Affordability

In this section we cover:

Maximum borrowing is based on individual affordability. The actual income multiple will vary depending on the application. We take a range of factors into account to determine how much your client can borrow and the minimum affordable term. We aim to ensure your client has enough income remaining after mortgage repayments to cover their outgoings.

Extra help with affordability

Depending on your client’s circumstances, we may be able to lend more when you choose a 5-10 year fixed rate mortgage.


  • Minimum income of £40k for a sole applicant or £70k for joint applicants
  • Employed or self employed
  • House Purchase (Home Movers) and Remortgage clients
  • Applications for second properties:
    • if an existing property remains in the background and
    • the new property will be the main residence.

Meeting the criteria doesn't mean we'll always be able to offer extra help. We will not accept:


  • Applications in conjunction with any Scheme or Non Standard Ownership type (such as Shared Ownership or Right to Buy)
  • Interest only
  • Porting
  • All other applications for second properties, including:
    • holiday homes
    • dependent relative
    • work related

We also offer a Helping Hand exclusively for first time buyers.

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Next steps

  1. Check the affordability calculator

    If the affordability calculator result for your client says we might be able to lend more with a 5 or 10 year fixed rate, log in to NFI Online to complete a Decision in Principle (DIP).

    Calculate affordability

  2. Complete a Decision in Principle (DIP)

    In the DIP, choose a Fixed Rate (5 years or more) on the 'Product Type' question in Loan Requirements.

    Log into NFI Online

  3. Unaffordable?

    If you key a DIP on a standard lending basis but this is unaffordable, you'll have the option to resubmit on a 5 or 10 year fixed rate.

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Stress testing

As part of the Decision in Principle we'll conduct a stress test on all applications. This is part of our affordability assessment.

It may be possible for our affordability decision to change between DIP and Reserve Product if your client does not meet our affordability criteria after the additional stress testing has been applied.

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Top tips on affordability

  • Ask your client to provide their income proofs up front. Before you submit their application, ensure they match the income they've declared.
  • Check for any further expenditure or outgoings.
  • Does your client have unsecured debts that will take more than six months to pay off? This could impact their application.
  • Make sure you enter your client’s outgoings accurately at every stage of keying.
  • If the application is unaffordable and you choose to proceed in order to appeal, the decision will be a decline.
  • If a joint application is declined, you cannot re-apply with the same clients individually. We may only accept subsequent applications from either of the individuals if there is no longer any connection between them.
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