TML and Bluestone increase loan-to-income ratio to 5.5x

Shawbrook has raised its maximum loan-to-income (LTI) ratio from 4.5x to 5.5x, extending the higher limit across The Mortgage Lender (TML) and Bluestone Mortgages brands.

The change opens up greater affordability options for both single and joint applicants, particularly the self employed, those with non-standard incomes or impaired credit.

Steve Griffiths, commercial director of retail mortgages at Shawbrook, commented: “We understand that many customers, including first-time buyers or those with more complex income or credit profiles, can comfortably afford to borrow more than 4.5 times their income, yet have often been excluded from this market by restrictive criteria.

"By increasing our loan-to-income ratio to 5.5x, we’re supporting these borrowers while maintaining our strong commitment to responsible and sustainable lending.

"This change is especially important in today’s environment, where house prices in many parts of the UK continue to rise faster than incomes. It reflects our confidence in the robust affordability of our customers, and our deep understanding of the specialist market where agile decision-making and expertise make all the difference.”