NatWest has recently made some big changes to its mortgage lending criteria, increasing how much certain customers can borrow and improving affordability for higher-earning applicants across purchases and remortgages.
The updates, which came into effect earlier this week, are there to help borrowers buy their first home, move up the property ladder, or remortgage by increasing loan-to-income (LTI) limits at lower loan-to-value (LTV) levels. Something that many lenders in the UK mortgage market are seemingly attempting to do in 2026.
Borrow Up to 6x Income with NatWest
Under the new criteria, sole applicants earning over £75,000 can now borrow up to 6 times their income, provided the mortgage is at 75% LTV or below. The same 6x income multiple is available to joint applicants with a combined income above £100,000.
This change applies to both property purchases and remortgages, potentially allowing more flexibility for borrowers with strong affordability who may previously have been restricted by lower income multiples.
For example, a borrower earning £75,000 per year could now borrow up to £37,500 more than under NatWest’s previous lending limits.
Wider Borrowing Increases for More Customers
Alongside the new 6x income offering, NatWest has also increased its maximum LTI for a broader group of customers. The lender has raised its standard income multiple from 5 times salary to 5.5 times salary, allowing more borrowers to access higher loan amounts.
These changes apply to repayment mortgages only and are aimed at supporting customers in a range of scenarios, including:
- First-time buyers
- Home movers
- Borrowers remortgaging to NatWest
By increasing income multiples, NatWest is responding to continued affordability pressures in many parts of the UK, particularly in higher-priced regions.
What This Means for Borrowers
The updated NatWest mortgage criteria could make a big difference for borrowers who are income-rich but deposit-constrained, or those buying in areas where house prices remain high.
By increasing loan-to-income limits while keeping LTV requirements conservative, NatWest is signalling a strong appetite to lend, particularly to borrowers with stable, higher incomes and robust affordability.
Oportfolio Mortgages
Commenting on the changes, Oliver Whitehead, Managing Director of London-based mortgage adviser Oportfolio Mortgages, said:
“This is a clear sign that lenders like NatWest are actively trying to support borrowers who have strong incomes but may be limited by traditional affordability caps. Increasing income multiples, especially at lower LTVs, gives buyers and remortgagers far more flexibility, particularly in London and the South East where property prices remain high.”
“We’re also seeing lenders invest more in broker support, and NatWest’s new WhatsApp channel is a great example of how banks are trying to speed up the process and improve outcomes for clients.”
Why Mortgage Advice Still Matters
While higher income multiples can unlock greater borrowing potential, they won’t be suitable for everyone. Affordability assessments, credit profiles, property type and long-term sustainability all play a crucial role in determining whether a higher loan amount is the right choice.
Speaking to an experienced mortgage adviser can help borrowers to understand which lenders will offer the best terms, assess affordability realistically, and decipher daily changing lending criteria. If you are looking for a new mortgage in 2026, please feel free to give our team a call.
