When you earn 100k salary, a yearly income of £100,000 in the UK that significantly increases your borrowing power compared to average earners. Also known as six-figure income, it puts you in a strong position to buy property—but not always as easily as you think. Lenders don’t just look at your salary. They check your debts, monthly spending, credit history, and even how stable your job is. A £100,000 salary doesn’t automatically mean you can buy a £500,000 house. Many people with this income still struggle in high-cost areas like London or the South East, where property prices have outpaced wage growth for years.
That’s where shared ownership, a government-backed scheme that lets you buy a portion of a home and pay rent on the rest. Also known as part-buy part-rent, it’s designed for people who can’t afford a full mortgage but have steady income come in. If you’re earning £100,000 but can’t stretch to a deposit on a £600,000 flat, shared ownership lets you buy 25% to 75% of a home instead. You pay a mortgage on what you own and rent on what you don’t. Over time, you can buy more shares—called staircasing—until you own 100%. This isn’t just for first-timers. Even people with six-figure incomes use it to get into the market faster or in areas where prices are too high.
Another key factor is mortgage affordability, how much a lender will let you borrow based on your income, outgoings, and financial history. Also known as borrowing capacity, it’s not a simple multiplier like 4x or 5x your salary. If you have student loans, car payments, or credit card debt, your available mortgage amount drops fast. A £100,000 salary might get you a £450,000 mortgage in Manchester but only £350,000 in London. Location matters as much as income.
And let’s not forget the hidden costs. Stamp duty, legal fees, surveys, moving expenses, and ongoing maintenance can add £10,000 to £20,000 to your upfront spend. Even with a £100,000 salary, you need savings—not just income—to close the deal. That’s why many buyers with this income level turn to shared ownership: it lowers the deposit needed and reduces monthly payments. It’s not a compromise—it’s a smart strategy.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve walked this path. Whether you’re wondering if you qualify for shared ownership on your salary, how much house you can actually afford, or how lenders calculate your borrowing power, these posts break it all down without the fluff. No theory. No hype. Just clear answers for anyone serious about buying a home on a £100,000 income.
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