Can I afford a £200k house on a £30k salary in the UK?
Of all the house price and salary combinations on this site, £200k on £30k is among the more manageable for a first-time buyer. Standard lending gives you up to £135,000 — so a deposit of around £65,000 bridges the full gap. That is a lot to save, but with family help or a longer savings runway it is genuinely achievable.
This is significantly above standard lending criteria. Consider a lower price or increasing your salary.
Based on typical UK tax bands and lending criteria. This is an estimate, not financial advice.
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Your affordability
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Your affordability is broadly in line with the UK average
You are well-positioned to afford a home, rent, or car within the typical UK range. Small improvements to expenses or savings will open up more options.
Safe monthly disposable income
After expenses and debt, you have around £1,350 left each month — with a 10% buffer built in for unexpected costs. This is comfortable for most people at this income level.
Home you could realistically afford
Around £173k is a realistic target based on your salary, savings, and outgoings. Outside London, this budget typically goes further.
Most UK buyers with a similar income typically purchase between £152k and £193k
Recommended rent budget
Up to £875/month keeps your finances healthy based on the 30–35% income rule. Anything above this may start to feel like a stretch.
Car finance calculator
Most cars in the UK are purchased using finance (PCP or HP), where buyers pay a deposit and a fixed monthly cost. This estimate gives a realistic guide based on typical finance rates (~8% APR).
How much you can comfortably pay each month
£200–£350/month is a sensible range for most UK buyers. This is what many people on a typical salary comfortably spend on a car.
Most UK car buyers use PCP or HP finance — affordability is based on monthly payments, not total price.
Outside London, this budget typically goes further. In London and higher-cost areas, affordability is usually 15–25% lower than these figures suggest.
Why this calculator is different
Most calculators show the maximum you can borrow. This tool focuses on what you can comfortably afford — based on real UK salaries, actual expenses, and everyday spending patterns.
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Based on typical UK tax bands and lending criteria. This is an estimate, not financial advice.
What the numbers mean for you
Standard lending multiple: Most UK mortgage lenders will lend between 4 and 4.5 times your annual salary. On a salary of £30.0k, that translates to a maximum mortgage of roughly £120k to £135k.
The £200k property: This home is 6.7 times your annual salary. This exceeds the standard lending multiple. You will need either a significant deposit or to explore specialist lending options.
Deposit strategy: You will likely need a deposit of 20–25% or more to meet lender requirements.
Which lenders to approach: Specialist lenders or a dedicated mortgage broker will be important in finding a suitable deal.
Other factors that affect lending: Credit score, employment type, existing debts, number of dependants, and monthly expenditure all influence what you can borrow. Speaking to an independent mortgage broker gives you the clearest picture of your real options.
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A realistic buyer scenario
Priya, 27 — NHS nurse, Nottingham
Priya earns £30,000 and has saved £40,000 over four years while renting. She has no debts and a clean credit file. A two-bedroom terrace in the Basford area of Nottingham is listed at £195,000. Her parents have offered a £15,000 gift, bringing her total deposit to £55,000 — around 28%.
With a £140,000 mortgage at 4.5× salary (£135,000 limit), Priya is just over standard multiples. However, because her deposit is strong and her outgoings are low, a building society offering 5× to NHS workers approves her application. Monthly repayments come to around £770 — comfortably below 30% of her take-home.
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