a longer period, which affects monthly payments.
Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common?
When buying together, you’ll also need to decide how to legally own the property.
- Joint tenants: You both own the whole property together. If one of you passes away, the other automatically inherits their share.
- Tenants in common: You each own a specific share of the property (e.g. 50/50 or 70/30), which can be left to someone else in a will.
This decision won’t impact how much you can borrow, but it does affect your rights and what happens if things change later.
Can a Joint Mortgage Improve Your Chances?
In most cases, yes. Having two incomes usually means you can borrow more, and it can also boost your chances of approval if one applicant has a stronger credit history or a larger deposit.
But keep in mind: if one of you has a poor credit score, it could bring down the overall application. It’s worth checking your credit reports before applying.
How to Check How Much You Can Borrow
Before putting in an offer on a property, it’s a good idea to:
- Use an online mortgage calculator – this gives you a quick estimate.
- Speak to a mortgage broker – they can check multiple lenders for you.
- Get a mortgage in principle – this shows estate agents you’re serious and gives you a clear borrowing limit.
So, how much can you borrow for a joint mortgage in the UK?
It depends on your combined income, financial situation, and the lender’s criteria. Most people can expect to borrow up to 4.5 times their joint income — but it always pays to shop around and get proper advice tailored to your situation.
Buying together is a big step, but with the right planning, it can help you get on the property ladder faster and more affordably.
FAQs
Yes, it’s possible, but it may limit how much you can borrow. Lenders usually focus on income when calculating affordability. If one applicant isn’t earning, the total borrowing amount will be based mainly on the working partner’s income. However, other factors like savings, benefits, and credit history still matter.
Ideally, yes. When you apply for a joint mortgage, both applicants’ credit reports are checked. If one of you has a poor credit history, it could reduce your borrowing amount or even lead to a declined application. It’s a good idea to check and improve both credit scores before applying.
Absolutely. Being married is not a requirement for a joint mortgage in the UK. Whether you’re in a civil partnership, long-term relationship, or even just friends, you can still apply together. Just make sure you agree how ownership will be split and consider a legal agreement like a deed of trust.
Not directly. Your deposit helps reduce the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which can lead to better mortgage deals or lower interest rates — but it doesn’t typically increase the maximum borrowing amount. That’s still mostly tied to your joint income.
Yes, some lenders allow up to four applicants on one mortgage. This could be friends buying together or family members helping out. With more incomes involved, the total borrowing potential may increase — but all applicants must be equally responsible for repayments.
If one party wants out, you’ll need to either sell the property, pay off the mortgage, or have the remaining person(s) buy them out. This usually involves a solicitor and possibly a remortgage. The lender will also reassess whether the remaining applicant can afford the loan on their own.
Yes. Even if you’re making all the repayments on time, being tied to someone else’s mortgage will show up on your credit file. Future lenders may take this into account when you apply for loans or credit, especially if you’re looking to borrow solo later on.
There are a few ways:
1. Reduce existing debts before applying.
2. Make sure both credit files are in good shape.
3. Consider a longer mortgage term (though this may mean paying more in interest over time).
4. Speak to a mortgage adviser to explore lenders who offer higher income multiples.
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