Mortgage customers allowed to borrow thousands more in major change by Nationwide
Nationwide Building Society has announced a significant expansion of high loan-to-income (LTI) loans; It’s a change that could give some borrowers access to tens of thousands of pounds more than was previously available.
According to the new conditions, house movers and customers who re-borrow will now be able to borrow up to six times their annual income. This enhanced offer covers both new and existing customers moving home or remortgaging, valid for up to a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.
To qualify for this increased borrowing, single applicants must show they have a minimum annual income of £75,000; For joint applications, £100,000 is required. These income thresholds are consistent with previous requirements that allowed eligible groups to borrow up to 5.5 times their income.
The changes mean that a single applicant with an income of £75,000, for example a customer moving into a new home or remortgaging, could previously borrow up to £412,500 from Nationwide. But they will now be able to potentially borrow up to £450,000; This means an increase of £37,500.
Joint applicants who are new customers moving home or remortgaging on an income of £100,000 were previously able to borrow £550,000 but can now borrow up to £600,000; This means an increase of £50,000.
For remortgage applications that do not require additional borrowing, Nationwide currently allows borrowing up to 6.5 times income up to 95% LTV.
Nationwide said 2025 saw a 57% increase in the number of mortgages taken out from first-time buyers at five times income or above compared to 2024.
It was stated that increased support for first-time buyers, as well as the ability to expand and improve credit, were unlocked by regulatory changes made last year.
The changes previously led to the easing of Nationwide’s lending criteria for higher credit-to-income loans to first-time buyers last year.
Nationwide’s Helping Hand scheme, which allows loans of up to six times income, will only be available to first-time buyers.
Henry Jordan, group director of mortgages at Nationwide, said: “Government and regulatory changes last year have been a game-changer for first-time buyers.
“Alongside our Helping Hand, which has increased revenue sixfold in September 2024, we have also provided further support to those who need it most.
“Last year we saw a fivefold increase in the number of first-time buyers borrowing between 5.5 and six times their income. Our latest announcement means we will be providing similar support to those looking to move home or remortgage across the country.”
Nicholas Mendes, technical director of mortgages at John Charcol, said: “The six-fold extension of income loans beyond first-time buyers across the country is a positive step, particularly as the first wave of Helping Hand customers begin to look at their next move, remortgaging or taking on additional debt.
“It supports borrowers constrained by income multiples rather than monthly cost and shows how lenders are adapting to the reality of today’s housing market. With the right advice, borrowers can use this flexibility to move sooner and secure a deal that suits both immediate needs and the long-term plan.”
