Mortgage lenders must now thoroughly check applicants can afford repayments by assessing income, essential outgoings, and other debts. New rules since 2014 aim to prevent people taking on unaffordable mortgages. Lenders require evidence like pay slips, accounts, or tax returns and will consider how interest rate rises could affect payments. Applicants must disclose expected income or spending changes. Advisers discuss personal circumstances to recommend a suitable mortgage, but applicants can apply without advice at their own risk.