When Online Calculators Get It Wrong

Why Speaking to an Expert Makes All the Difference

This first-time buyer couple came to us with a clear goal: to maximise their borrowing power and secure a home they could see themselves in long term.

Like many buyers, they began their journey using an online affordability calculator from a high-street bank. The figure it produced felt limiting, but they assumed it was accurate—and that it represented the absolute maximum they could borrow. As a result, they started viewing properties within that reduced budget, quietly compromising on what they really wanted.

A Second Opinion That Changed Everything

Fortunately, a friend who had previously used our services recommended they speak to us for a second opinion. During our initial conversation, it quickly became clear that the online calculator didn’t reflect their full financial position or the wider range of lending options available to them.

Using our in-depth knowledge of the first-time buyer market, we explored alternative lenders and products that weren’t visible through generic online tools.

Unlocking an Extra £55,000 in Borrowing

By sourcing a mortgage with a more flexible lender, we were able to increase their borrowing capacity by £55,000—while still securing a competitive interest rate and keeping monthly payments comfortably within their budget.

This additional borrowing power transformed their search. Suddenly, they could broaden their property options to include homes that truly met their needs.

Turning Borrowing Potential into Reality

Fast forward three months, and the couple is now in the final stages of the conveyancing process. With completion just around the corner, they’re set to move into their dream home at the end of the month.

Their story is a powerful reminder that online calculators can be a useful starting point—but they rarely tell the full story. With the right advice and access to the wider market, first-time buyers can often achieve far more than they initially expect.