Shawbrook has increased its maximum loan-to-income ratio from 4.5x to 5.5x income, extending the higher limit across both The Mortgage Lender and Bluestone Mortgages ranges.

The lender said the move strengthens affordability options for borrowers with complex or non-standard income profiles, including the self-employed and those with impaired credit.

The change applies to single and joint applicants at all income levels.

Steve Griffiths (pictured), commercial director of retail mortgages at Shawbrook, said: “We understand that many customers, including first-time buyers or those with more complex income or credit profiles, can comfortably afford to borrow more than four point five times their income, yet have often been excluded from this market by restrictive criteria.

“By increasing our loan-to-income ratio to five point five times, we’re supporting these borrowers while maintaining our strong commitment to responsible and sustainable lending.”

He added: “This change is especially important in today’s environment, where house prices in many parts of the UK continue to rise faster than incomes.

“It reflects our confidence in the robust affordability of our customers, and our deep understanding of the specialist market where agile decision-making and expertise make all the difference.”