When you hear the term mortgage eligibility, the set of rules lenders use to decide whether you can get a home loan. Also called loan qualification, it covers income, credit, and debt factors. Mortgage eligibility encompasses income verification, and it requires a solid credit score. To understand the whole picture, look at mortgage borrowing, how much you can actually borrow based on your finances. Your borrowing power is shaped by the credit score, a three‑digit number that reflects how you’ve handled debt in the past. Lenders also weigh the debt‑to‑income ratio, the percentage of your monthly earnings that goes toward debt payments. In practice, if your DTI stays below 36 % and your credit score is 620 or higher, most banks will consider you eligible for a standard mortgage.
Beyond the core numbers, who you are as a buyer matters. First‑time homebuyers often qualify for special schemes that lower the down‑payment hurdle or relax the DTI rule. Programs like the UK's Help to Buy or the US's FHA loan can boost your odds even if your credit isn’t perfect. Speaking of FHA, that loan type has its own set of eligibility rules – lower credit thresholds and smaller down payments – which means it can be a gateway for those who struggle with conventional mortgage standards. Employment stability also plays a part; lenders like to see at least two years of consistent income, whether from salaried work or self‑employment with solid tax returns. Lastly, the property itself influences eligibility – a low‑value condo may have different lending limits compared to a high‑value detached house.
All these pieces – income, credit score, DTI, buyer status, loan type, and property details – interlock to form a complete eligibility profile. In the list below you’ll find articles that break down each element, from calculating how much house you can afford on a specific salary to navigating FHA loan disqualifications, and even tips for boosting borrowing power in New Zealand. Use them as a step‑by‑step toolkit to assess where you stand today and what you can improve tomorrow. Ready to see the full picture? Dive into the guides and start mapping out your path to a mortgage that works for you.
