Find Out How Much You Can Borrow for a Mortgage in Bristol & Bath

If you’re asking “how much can I borrow?”, our mortgage calculator is the ideal place to start. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, home mover, or self-employed, understanding your borrowing power helps you plan with confidence.


At Strong Mortgage Solutions, we help clients across Bristol, Bath, and surrounding areas understand what they can afford and how lenders assess them.



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How Lenders Decide What You Can Borrow

Since the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) in 2014, lenders use an affordability-based model to assess mortgage applications. That means they look at more than just your income. They assess your ability to afford repayments based on:


  • Total household income (basic salary, bonuses, self-employed income)
  • Outgoings (loans, credit cards, childcare, subscriptions)
  • Deposit size
  • Credit history
  • Number of financial dependents


Lenders typically offer between 4x to 5.5x your income, but this varies by lender and circumstances.



Speak to an Adviser for a more accurate assessment.

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Who Can Use This Calculator?

This tool is designed for anyone looking to explore mortgage options:


  • First-Time Buyers – Get a sense of your maximum borrowing before viewing properties.
  • Home Movers – Understand how much more you could borrow when moving up the ladder.
  • Remortgaging Clients – Explore if you could release equity or extend your borrowing.
  • Self-Employed – Estimate borrowing using your average income (we can help with tricky cases).


The calculator gives an estimate. For tailored advice, get in touch for a personalised affordability review.



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What Affects How Much You Can Borrow?

Income Type

Lenders assess whether your income is consistent and reliable. For example, PAYE income is often treated differently from self-employed or bonus-based income.

Existing Financial Commitments

The more you pay monthly towards other debts (car finance, loans, credit cards), the more this can reduce your affordability.

Deposit Size

A larger deposit may improve your loan-to-value ratio and open up better rates, which can increase how much you can borrow.

Credit Score

A healthy credit score not only improves your chance of approval, but may also allow for a higher borrowing amount.

Number of Applicants

A joint mortgage may allow you to borrow more than applying alone.

Let Us Review Your Situation to explore your true borrowing capacity.

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Common Questions About Mortgage Affordability

  • How much can I borrow based on my salary?

    Most lenders offer between 4x and 5.5x income, depending on your financial profile.

  • Does my partner’s income count?

    Yes, in joint applications both incomes are considered.

  • I’m self-employed – how is my income calculated?

    Usually by averaging your last 2 years of accounts, but some lenders accept 1 year or look at salary + dividends.

  • I have debts – can I still get a mortgage?

    Yes, but your borrowing may be reduced. We can help review your affordability.

  • What if I’ve had credit issues?

    Some lenders are more flexible than others. We can help you understand your options.

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Local Mortgage Support in Bristol & Beyond

We’ve helped clients across:


  • Bristol (including Redland, Southville, Bedminster, Clifton)
  • Bath
  • Portishead
  • Weston-super-Mare
  • Clevedon
  • North Somerset
  • Gloucestershire
  • Exeter


Wherever you're based, we’re happy to support you remotely or face-to-face.


Request a Callback for a no-obligation chat.

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Take the Next Step

Use the calculator for a quick estimate, then speak to us for tailored advice. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to apply, we’re here to help.


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YOUR HOME/PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.