Nationwide Building Society Extends High Loan-to-Income Mortgage Options
Nationwide Building Society has announced a significant expansion of its high loan-to-income lending criteria, making this option available to a broader range of borrowers. The society revealed that both home movers and customers seeking to remortgage can now potentially borrow up to six times their annual income, representing a notable increase from previous limits.
Enhanced Borrowing Opportunities for Qualified Applicants
The enhanced lending criteria apply to both new and existing customers who are either moving home or remortgaging with Nationwide, with loans available up to 95% loan-to-value. To qualify for these improved borrowing terms, applicants must meet specific minimum income thresholds. Sole applicants need a minimum annual income of £75,000, while joint applications require a combined income of at least £100,000.
Previously, these customer groups could borrow up to 5.5 times their income under the same minimum income requirements. The changes mean substantial increases in potential borrowing amounts. For instance, a sole applicant earning £75,000 who previously could borrow up to £412,500 may now access up to £450,000 – an increase of £37,500. Similarly, joint applicants with £100,000 income could now borrow up to £600,000 compared to the previous £550,000 limit, representing a £50,000 increase.
Regulatory Changes Driving Expansion
Nationwide attributes this lending expansion to regulatory changes implemented last year, which have enabled greater flexibility in mortgage lending. The society reported that in 2025, it experienced a substantial 57% increase in the number of first-time buyer mortgages taken at or above five times income compared to 2024.
Henry Jordan, Nationwide's group director of mortgages, commented on the development, stating: "The Government and regulatory changes last year have been a game changer for first-time buyers. Alongside our Helping Hand expansion to six times income in September 2024, they've enabled greater support for those who need it most."
Jordan further noted: "Over the past year, we've seen a five-fold increase in the number of first-time buyers borrowing between 5.5 and six times income. Our latest announcement means we will provide similar support to those looking to move home or remortgage to Nationwide."
Industry Response and Market Context
Mortgage industry experts have welcomed the move as a positive development for borrowers constrained by income multiples rather than monthly affordability. Nicholas Mendes, mortgage technical manager at John Charcol, observed: "Nationwide extending six times income lending beyond first-time buyers is a positive step, particularly as the first wave of Helping Hand customers starts to look at their next move, a remortgage, or additional borrowing."
Mendes added: "It supports borrowers who are constrained by income multiples rather than the monthly cost, and it shows how lenders are adapting to the reality of today's housing market. With the right advice, borrowers can use that flexibility to move sooner and secure a deal that fits both the immediate need and the longer-term plan."
It's important to note that Nationwide's Helping Hand scheme, which allows lending up to six times income, remains exclusively available to first-time buyers. For remortgage applications that don't require additional borrowing, Nationwide already permits borrowing up to 6.5 times income up to 95% LTV.
The changes follow Nationwide's earlier easing of lending criteria for higher loan-to-income lending to first-time buyers last year, indicating a broader trend toward more flexible mortgage products in response to evolving market conditions and regulatory environments.
