How the repayments are worked out
Repayment mortgages use the standard annuity formula, which spreads capital and interest into equal monthly payments:
Monthly payment = loan × r ÷ (1 − (1 + r)−n)
r = annual rate ÷ 12, n = years × 12
For £550,000 at 4.5% over 25 years: r = 0.00375 and n = 300, giving £3,057.08 a month. Over the full term you repay £917,124, so the interest comes to £367,124.
Interest-only
On interest-only you pay just the interest: £550,000 × 4.5% ÷ 12 = £2,062 a month. It is cheaper each month, but the £550,000 is still owed at the end, so lenders want a repayment plan.
Income you would need
Lenders usually cap borrowing at about 4 to 4.5 times income, with some going to 5 or 5.5 times for higher earners. To borrow £550,000 you would typically need a household income of £122,222 to £137,500. Check your figures with the mortgage affordability calculator.
Buying a home? Add the stamp duty to your budget, and see how much overpaying could save.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a £550,000 mortgage a month?
A £550,000 repayment mortgage costs about £3,057 a month over 25 years at 4.5% interest, £2,787 over 30 years and £2,603 over 35 years.
What salary do I need for a £550,000 mortgage?
Most UK lenders lend around 4 to 4.5 times income, so a £550,000 mortgage usually needs a household income of about £122,222 to £137,500 a year, depending on your debts and outgoings.
How much interest will I pay on a £550,000 mortgage?
At 4.5% over 25 years you would repay £917,124 in total, of which £367,124 is interest. A shorter term or a lower rate cuts this.
How much is a £550,000 interest-only mortgage a month?
At 4.5%, interest-only payments on £550,000 are about £2,062 a month, but you still owe the full £550,000 at the end of the term.
Last reviewed October 2026. Example rates only; your lender's rate, fees and term decide what you actually pay.