I am thinking of buying a second home - I would rent out my current home (3 bedroomed) and buy a smaller one
Would the banks take into account any potential rental income when deciding how much to lend?
As nobody has replied I would say Yes, but this is from what I know in France. And, if you already have somebody interested it would be a bonus.
Personally, I can buy a property here and get a loan just because I'm letting it out; if this was not the case under my circumstances I wouldn't.
You can get what's called a Let to Buy mortgage that takes into account the equity, outstanding loan and rental potential of your existing property as well as your income. Its a specialist mortgage so I would suggest you see a broker.