Could Higher Income Multiples Help You Move Sooner in 2026?

Could Higher Income Multiples Help You Move Sooner in 2026?

One of the biggest frustrations we hear from clients is this:

“We can afford the monthly payments, but we can’t quite borrow enough.”

For many homeowners, especially those looking to move to a larger property, affordability isn’t always the issue. Instead, it’s the maximum borrowing limits that can make things difficult.

And in today’s market, that challenge is becoming increasingly common.

Why More Homeowners Feel Stuck

The difficulties faced by first-time buyers are well documented, but those challenges don’t necessarily disappear once you’ve bought your first home.

Many homeowners are now finding themselves needing more space due to growing families, changing working patterns, or simply outgrowing their current property.

However, rising property prices combined with standard income multiples can sometimes leave people feeling stuck between the home they have and the home they need next.

Recent research from Leeds Building Society highlights this clearly:

77% of homeowners surveyed said they would move sooner if they could borrow more

Nearly 40% felt they couldn’t access enough guidance or support when trying to move to a larger property

More than a quarter felt unsupported by lenders when trying to upsize

Perhaps most tellingly, a large number of homeowners expect to outgrow their current property within the next few years.

What Are Income Multiples?

When lenders assess how much you can borrow, one of the key factors they use is something called an income multiple.

In simple terms, this is the amount a lender is prepared to lend based on your income.

Traditionally, many lenders have worked around 4 to 4.5 times household income, although this can vary depending on circumstances.

Recently, however, some lenders have started introducing products that allow higher borrowing levels for suitable applicants.

In some cases, borrowers may now be able to access:

Up to 5.5 times household income

Or even up to 6 times income for certain clients meeting specific criteria

What Difference Could This Make?

For some buyers and movers, a slightly higher borrowing amount can make a significant difference.

It could mean:

Accessing a larger property sooner

Staying within a preferred school catchment area

Avoiding the need to compromise on location

Being able to move rather than extend

Importantly, these products are not just aimed at first-time buyers.

Some lenders are now making higher income multiple products available to:

Home movers

Remortgagers

Self-employed applicants

Buyers of new build properties

This reflects the reality that affordability challenges exist across the market, not just at entry level.

It’s Not About Borrowing Recklessly

Higher income multiple products won’t be suitable for everyone, and lenders still carry out full affordability assessments.

Things like:

Monthly commitments

Credit profile

Deposit or equity levels

Future affordability

all remain extremely important.

But for the right clients, these products can help bridge the gap between what was previously possible and what may now be achievable.

Why Advice Matters More Than Ever

Many people still assume they can only borrow a standard multiple of their salary because that’s what they’ve heard historically.

In reality, lender criteria changes regularly, and products evolve to reflect changing market conditions and borrower needs.

This is why speaking to a mortgage adviser can make such a difference.

The right lender for one client may look completely different for another.

Could You Borrow More Than You Think?

If you’re feeling restricted by your current borrowing options, it may be worth reviewing what is now available in the market.

Whether you are:

Looking to move to a larger property

Reviewing your remortgage options

Buying your next home

Or simply trying to understand what may be possible

there may be more flexibility available than you realise.

Speak to Prospect Tree Mortgages

At Prospect Tree Mortgages, we help clients explore what may be achievable based on their own circumstances and future plans.

The mortgage market changes constantly, and sometimes a product that didn’t exist a year ago can make all the difference today.

If you’d like to review your options and see what may now be possible, get in touch with Prospect Tree Mortgages.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The information contained within was correct at time of publication but is subject to change (published 8 May 2026). This is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.