This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised mortgage, tax or legal advice.
Written and reviewed by the Highhouse Money mortgage team · Last reviewed: 25 August 2026
The key point is that large-loan and high net worth borrowers are usually assessed by people, not scorecards. Lenders with private or large-loan teams look at your overall financial picture — income, assets and how wealth is structured — rather than applying a fixed formula.
We arrange lending for large loans and high net worth private clients. This guide explains, in general terms, how that part of the market works and what lenders typically look for. It is general information, not financial advice.
Information lenders usually want to see
- A full statement of assets and liabilities
- Evidence of all income sources and their history
- Details of any company or trust structures
- Your proposed repayment method
- Information about the property and its use
- Your existing banking relationships
The high net worth exemption
UK mortgage regulation includes an exemption for high net worth borrowers who meet specified thresholds and sign a declaration confirming this. Where it applies, a lender can take a more flexible approach to underwriting. It is optional; many wealthy borrowers take out standard regulated mortgages instead, and the right choice depends on individual circumstances.
Complex and variable income
High earners often receive a substantial proportion of income as bonus, profit share, dividends, rental income or investment returns. A high-street lender may use only basic salary, restricting how much it will lend. Lenders focusing on this market look at track record and sustainability, and may consider several years of history to reach a view.
Assets and liquidity
Some lenders consider liquid assets as well as income when judging affordability and repayment. Savings, investment portfolios and property equity may support an application, particularly for interest-only lending where a clear repayment strategy is needed.
Regulated and unregulated lending
Not every large loan is a regulated mortgage. Borrowing for investment property, or secured on a home by a borrower using certain exemptions, may fall outside some consumer protections. Understanding which rules apply to a particular loan, and what protections are given up, is an important part of any decision and should be discussed before proceeding.
Where large loans come from
| Lender type | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| High-street lenders | Standard criteria, sometimes with large-loan teams |
| Private banks | Relationship-based, may expect assets under management |
| Specialist lenders | Manual underwriting for complex income or property |
| Building societies | Individual assessment on some products |
General descriptions only; appetite changes over time.
Preparing your case
- Assemble accountant-prepared figures for every income source
- Explain any trust, partnership or company interests clearly
- Set out the purpose of the loan and the property's intended use
- Consider the tax implications with your accountant separately
- Allow extra time — bespoke underwriting can take longer
This page is general information, not financial advice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a high net worth mortgage?
Under UK mortgage rules, borrowers who meet a set income or net asset threshold can declare themselves high net worth and access a lender's bespoke underwriting. Separately, many lenders run private or large-loan teams for bigger mortgages and complex income, whether or not the formal exemption is used.
Can high earners borrow a higher income multiple?
Some lenders offer higher income multiples to applicants above certain earnings levels or in particular professions. Criteria differ considerably, and any higher multiple remains subject to affordability and the lender's assessment.
How are bonuses, dividends and investment income assessed?
Mainstream lenders often discount or ignore irregular income. Private and specialist lenders may take a more individual view, looking at the history and sustainability of bonuses, carried interest, dividends or portfolio income.
Do private banks require me to move other assets?
Some private banks expect clients to hold savings or investments with them as part of the relationship. Others do not. The terms should be weighed alongside the rate and flexibility of the mortgage.
Is interest-only available on large loans?
It can be, provided there is an acceptable repayment strategy such as the sale of other assets or investments. Lenders will want evidence the strategy is credible.
Sources and further reading
Where figures or rules can change, the position described is correct at the time of writing (25 August 2026) — always check the linked authoritative source for the latest position.
Related pages
Talk it through with an advisor
Every case is different. A short, no-obligation conversation with a whole-of-market advisor is often the fastest way to understand your options. Call 0345 512 0077 or send us a message.
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