Mortgage affordability test scrapped
The ‘stress test’ that requires potential homebuyers to show they could cope with mortgage payments if interest rates rose by up to 3% has been scrapped. We explain how it may help some potential homebuyers
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Look After My Bills Newsletter Newsletter

As house prices continue to go up, getting onto the property ladder continues to harder for some potential home buyers. But could the removal of a mortgage affordability test help?
Some potential homebuyers may find it easier to get a mortgage after the Bank of England (opens in new tab)removed a key affordability test this week.
The affordability test, known as the ‘stress test’, meant lenders had to assess whether borrowers could afford a three-percentage-point rise in interest rates on top of their standard variable rate (SVR).
The test was introduced in 2014 to ensure borrowers did not take on more debt than they could afford, but the Bank of England believes it was unrealistic as SVRs are often much higher than a fixed mortgage deal, and that buyers are much more likely to stick with fixed deals.
The Bank has previously indicated that about 6% of mortgage borrowers, or around 35,000 people, would have been able to secure a bigger home loan if it wasn’t for the stress test being in place.
It means borrowers who previously failed to show they could afford an increase up to 3% and were turned down for a loan as result, even if they could afford the current mortgage, may now have a better chance of getting a mortgage.
The change could especially benefit self-employed workers and freelancers, who find their earnings are particularly scrutinised by lenders.
However, the strict loan-to-income rule still remains in place to stop homeowners borrowing more than they can afford. It means lenders still cannot allow borrowers to borrow more than 4.5 times their annual salary.
The scrapping of the stress test may not have an immediate impact for borrowers as lenders will not need to fundamentally change the way they assess loans.
Mark Yallop, chairman of the Financial Markets Standards Board (opens in new tab), said although the change would make it ‘slightly easier’ for some borrowers to get a mortgage, he did not think it would have a significant impact.
Myron Jobson, a senior personal finance analyst at investment firm interactive investor (opens in new tab), said unwinding the measure “could run the risk of people biting off more than they [can] chew financially to purchase a property”.
Is it harder to get a mortgage when you're self-employed?
Yes. Mortgage lenders prefer the predictability that comes with a regular salaried income, rather than the oft-up-and-down earnings associated with self-employment.
The pandemic has unfortunately only emphasised this about self-employment, particularly as many self-employed workers and small business owners have depended on grants. Many lenders initially looked more closely at earnings and tightened their borrowing criteria.
The most common problem for a self-employed person applying for a mortgage is only having one year of accounts. Many lenders require two or three years and a good credit score.
Additional reporting by PA
Katie is staff writer at The Money Edit. She was the former staff writer at The Times and The Sunday Times. Her experience includes writing about personal finance, culture, travel and interviews celebrities. Her investigative work on financial abuse resulted in a number of mortgage prisoners being set free - and a nomination for the Best Personal Finance Story of the Year in the Headlinemoney awards 2021.
-
-
State pension age rise to 68 could be delayed - what it means for your retirement
The state pension age may stay at current levels for longer than expected after the government reportedly shelved plans to increase it to 68 by the late 2030s. We explain what it all means for you
By Stephanie Baxter • Published
-
Get more for your money with a stocks and shares ISA
A stocks and shares ISA could grow your money faster than a cash ISA. But what is it exactly and who is it suitable for?
By Ruth Emery • Published
-
New support for struggling mortgage borrowers - but there's a cost
Around 356,000 borrowers may be at risk of missing monthly payments by summer 2024. We explain what help will now be available - and the impact it can have on your credit score
By Stephanie Baxter • Last updated
-
Biggest house prices drop in a decade, says Nationwide
Why annual house price growth has fallen to the lowest level in a decade
By John Fitzsimons • Published
-
Seven mortgage mistakes to avoid according to experts
Experts reveal the top mistakes you should avoid when looking for the best mortgage deals on the market
By Vaishali Varu • Published
-
First-time buyer mortgage deals March 2023: the best deals this month
We round up the cheapest mortgages for first-time buyers and explain how to get the best deal
By Cathy Hudson • Last updated
-
Fixed mortgages vs variable rate mortgages: which is right for you?
The pros and cons of fixed rate and variable rate mortgages
By John Fitzsimons • Published
-
Base rate rises to 4% - what it means for your money
The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 3.5% to 4%, marking the 10th rise in a row. We explain what this means for your mortgage, savings and loans
By Ruth Emery • Published
-
House prices drop for fifth straight month: 10 places least and most vulnerable to house price crash
As house prices drop for the fifth month in a row, we reveal the 10 areas of the UK most immune to falling property prices
By John Fitzsimons • Published
-
Buying a house: the UK’s most expensive postcodes
Data from GetAgent has broken down the most expensive and cheapest postcodes in which to buy a property
By Nicole García Mérida • Published