Nationwide Mortgage Extension Boost

There has been some genuinely encouraging news from the mortgage market this week, with Nationwide Building Society announcing an extension to its high loan-to-income lending, designed to support a wider range of borrowers.

As a long-standing market leader, Nationwide’s approach is often closely watched. Historically, where it leads, other high street lenders frequently follow, so this move potentially marks the beginning of broader improvements in mortgage affordability across the market.

What’s Changed at Nationwide?

Nationwide will now allow home movers and customers remortgaging to borrow up to six times their income, at up to 95% loan-to-value, depending on their eligibility. Previously, this level of borrowing was largely focused on first-time buyers.

For new customers moving home or remortgaging to Nationwide, eligibility will require:

• A minimum income of £75,000 for sole applicants, or
• £100,000 for joint applications

However, for existing Nationwide customers – including those who previously purchased using the Helping Hand scheme – there will be no minimum income requirement when moving to their next home in 2026. This will be welcome news for many households looking to take their next step up the ladder.

Nationwide’s Success with First-time Buyers

Looking at Nationwide Building Society’s 2025 results for first-time buyers, opportunities seem to be on the rise right now. They report:

• A 57% increase in first-time buyer mortgages taken at or above five times income, compared with 2024
• An over five-fold increase in loans at or above 5.5 times income

Nationwide’s Helping Hand scheme, which allows first-time buyers to borrow up to six times income, remains exclusively available to those buying their first home.

Potential Effects on the Wider Mortgage Market

This announcement could be about more than one lender adjusting its criteria. Nationwide’s scale and influence mean its decisions often act as a signal to the mortgage market as a whole. This means it would not be surprising to see other high street lenders follow suit in the coming weeks. For buyers and movers, this points to a market that is becoming more supportive.

As always, higher loan-to-income lending will not be available or right for everyone. We’d recommend getting expert advice for achieving the best possible mortgage deal. If you’d like us to refer you to one of our trusted partners for independent financial advice, feel free to get in touch with your local branch. 

Source: Nationwide extends six times lending to home movers and remortgage.

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