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July 16, 2025
Around 10,000 more first time buyers will be able to borrow up to 6 times their salary on a mortgage, due to changes lender Nationwide has made to its Helping Hand mortgage.
First time buyers earning at least £30,000 can now apply for the mortgage, down from the previous minimum threshold of £35,000. While joint applicants with a £50,000 combined salary can apply, down from previously needing a minimum of £55,000.
The lender says an additional 10,000 first time buyers are expected to be able to access the mortgage each year as a result.
Nationwide’s move follows Bank of England recommendations that some banks and building societies offer more high loan-to-income mortgages. This means more mortgages will be available at over 4.5 times a buyer’s income and the move is expected to create up to 36,000 additional first time buyer mortgages in total over the first year.
Before the announcement, lenders could only offer a limited amount of loans at or above 4.5 times a borrower’s income – capped at 15% of their eligible new loans. Nationwide’s original salary thresholds were put in place to ensure it kept within the 15% limit, following strong demand for the mortgage.
However, this change means Nationwide can now make its Helping Hand mortgage available to people with lower incomes.
Henry Jordan, Nationwide’s Director of Home said the announcement “unlocks lending for first-time buyers at what remains a difficult time for homeownership. It has given us the confidence to respond quickly by relaxing our lending criteria on Helping Hand. Our changes mean more people, particularly those on lower incomes, could become eligible for a mortgage.”
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Put simply, the Helping Hand mortgage allows first time buyers to borrow more. This is because they can borrow up to 6 times their salary with the scheme.
The maximum amount you can borrow on a Helping Hand mortgage will depend on your income.
The Nationwide Helping Hand mortgage launched in 2021 and has so far helped around 60,000 first time buyers. If you’re planning to get on the property ladder, read our Guide to buying a first home.
To be eligible for a Helping Hand mortgage you’ll need to:
You’re not eligible if:
First-time buyers get £500 cashback when they complete their mortgage and can also get additional cashback of up to £500 if they buy an energy-efficient property as a green mortgage perk.
However, while the Helping Hand mortgage has an obvious appeal, don’t jump straight in. It’s important to do your research carefully first. A good place to start is our guide to First time buyer mortgages.
Even if you’re likely to qualify for a Helping Hand mortgage, it doesn’t mean it’s the best mortgage deal for you. Make sure you get expert advice from a fee-free mortgage broker who can explain all your mortgage options so you’ll know you’re getting the best mortgage for you.
Get fee free mortgage advice from our partners at L&C. Use the online mortgage finder or speak to an advisor today.
Paula Higgins, CEO of HomeOwners Alliance, said:
“We think it’s right that lenders have been given more flexibility to support creditworthy borrowers who’ve been priced out. There are plenty of aspiring first time buyers out there who have jobs and are good with their money, but because of rising house prices and stagnating wages, are giving up on homeownership in their droves. Aspiration to own a home has fallen to its lowest level in over 10 years. So hopefully this will make a real tangible difference.“
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