Teachers Building Society has expanded the borrowing capacity available through its Teachers for Intermediaries brand, lifting its loan-to-income ceiling from up to five to up to seven times income.

The move places the mutual among the most flexible lenders in this segment and is aimed at improving access to home ownership for those working across the education sector.

The higher borrowing limit applies to both single and joint applicants and is available through brokers using the TFI channel. It encompasses a wide group of education professionals, including teachers, teaching assistants, nursery workers, supply teachers, headteachers, lecturers and contract educators.

For joint applications, only one borrower must work in education. Mortgages remain available up to 95% loan to value.

The change raises potential borrowing significantly. A single teacher on a £33,000 salary can now access up to £196,400, compared with the previous maximum of £165,000, subject to affordability checks.

Joint borrowers each earning £33,000 can also borrow up to £196,400, up from a previous ceiling of £330,000 combined, again subject to full assessment.

Gavin Opperman, chief executive of Teachers Building Society, said: “As a Society we recognised that we needed to do more to make home ownership a reality for those working in education and we’ve made this lending policy change to help make it possible for even more teachers to take their first steps onto the property ladder.”

He said the shift reflects ongoing pressure on education professionals attempting to buy a home and the Society’s intention to extend support through higher income multiples.

Intermediaries can access the full details of the revised criteria and the Society’s fixed and variable rate options through the TFI team or via the TFI website.