How much you want to borrow
The size of the loan you’re applying for will affect whether you’re eligible for a mortgage. We will look at the amount you want to borrow against your income to determine the likelihood of you being able to pay it back.
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NatWest mortgages are available to over 18s. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The content on this page is guidance only and does not constitute advice.
What affects mortgage eligibility?
Mortgage eligibility is complex and can be affected by a number of factors that include the size of your deposit, your credit score, income and monthly spending. Each lender will have their own criteria but using mortgage calculator tools can help give an indication of how much you could borrow.
How do lenders check mortgage eligibility?
Before we lend customers the money to purchase their home, it is our responsibility to make sure we think you can afford the mortgage. Although circumstances can change, there are a number of factors we consider when making our decision. It is also your responsibility to ensure you update us with any changes to the information you provide us during the process.
Your home or property may be repossessed if you don't keep up repayments on a mortgage.
Will my age impact my mortgage eligibility?
You must be over 18 to apply for a mortgage with NatWest and repay in full by the age of 70, this applies to all mortgage products. Your age could impact the amount you are able to borrow and the period of time you can take out a mortgage for. Some key things you should consider when applying include:
To apply for a NatWest mortgage you will need to be able to repay your mortgage in full by:
- 75 for a capital and interest mortgage
- 70 for a residential interest only mortgage
- 80 for a buy to let mortgage.
We don't currently offer mortgages into retirement age for new or existing customers so your mortgage will need to be paid in full by your intended retirement age.
If you are already retired, we might be able to offer you a mortgage with affordability based on the retirement income you are in receipt of. We can't currently process these applications online though, so please speak to one of our advisors over the phone.
What documents do I need to prove eligibility?
When you apply for a mortgage, you’ll have to provide us with evidence to prove who you are and that all your details are correct. If the information you provide changes throughout the process, you must ensure you update us.
Are any property types not eligible for a mortgage?
When we decide to lend against a property, we must carry out a valuation that takes into account if the property is structurally stable and in sound condition. We lend against many construction types but there are some property types that are unacceptable for a mortgae product with NatWest. Some property types that are NOT acceptable include:
- Any property under commonhold tenure
- Properties registered as Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO)
- All self build properties
- Freehold Flats on Right to Buy Mortgage Scheme
Most other properties are acceptable for mortgage products with NatWest but there is a further list of criteria to be met on certain construction types. If you property type is not listed above but you still have concerns, we recommend you speak to a mortgage advisor by phone or in branch.
Can I improve my chances of getting a mortgage?
There is no guarantee that you will be eligible for a mortgage or that your mortgage application will be approved. An agreement in principle will give you an indication of how much we may be able to lend you. Although not guaranteed to help, you might improve eligibility with some of the following steps:
What if my application is rejected?
If your mortgage application has been rejected it could be due to a number of factors, including everything we have discussed on this page. The best action you can take on rejection is to get in touch with us to understand why your application has been rejected.