When your income is significant but doesn’t follow a conventional pattern, securing a mortgage can be more complicated than expected.High net worth (HNW) mortgages are tailored to individuals with substantial wealth, these mortgages are designed to work with complex income structures, non-traditional assets, and a wide range of financial portfolios.
What Is a High Net Worth Mortgage?
A high net worth mortgage is designed for individuals with large incomes or assets, typically those earning over £300,000 annually or holding assets exceeding £3 million. These mortgages are more flexible than standard products, as they account for the full picture of your wealth.
Lenders may consider:
- International income streams
- Bonus and dividend income
- Investment portfolios
- Company shares
- Offshore assets or trusts
This flexibility allows high net worth individuals to borrow more without being penalised for not fitting a traditional salaried profile.
How They Differ from Standard Mortgages
Most traditional mortgage lenders follow rigid affordability criteria. If you’re self-employed, receive large bonuses, or hold significant equity in business ventures, a standard lender may struggle to assess your affordability accurately.
High net worth mortgages, however, are underwritten manually, often by dedicated teams. This approach allows for a much more tailored assessment, taking the whole financial picture into account.
The Benefits of a HNW Mortgage:
- Greater borrowing power: With flexible underwriting, you can often borrow more based on total wealth, not just income.
- Bespoke lending terms: Interest-only options, flexible repayment plans, and long-term arrangements are available.
- Private banking service: High net worth clients often benefit from a private banking experience, including direct access to underwriters.
We discussed more of these advantages in our blog on tailored mortgage advice for high net worth individuals, where we explain why specialist advice is essential for getting the best outcome.
Are You Eligible?
You may qualify for a high net worth mortgage if you:
- Have a large income from multiple sources
- Own a business or work in a senior role
- Receive significant dividends or investment income
- Own substantial assets, including property or luxury items
We also work with professionals who receive high levels of performance-related pay, like consultants, lawyers, and senior executives. (If this is you, read our guide on mortgages for professionals).
Need Help Finding the Right Lender?
Fox Davidson works closely with private banks and specialist lenders offering high net worth mortgages. We understand how to structure complex applications to get them over the line quickly and efficiently. Visit our guide to high net worth mortgages or get in touch to discuss your individual situation.
