The mutual has enhanced its affordability assessments to allow borrowing of up to six times loan to income for qualifying applicants.

This comes after research by the society revealed that 70% of recent first-time buyers say their current living situation has impacted their plans to have more children, and 65% feel like moving up the property ladder is currently out of reach for them.

Meanwhile, 62% of recent buyers feeling they have, or will have, outgrown their home within the first three years of homeownership.

Leeds Building Society launched its income plus range of mortgages at the end of 2024, offering higher income multiples alongside a lower minimum income threshold.

Under the latest enhancements, ‘next steppers’ with a single or joint income of more than £75,000 can borrow up to six times their income, while applicants with an income of more than £50,000 can borrow up to five and a half times their income when moving up the ladder.

Leeds Building Society director of mortgage distribution Martese Carton says: “We’ve supported members into homeownership for over 150 years, but our research shows that a significant number of recent first-time buyers expect to outgrow their homes far sooner than anticipated.”

“The increasing price gap between first and second properties presents a real affordability challenge. Many households need just one additional bedroom, yet the step up in price can be substantial and difficult to bridge under standard income multiples.”

“By expanding our Income Plus range, we’re aiming to give next steppers greater borrowing flexibility where it’s affordable to do so, supporting more sustainable home moves and helping keep the housing market flowing.”