High Net Worth Mortgages
High net worth mortgage lending where standard income multiples are replaced by holistic wealth assessment - accessing private banks and specialist large-loan lenders that assess the full financial picture rather than a simple salary calculation.
Why standard income multiples fail HNW borrowers
A private equity partner drawing £120,000 salary with £800,000 of carried interest and £5m in co-investments is assessed by a mainstream lender as a £120,000 earner. The same borrower, presented to the right private bank, accesses a mortgage of £3m+ based on total wealth and income. At Doulton Bridging Finance we have the private bank relationships and structured presentation capability to place HNW cases at the terms they deserve.
Private bank access and bespoke structuring
Private Bank Relationships
Coutts, Arbuthnot Latham, Investec, Hampden & Co, C. Hoare & Co, Nedbank Private Wealth - each with different strengths, minimum thresholds, and AUM preferences. We match borrowers to the bank most appropriate for their specific income and wealth profile.
Complex Income Assessment
Carried interest, partner drawings, multi-year bonus averaging, RSUs, equity compensation, multi-currency income, and investment portfolio distributions all incorporated by the right specialist lender.
Holistic Wealth Assessment
Private banks assess total balance sheet rather than annual income - investment portfolios, business equity, other property, and future earnings trajectory all inform the credit decision. Ideal for borrowers with significant illiquid wealth.
Large Loan Interest Only
Genuine interest only over 15 to 25 years with flexible repayment vehicles - investment portfolio, sale of business interests, other property, pension lump sum. The most common structure for HNW residential mortgage borrowers.
Prime and Super-Prime Property
Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Chelsea, Kensington, and significant country and equestrian properties. Private bank underwriters deal with high-value and unusual properties as routine rather than exception.
Discretion and Personal Service
A named relationship manager, direct communication, and a process designed for the borrower's convenience. Private bank and specialist broker introductions provide the level of service expected at this end of the market.
How it works
Confidential income and wealth overview
We review your income structure, assets, property requirement, and loan size. For loans above £1m, no upfront fee applies. We identify the right private bank or specialist lender for your specific profile.
Case preparation and lender approach
We prepare the income analysis and wealth summary that private banks expect - presented to the credit team before formal application. Poor preparation at this stage loses HNW cases that should be approved.
Valuation and legal
A senior RICS valuer is instructed for the property. Legal work begins in parallel. Private bank due diligence is more intensive than standard lending - we manage all parties to keep timelines on track.
Mortgage facility and drawdown
Private bank mortgage facilities are typically confirmed within 6 to 12 weeks from initial approach. We stay involved through drawdown to ensure any conditions are discharged efficiently.
Looking for a high net worth mortgage?
Tell us the loan amount, income structure, and property. We return indicative terms from the right private bank or specialist lender within 48 hours. No upfront fee on loans above £1m.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifies as a high-net-worth mortgage?
The FCA defines an HNW individual for mortgage purposes as someone with net assets above £3m or annual income above £300,000. At these levels, the most appropriate products come from private banks and specialist large-loan lenders who conduct bespoke assessments rather than formula-based calculations.
Do I need to place assets with a private bank to get a mortgage?
Most private banks prefer or require an AUM relationship alongside the mortgage. The minimum threshold varies by bank, from £250,000 to £1m+. Some write 'dry mortgages' with no AUM requirement for the right borrower profile. A broker identifies which banks are willing to engage on a mortgage-only basis.
Can bonus and carried interest be used for a large mortgage?
Yes - by the right specialist lender or private bank. Bonus income is typically assessed at 50-75% of a consistent multi-year average. Carried interest is assessed by private banks with PE sector experience against the fund's track record and vesting schedule. We identify which lender's assessment is most favourable.
Is there a minimum loan for a private bank mortgage?
Informal minimums of £1-2m apply at most private banks. Below £2m, specialist large-loan lenders often offer better rates without the AUM relationship requirement. Above £3m, private banks usually provide more flexible income assessment and better interest only terms.
Can non-UK nationals and overseas residents get HNW mortgages?
Yes. Private banks are experienced with international HNW clients, non-UK income, and non-resident borrowers. Documentation requirements are more intensive than for UK residents but genuine product access exists. See our international mortgages section for country-specific guidance.