Property Tax

Mortgage Affordability Calculator Scotland

See how much you could borrow based on your Scottish salary, with LBTT costs, first-time buyer relief, and monthly repayment estimates.

✓ 2025/26 rates✓ Scotland-specific✓ No sign-up required
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Enter your salary and deposit to see what you could afford.

How mortgage affordability works in Scotland

Lenders typically offer 4.5× your gross annual income, though some will stretch to 5.5× for high earners or professionals. Joint applications use combined income. Your deposit determines your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which affects the interest rate you'll be offered.

Scotland's unique buying costs

Unlike England, Scottish property purchases include:

LBTT — Scotland's property tax, with a nil rate band up to £145,000 (£175,000 for first-time buyers).
Offers over — most Scottish properties are marketed below the Home Report valuation. Any amount above the valuation must come from your cash — the lender won't fund it.
Solicitor fees— typically £800–£2,000, as solicitors handle the entire process in Scotland (no separate conveyancer).

The “offers over” cash trap

If a property has a Home Report valuation of £200,000 and you offer £220,000, your lender will only mortgage up to £200,000 (minus your deposit percentage). The extra £20,000 must come from your own savings. This catches many Scottish buyers off guard.

See your budget. Enter your salary and deposit above to see what you could realistically afford — including LBTT costs.

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This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Always verify with Revenue Scotland, HMRC, or mygov.scot, and speak to a qualified financial adviser for advice specific to your circumstances.