More Lenders Slash Income Barriers

Caz Blake-Symes • August 11, 2025

Article taken from our July Newsletter


First-time buyers across the country are set to benefit as a growing number of high street lenders follow Skipton Building Society’s lead in lowering the income required to borrow more against your salary.


Just days after Skipton announced it would cut its minimum income threshold for higher loan-to-income mortgages from £50,000 to £40,000, Nationwide and Yorkshire Building Society have rolled out similar reforms 1. The changes are set to make it easier for thousands more people to step onto the property ladder, as the market responds to calls from the Prudential Regulation Authority to boost support for new buyers.


Nationwide Expands High-Income Lending

Nationwide, Britain’s largest building society, now allows sole first-time buyers earning just £30,000 to access its flagship Helping Hand mortgage deals. Previously, the income requirement stood at £35,000. For joint applicants, the minimum combined income has dropped from £55,000 to £50,000. These mortgages allow borrowing up to six times your salary, subject to affordability checks, opening the door for many who would previously have fallen short.


Henry Jordan, director of home at Nationwide, said that these changes are expected to help at least 10,000 extra first-time buyers this year. He added that the building society acted quickly in response to the regulator’s announcement, confident it will make a real difference to buyers facing high house prices 2.


Yorkshire Building Society Follows Suit

Yorkshire Building Society and its specialist lending arm, Accord Mortgages, have also reduced the minimum income needed for their high loan-to-income deals. Borrowers now need an income of only £50,000 to access five-times income mortgages, down from £75,000. These products are now available at up to 95 per cent loan-to-value, giving a significant boost to those with smaller deposits3.

Earlier this year, Yorkshire also eased its interest-rate stress test, allowing customers to borrow more while still meeting responsible lending standards4.


Why Are Lenders Making These Changes?

The shift comes after the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority relaxed the rules for lenders. Previously, high loan-to-income lending was capped at 15 per cent of new mortgages. Now, as long as lenders meet strict overall lending standards, they can apply to lend more at higher income multiples. The move is aimed at helping first-time buyers, who have seen average house prices rise far faster than wages in recent years.


Mortgage advisers are welcoming the news, with many saying the reforms will make homeownership more realistic for those who might have been stuck renting otherwise. However, all lenders insist that proper affordability checks will remain, and urge buyers to seek advice to ensure they are not overstretching themselves 5.


What Does This Mean for You?

If you have been struggling to save a large deposit or have just missed out on borrowing enough in the past, these new rules could make a real difference. Whether you are a single buyer or purchasing as a couple, it is now easier to access higher loan amounts with a lower income, provided you can demonstrate you can afford the repayments.


Mortgage brokers say that with more lenders offering flexible deals and higher income multiples, now is an excellent time for first-time buyers to review their options and get professional advice.


The Bottom Line

The high street mortgage market is opening up for first-time buyers, with Skipton, Nationwide and Yorkshire Building Society leading the way. These changes could help thousands more people achieve their dream of homeownership this year.


If you are considering buying your first home or want to know how much you could borrow, now is the time to speak to Russell Green for expert guidance.

 

How to Contact Russell Green

Tel 01934 442023

Email russell@swmortgages.com

Complete a form via our website www.westonmortgagesonline.com


Our initial mortgage consultation is free and with no obligation; should you proceed to an application, there will usually be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances, but will range from £ 290 to £490, and this will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.

‌Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

 

 References:

Mortgage Finance Gazette. (2025). Skipton BS lowers high LTI thresholds to £40,000 from £50,0000   – Mortgage Finance Gazette. [online] Mortgage Finance Gazette. Available at: https://www.mortgagefinancegazette.com/market-news/skipton-bs-lowers-high-lti-thresholds-to-40000-from-500000-21-07-2025/ [Accessed 23 Jul. 2025].

Nationwide Building Society Media Centre. (2025). Nationwide expands first-time buyer mortgages support after regulator relaxes high loan-to-income rules. Available at: https://www.nationwidemediacentre.co.uk/news/nationwide-expands-first-time-buyer-mortgages-support-after-regulator-relaxes-high-loan-to-income-rules [Accessed 23 Jul. 2025].

Mortgage Solutions. (2025). Yorkshire BS enhances FTB support following LTI limit changes from regulator. [online] Mortgage Solutions. Available at: https://www.mortgagesolutions.co.uk/news/2025/07/15/yorkshire-bs-enhances-ftb-support-following-lti-limit-changes-from-regulator/ [Accessed 23 Jul. 2025].

Financial Reporter (2025). YBS and Accord enhance high-LTI offering following limit changes. Financial Reporter. Available at: https://www.financialreporter.co.uk/ybs-and-accord-enhance-high-lti-offering-following-limit-changes.html? [Accessed 23 Jul. 2025].

Reuters (2025). UK banks can increase riskier mortgage lending, BoE says.Available at: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/uk-banks-can-increase-riskier-mortgage-lending-boe-says-2025-07-09/ [Accessed 23 Jul. 2025].

 

All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 31st July 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

 

Please be aware that by clicking on to any of the above links you are leaving our website. Please note that neither we nor HL Partnership Limited are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.

