Five inputs. Sixty seconds. Real UK mortgage readiness score covering deposit, affordability (4.5× income), credit signal, employment stability and Stamp Duty. No bank involvement, no credit check, no sales call.
Sorted is not a mortgage broker, lender or FCA-regulated firm. This score is an estimate based on standard UK lender rules — actual approval depends on each lender's individual policy and a full affordability check. Use this as a self-assessment to fix things before you apply, not as a guarantee.
For a real Decision in Principle, talk to a fee-free broker (e.g. Habito, Tembo) or your bank. For free debt advice that won't damage your score, contact StepChange on 0800 138 1111.
Most UK lenders score five things: deposit size (the bigger the deposit, the lower the LTV, the better the rate), income vs price (most cap at 4.5× household income), credit history (any missed payments in the last 6 years hurt), employment stability (2+ years in one job is the safe baseline), and existing debts (every £100/mo outgoing reduces what you can borrow by roughly £15-20k).
The jump from 5% to 10% LTV unlocks 3-4× more lenders and noticeably better rates. Use a Lifetime ISA if you're under 40 and buying under £450k — the government adds 25% (up to £1,000/yr) to anything you save in it.
£150/mo of credit card minimums can reduce your borrowing by £20-30k. Clear or consolidate before the credit check. Avoid taking out new credit (car finance, mobile contracts) in the 3 months before applying.
Check all three UK agencies: Experian (powers Halifax, Nationwide), Equifax (powers HSBC, Barclays), TransUnion (powers NatWest, Santander). Use Credit Karma, ClearScore, MoneySavingExpert Credit Club — all free. Fix any errors before applying.
If you're not on the electoral register at your current address, lenders can't verify you — automatic rejection from many. Register at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Takes 5 minutes. Updates take 1-4 weeks.
A new job — even a pay rise — resets your employment history. Lenders want to see at least 3-6 months at current employer before approval. If you must change jobs, get an Agreement in Principle first.
If you're a first-time buyer in England or Northern Ireland: 0% on the first £425,000. 5% on £425,001-£625,000. Above £625,000 you pay standard rates (you lose first-time relief entirely). Scotland uses LBTT, Wales uses LTT — different thresholds. Sorted calculates the exact SDLT for you in the result.
Once your score is 70+ in all five factors, book an Agreement in Principle (AIP) with a fee-free broker. It takes 15 minutes online, runs a soft credit check (no impact on score), and gives you a written confirmation of how much a real UK lender will lend. AIPs are valid for 60-90 days — use this window to make offers on properties.