For 'Generation Rent', the dream of homeownership feels increasingly out of reach, with many relying on parental help for a deposit. However, the challenge extends beyond the initial lump sum, as lenders scrutinise monthly earnings to assess mortgage affordability. New exclusive data reveals precisely how much you need to earn to secure a home across the United Kingdom.
The Stark National Picture
Property portal Zoopla, in analysis for Metro, has calculated the annual salary required to afford a typical 20% deposit and subsequent mortgage repayments in different parts of the UK. The figures paint a stark picture of the nation's housing divide, though some pockets of relative affordability remain.
Unsurprisingly, London remains the most expensive region. To buy a home in the capital, where the average property now costs £529,400, a household needs a combined income of £100,000. This towers over the UK's average salary of £38,428 per year, highlighting a gap of over £60,000. For perspective, in 1986, a London home cost around £55,000, a price within reach for many key workers.
Regional Breakdown: From the South East to the North East
The financial pressure eases only slightly outside the M25. The South East is the second most costly region, requiring an income of £72,330 to afford an average home priced at £382,900. Prospective buyers in the East of England need £63,840 (average price: £338,000), while in the South West, the required salary is £58,770 (average price: £311,100).
At the other end of the spectrum, the North East emerges as the UK's most affordable region. Here, aspiring homeowners need an annual income of just £28,130 to qualify for a mortgage, with the average house price standing at £148,900. This stark contrast underscores the profound geographical inequality within the UK property market.
Seeking Mortgage Advice
For those embarking on the homebuying journey, fee-free mortgage advice is available from London & Country Mortgages. The broker, authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002), offers access to thousands of deals without charging a fee. It is crucial to remember that your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with mortgage repayments.
The data, published in January 2026, confirms that the barrier to homeownership is not just the deposit, but sustained high earnings. For many, especially in southern England, combining incomes with a partner is now a necessity rather than a choice, cementing the shift from a nation of homeowners to a nation of long-term renters.
