Four lenders boost maximum mortgage loan sizes

Halifax, BM Solutions, Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Bank have all enhanced their mortgage affordability assessments.

From today, the stress rates used by the lenders in their standard affordability calculation, and the enhanced affordability offered with five-year+ products, will be lowered. This will apply to applications for first-time buyers, home movers and remortgage customers.

As a result, customers will, subject to full affordability testing, be able to borrow more than they can currently. Typical customers may see increases around 13% in the maximum loan available, meaning a typical household could potentially borrow £38,000 more.

Amanda Bryden, head of Halifax Intermediaries, commented: “This is brilliant news for many would-be homebuyers who have struggled to either get on or move up the housing ladder, or those simply looking to get a better mortgage deal. 

“It is always a careful balance when calculating whether a loan is affordable both now and in the future. While they are just one part of measuring affordability responsibly, the application of these new Stress Rates means a typical family could potentially borrow over £38,000 more and make it easier to turn their dream home into a reality.”