Private Bank Mortgages
High-street lenders assess you against a formula – income times a multiple, minus commitments, done. Private banks work differently: they look at your entire financial relationship with them, including investments, savings, and other assets held in their care, and lend based on that whole picture rather than a single income figure.
For expat clients with significant wealth spread across investments, multiple income sources, or assets in different jurisdictions, that difference in approach can unlock lending a mainstream bank simply won’t offer. We arrange introductions to private banks suited to more complex financial profiles.
Who this actually suits
- Clients with substantial investment portfolios or savings, even if income alone wouldn’t support the loan size sought
- Multiple income streams across different countries and currencies
- Business owners or those with complex corporate structures whose income doesn’t fit a standard payslip format
Private banking relationships are often about more than just the mortgage – many clients end up combining lending with wealth management or investment services through the same institution, though that’s your choice, not a requirement we push. If your need is simply a larger loan size rather than a whole-wealth assessment, our High Value Mortgages page may be the more straightforward route.
How the process differs from a standard mortgage application
Expect more conversation and less form-filling. Private bank underwriting tends to be relationship-based and genuinely discreet, with a named contact rather than a call centre, though it also typically takes longer to arrange given the more bespoke nature of each case.
Our fees
£295 application fee, 1% completion fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already bank with the private bank in question?
Not necessarily, though some private banks prefer to establish a wider relationship alongside the mortgage.
Is there a minimum wealth level to qualify?
Generally yes, though this varies significantly by institution – worth discussing your specific circumstances with us.
How long does private bank lending typically take?
Often longer than a standard mortgage, given the more manual and relationship-driven underwriting – budget for several weeks longer than a typical application.
Can this work for buy-to-let as well as residential purchases?
Yes, private banks will consider both depending on the institution and your circumstances.
Is my information kept confidential throughout the process?
Yes, discretion is a core part of how private banking operates.
Get in touch for a confidential conversation about your financial profile and what private banking could offer you.