 

By Caz Blake-Symes August 7, 2025
The Bank of England cuts interest rates from 4.25% to 4%, with effect from today, 7 August 2025. It's the Bank's fifth cut since last August, and takes the cost of borrowing to its lowest level for more than two years
By Caz Blake-Symes August 5, 2025
We are delighted with the fantastic 5-star Google Reviews that we have received over the past two months This takes us to 30 5-star Google reviews! Thank you so much to each client who has taken the time to leave this positive feedback. It means so much to the team
By Caz Blake-Symes July 22, 2025
Millions of households across the country are heading for a financial jolt as their fixed-rate mortgage deals start to come to an end. These deals were often taken out during the pandemic when interest rates were at record lows. Now, with those rates no longer available, many borrowers could see their monthly repayment
By Caz Blake-Symes July 16, 2025
Weston Mortgages Online is delighted to advise clients that from today, Wednesday 16 July, Nationwide is reducing the minimum income requirements for both sole and joint applicants. These changes apply to applicants looking at their First-Time Buyer Helping Hand Mortgage
By Caz Blake-Symes July 3, 2025
Article taken from ourr June Newsletter Summer 2025 presents a rare opportunity for first-time buyers. Lenders are reintroducing 100 % mortgages, increasing income multiples, and easing affordability tests. While this may help those struggling to save for a deposit, thorough preparation is essential. If you are considering buying your first home this summer, here is what to know and how to get ready. Understand the New Mortgage Landscape Several lenders, including April Mortgages and Gable Mortgages, have launched 100 %, meaning buyers can borrow the full value of a property without any deposit if they meet strict criteria1. Gable Mortgages offers a five-year fixed rate of approximately 5.95% for standard properties and 5.65% for newbuild homes1. Other lenders, including Skipton, Barclays and Halifax, are launching or reintroducing similar nodeposit products. Get Your Finances in Order Before applying, you need to present a strong financial profile. Lenders will assess the following carefully: Your credit report, ensuring it contains no errors. Your existing debts, including credit cards and loans. Clear and documented bank transaction history, showing consistent income and no unexplained withdrawals or gambling transactions. Your rental payment history, as some lenders use this as proof of affordability. Your mortgage adviser can guide you in cleaning up your financial records, advising on what is acceptable and what could harm your application. Secure a Mortgage in Principle A mortgage in principle is a preliminary agreement from a lender based on your income and credit profile. It provides clarity on how much you might be able to borrow and shows estate agents and vendors that you are a serious buyer. Crucially, a mortgage in principle arranged by your adviser will not affect your credit rating. Consider the Total Costs Buying your first home involves more costs than just the purchase price. You should budget for: Solicitor and conveyancing fees Valuation and survey costs Possible mortgage arrangement fees (some lenders allow these to be added to the loan) Stamp duty, though many first-time buyers pay little or none Home insurance and life or income protection, which your adviser can help to include in a review Your mortgage adviser can help plan these costs to avoid financial surprises later on. Understand the Risks Zero deposit mortgages come with higher interest rates and a greater risk of negative equity should house prices fall. Ask your adviser to stress test your budget against repayment rates increasing by 1% or 2%. This helps ensure you can comfortably meet repayments, even if economic conditions change. Speak to Weston Mortgages Online Early Preparation is key. Your mortgage adviser can: Help you understand which no deposit and low deposit options you qualify for Run credit and affordability health checks Explain the implications of higher interest and monthly costs Advise on protection policies to safeguard your financial commitments Keep track of repayment buffers, interest rises and building equity With 100% mortgages and flexible lending returning this summer, the time to act is now. Speaking to a mortgage adviser early will ensure you approach the process with clarity and confidence. How can I get advice? Get in contact with Russell, who will be delighted to discuss all the various options available to you. How to Contact Us Tel 01934 442023 Email russell@swmortgages.com Complete a form via our website www.westonmortgagesonline.com Our initial mortgage consultation is free and with no obligation; should you proceed to an application, there will usually be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances, but will range from £ 290 to £490 and this will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Sources: Mortgage Solutions (2025). Gable Mortgages enters market with 100% LTVs. Available at: https://www.mortgagesolutions.co.uk/news/2025/05/20/gable-mortgages-enters-market-with-100-ltvs/ [Accessed 24 Jun. 2025]. ‌Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it. All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 3rd July 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Please be aware that by clicking on to any of the above links you are leaving our website. Please note that neither we nor HL Partnership Limited are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.
By Caz Blake-Symes July 1, 2025
Adapted from an article by Richard Donnel, Zoopla’s Research Director, 30 June 2025 More sales, rising supply, plenty of demand and modest house price growth shape a steady UK housing market in June 2025. The average house price in the UK is £268,400 as of May 2025 (published June 2025). This is a rise of 1.4% or £3,6
expand your portfolio
By Caz Blake-Symes June 24, 2025
Looking to grow your portfolio and expand into the buy-to-let market? Let us be the helping hand through your journey, making everything as simple and smooth as possible. Buy-to-Let mortgages are different to regular mortgages and require a different type of mortgage. Here is a Brief overview of the Buy-to-let market.
google review logo
By Caz Blake-Symes June 17, 2025
At Weston Mortgages Online, we take pride in offering excellent customer service and providing tailored advice to each of our clients. Below are just a few examples of some of our 5-star Google Reviews from the past few weeks. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to give their feedback.
looking at interest rates on laptop
By Caz Blake-Symes June 11, 2025
If your two-year fixed mortgage is about to expire, you might potentially be in for some positive news. Back in early 2023, many borrowers locked into deals with interest rates as high as 6.86%, as the Bank of England battled stubborn inflation with relentless interest rate hikes. Now, however, the tables have turned—and you could be paying much less when you remortgage.
By Caz Blake-Symes June 7, 2025
Lower mortgage rates are supporting more house sales against a backdrop of modest house price inflation. Zoopla’s House Price Index tracks key trends in the UK housing market - here’s the latest news in May 2025.