Every client’s financial journey tells its own story — and this week’s mortgage capacity assessment really highlights the balance between affordability and long-term stability.

Our client was looking to explore how much they could comfortably borrow based on their current income and financial position. Their income consisted of a private pension, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) — giving a total annual income of just under £25,000.

After reviewing the client’s credit commitments — which were modest and well-managed — and confirming that monthly outgoings were low, we moved on to assess their borrowing potential. Using a range of mainstream lender affordability calculators, we found that maximum mortgage offers varied between approximately £39,000 and £48,000, with the most competitive figure coming from Barclays at £44,400.

To put that into perspective, the example we used was based on a property valued at £400,000 with an 85% loan-to-value ratio over a seven-year term. At this level, a 2-year fixed rate with Barclays would see monthly repayments of around £604, or slightly higher if opting for a five-year fix.

While the numbers make a small mortgage technically feasible, it’s not just about what’s possible — it’s about what’s sustainable. During our discussions, the client mentioned some health considerations that could impact their financial resilience in the future. With that in mind, we suggested exploring the option of purchasing a property without a mortgage where possible, to minimise financial risk and ensure long-term peace of mind.

In summary, affordability looks positive on paper, but true financial security often comes from balancing ambition with practicality. Sometimes, the most sensible move isn’t about borrowing more — it’s about creating stability that supports the client’s lifestyle and wellbeing.