The mortgage market is shifting – and for once, it’s good news for borrowers. Lenders across the UK have recently introduced enhanced affordability checks, making it easier for more people to qualify for a mortgage.

So, what exactly does this mean, and how can it help you if you’re looking to buy your first home, move house, or remortgage?

What is “Enhanced Affordability”?

When you apply for a mortgage, lenders assess your income, outgoings, and lifestyle costs to decide how much you can borrow. These mortgage affordability checks are designed to protect you by ensuring your repayments remain manageable.

With enhanced affordability, many lenders are now taking a more flexible view. This doesn’t mean they’re taking unnecessary risks – it simply means they’re recognising that buyers can often sensibly afford more than they were previously allowed to borrow.

Why Enhanced Affordability Matters

First-time buyers

Getting onto the property ladder has been tough in recent years. With enhanced affordability, lenders are now more open to offering higher borrowing limits, helping first-time buyers access homes that may have been out of reach before.

Home movers

If you’re moving home, enhanced affordability rules could mean more flexibility to borrow what you need to upsize, downsize, or relocate. This could make the difference between compromising and securing the property that’s right for you.

Remortgagers

For existing homeowners, this change could open the door to better remortgaging deals. Whether you want to release equity, reduce your monthly payments, or switch to a competitive new rate, enhanced affordability gives you more options.

What This Means for You

In simple terms, you may now be able to borrow more. That can mean:

• A bigger choice of homes for first-time buyers
• Greater flexibility for movers
• Access to improved mortgage products when remortgaging

But remember – affordability will always depend on your personal circumstances, and every lender has different rules. That’s why expert advice is key.

How NxtGen Mortgages Can Help

At NxtGen Mortgages, we stay one step ahead of industry changes so you don’t have to. We’ll help you:

• Understand how much you could borrow under the new affordability rules

• Compare mortgages from a wide range of lenders

• Find a deal tailored to your needs – whether you’re buying, moving, or remortgaging

Get in touch today to see how enhanced affordability could work for you.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

NxtGen Mortgages is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Limited which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 30/09/2025