A poll conducted among readers of The Intermediary has found that nearly half (48%) of respondents support giving lenders more flexibility on high loan-to-income (LTI) mortgages, saying it would improve mortgage access.
Readers were asked: Should lenders be given more flexibility on high LTI mortgages?
Just 17% were against the idea due to concerns about increased financial risk, while 34% backed flexibility only with strict safeguards in place. Only 1% were unsure.
The poll followed new proposals from the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) to remove the current 15% flow limit for individual lenders on high LTI mortgages, allowing more flexibility while maintaining overall market limits.
The consultation aims to help lenders manage their high LTI strategies, subject to ongoing oversight and risk management.
The consultation closes on 1st July 2026, with changes expected later in the year.
Commenting on the poll on Linkedin, Matt McCullough, head of sales and development at Aldermore Bank, said: “It’s a great question but the reality is though, higher LTI doesn’t relieve much affordability cramp.
“Increasing the current maximum LTI only helps those that already have strong affordability and they are reaching a ceiling based on loan to income rules and/or lenders close to the 15% limit today.”
Head to The Intermediary’s social media to take part in the next poll, ‘Should firms be moving faster to adopt Targeted Support?‘