NatWest customers could get £37,500 extra in new update

Dariusz Karpowicz, director at Doncaster-based Albion Financial Advice, said this is a “significant shift”. He added: “NatWest joins the affordability race, now offering up to 6x income multiples for higher earners with solid deposits. This marks a significant shift in lending criteria, making larger mortgage amounts accessible to those who previously hit the ceiling at 5.5x their salary. "The move brings welcome relief for borrowers in high-cost areas, particularly those earning £75,000 or more who can now access an extra £37,500 in borrowing power. However, this isn't a return to pre-2008 lending practices. Lenders still conduct rigorous affordability assessments. "While higher income multiples help bridge the gap between wages and property prices, they also mean borrowers commit larger portions of their income to mortgage payments. The key question remains: are we addressing affordability issues or simply enabling people to stretch themselves further in an overheated market?”