How to get a mortgage in England: Mortgage in Principle, deposit, income multiples, rules by visa type and the approval process
Published: Last checked: October 20264 min read
Short answer
What you can borrow depends on income, outgoings and credit score; lenders stress-test for rate rises and job loss. A Mortgage in Principle is not binding. Nothing bars foreign nationals from buying, but lenders may want a bigger deposit depending on visa status. Fees and approval steps explained.
In short
- This post is general information, not legal, financial or tax advice. It is based on GOV.UK and other official pages as they were on 18 October 2026 and applies to England; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules and taxes.
- According to GOV.UK, lenders consider the total amount you can borrow, whether a deposit is needed and whether the monthly payments are affordable.
- The decision rests on your income and regular outgoings (bills, insurance, Council Tax); the lender also tests whether you could repay if rates rose or you lost your job.
- Rules vary by visa type: being a citizen or holding indefinite leave is not a legal requirement to buy a home in England, but lenders have their own rules.
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Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- GOV.UK: Buying a home, preparing to buy
- GOV.UK: How to buy a home (guide, 2019)
- GOV.UK: Stamp Duty Land Tax, residential property rates
- MoneyHelper: What happens when I get a mortgage in principle
- MoneyHelper: How to apply for a mortgage
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