How Much Can a Couple Borrow on a £90000 Income?

A combined income of £90000 places many couples in a strong position when applying for a mortgage. However, while income plays a key role, lenders do not base decisions on salary alone. Affordability checks, credit history, outgoings, and deposit size all influence the final borrowing figure.

This guide explains how much a couple can borrow on a £90000 income and what factors lenders take into account.

How much can a couple borrow on a £90000 income?

Most lenders begin with an income multiple, typically between 4 and 4.5 times joint income.

On a £90000 household income, this usually means:

• Around £360000 at 4x income
• Around £405000 at 4.5x income
• In stronger cases, up to £450000 with certain lenders

These figures are indicative only. The actual amount offered depends on affordability testing and overall risk assessment.

How lenders assess joint mortgage affordability

Income multiples are only the starting point. Lenders use affordability models to ensure repayments remain manageable even if circumstances change.

They usually assess:

• Net household income after tax
• Regular household expenditure
• Existing credit commitments
• Affordability under stressed interest rates

This approach is designed to ensure the mortgage remains sustainable over the long term. We explain this in more detail in our guide on how lenders assess affordability.

Why borrowing differs between couples on the same income

Two couples earning £90000 can receive very different mortgage offers. This is because lenders assess how income is used, not just how much is earned.

Differences often come from:

• Levels of unsecured debt
• Childcare or maintenance costs
• Credit history differences between applicants
• Job security or variable income

Even relatively small monthly commitments can reduce how much a couple can borrow on a £90000 income.

How credit history affects joint borrowing

Both applicants’ credit files are fully reviewed. A strong credit profile for one applicant does not offset adverse credit for the other.

Lenders will look at:

• Missed payments or defaults
• CCJs or historic insolvency
• Overall credit utilisation

Where adverse credit is present, borrowing may be reduced or lender choice limited. We explore this further in our guide on mortgages with bad credit.

Does deposit size increase borrowing power?

Deposit size does not usually increase income multiples, but it can significantly influence lender flexibility.

A larger deposit can:

• Improve lender choice
• Reduce monthly repayments
• Strengthen affordability calculations

For example, a couple earning £90000 with a 25% deposit may have access to higher borrowing limits than a couple with the same income and a 5% deposit.

Can a couple borrow more than 4.5 times income?

In some circumstances, yes.

Higher income multiples are more likely where:

• Both applicants have strong, clean credit histories
• Outgoings are low relative to income
• Income is stable and predictable
• A longer mortgage term is used

Higher multiples are less common where income is complex or credit issues are present. We discuss this further in our guide to joint mortgage borrowing limits.

How existing debts affect borrowing

Committed outgoings are one of the biggest limits on borrowing, even at higher income levels.

These may include:

• Car finance and personal loans
• Credit cards and overdrafts
• Student loan deductions
• Childcare and maintenance payments

Lenders assume these commitments continue long term, which reduces disposable income and overall borrowing capacity.

Example borrowing scenarios on a £90000 income

Example one:

• £90000 joint income
• No unsecured debt
• Clean credit
• 20% deposit

Estimated borrowing: £405000 to £450000

Example two:

• £90000 joint income
• Car finance and credit cards
• One applicant with historic missed payments
• 10% deposit

Estimated borrowing: £360000 to £400000

These examples show how affordability and credit profile shape outcomes.

What if one or both applicants are self-employed?

Self-employed couples can still borrow on a £90000 income, but how income is evidenced is critical.

Most lenders require:

• Two years of accounts or tax calculations
• Stable or improving income
• Clear documentation

Some lenders average income, while others use the lowest year. This can reduce borrowing where income fluctuates. We explain this in more detail in our guide to complex income mortgages.

How mortgage term affects borrowing

A longer mortgage term reduces monthly repayments, which can improve affordability.

This may:

• Increase the maximum loan available
• Reduce the impact of lender stress testing

However, age limits apply, and longer terms increase total interest paid over time.

How to prepare before applying

Before applying, couples often benefit from:

• Checking both credit reports
• Reducing unsecured debts where possible
• Avoiding new credit commitments
• Organising income and bank statements

We explain how statements are assessed in our guide on what lenders look for on bank statements.

Final thoughts

A combined income of £90000 offers strong borrowing potential, but there is no guaranteed figure. Lenders assess the full financial picture, including credit history, outgoings, deposit size, and income stability.

You can learn more about joint affordability in our other Mortgage Bridge guides. If you want personalised advice, speaking to a regulated mortgage adviser may help clarify next steps.

This guide provides general information only. Personalised mortgage advice should always come from a regulated mortgage adviser.