What's the minimum salary to get a mortgage?

There's no official minimum, but practically you'll need enough income to cover mortgage repayments after living costs. Some lenders accept incomes as low as £10,000–£15,000, particularly for shared ownership.

Can I get a mortgage with benefits income?

Some lenders will consider certain benefits — child benefit, working tax credits, universal credit, disability benefits — as part of your income. Not all lenders accept all benefits, so specialist advice is essential.

Should I buy with someone else?

A joint mortgage combines both incomes, dramatically increasing borrowing power. You can buy with a partner, family member, or friend. Some lenders also offer guarantor mortgages where a family member supports your application.

Low Income Mortgages

A lower salary doesn't mean homeownership is out of reach. We'll find lenders, schemes, and strategies to help you buy your first home or remortgage affordably.

Can You Get a Mortgage on a Low Income?

If you earn under £25,000 per year, getting a mortgage can feel daunting — but it's absolutely possible. The amount you can borrow is typically 4–5.5× your income, so a salary of £20,000 could mean borrowing £80,000–£110,000. Combined with government schemes like Shared Ownership, a joint mortgage, or a guarantor mortgage, homeownership is within reach. Our first-time buyer service is designed to help people in exactly this situation.

Specialist lenders who focus on affordability, not just salary
Government schemes: Shared Ownership, First Homes, Help to Buy ISA
Joint applications to combine incomes
Higher income multiples available (up to 5.5×)
100% fee-free advice

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Tell us about the property

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Property Value (£) *

Deposit Amount (£)

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

How Much Can You Borrow?

On a salary of £20,000, most lenders will offer £80,000–£90,000 (4–4.5× income). Some specialist lenders offer up to 5.5× income for certain professions, meaning you could borrow up to £110,000. Joint applications combine both salaries, significantly increasing your borrowing power.

Government Schemes for Low Earners

Shared Ownership lets you buy a 25–75% share of a property and pay rent on the rest — dramatically reducing the deposit and mortgage needed. First Homes offers 30–50% discounts to local first-time buyers. These schemes are specifically designed for people who can't afford to buy on the open market.

Reducing Outgoings to Improve Affordability

Lenders assess affordability by looking at your income minus committed outgoings (loans, credit cards, childcare). Paying off debts before applying can significantly increase how much you can borrow. Even small changes — like clearing a £100/month car loan — can add £20,000+ to your borrowing power.