Can I afford a £700k house on a £90k salary in the UK?
At 7.8 times salary, a £700k property on £90k represents a serious borrowing stretch. However, buyers at this income level are starting to attract the attention of private banks and high-net-worth lenders, who apply different criteria than the high street. A clean financial profile, a 25–30% deposit, and ideally assets beyond your salary will all strengthen your case significantly.
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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You are in a strong affordability position compared to the UK average
Your income and disposable income are both above typical levels for UK buyers, giving you solid flexibility on housing, rent, and car choices.
Safe monthly disposable income
After expenses and debt, you have around £5,850 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 £443k 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 £389k and £496k
Recommended rent budget
Up to £2,625/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 £90.0k, that translates to a maximum mortgage of roughly £360k to £405k.
The £700k property: This home is 7.8 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: A deposit of 25–40% is typically required for properties at this price-to-income ratio.
Which lenders to approach: Private banks and high-net-worth mortgage specialists are likely your best route at this borrowing level.
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
Sarah and Paul — relocating from London, commuter belt
Sarah is a barrister earning £90,000 and Paul has recently left employment to start a business. They have £200,000 equity from their London flat and are targeting a five-bedroom house in a village near Oxford at £695,000. Paul's lack of income complicates the application.
With Paul counted out of the mortgage for now, Sarah applies as a sole borrower. Her £200,000 deposit leaves a £495,000 mortgage — 5.5× her income. A legal professional mortgage product specifically for barristers and solicitors offers up to 5.5× on employed income. She is approved. Paul plans to add himself to the mortgage when his business income has two years of accounts, at which point they could remortgage at a lower rate.
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