Mortgage guide
Private mortgage lenders and private mortgage companies
Private mortgage lenders are specialist, non-high-street lenders and private mortgage companies that provide mortgage finance outside standard bank criteria. Unlike private banks, most private mortgage companies do not require a wider banking or investment relationship; the lending decision is based on the security, the borrower profile, and the exit or repayment strategy.
- Published
- 17 Aug 2026
- Last reviewed
- 17 Aug 2026
- Reading time
- 2 min
Private mortgage lenders and private mortgage companies
Private mortgage lenders are specialist, non-high-street lenders and private mortgage companies that provide mortgage finance outside standard bank criteria. Unlike private banks, most private mortgage companies do not require a wider banking or investment relationship; the lending decision is based on the security, the borrower profile, and the exit or repayment strategy.
Specialist private mortgage lending is generally priced above high street lending, reflecting the manual underwriting involved and the flexibility offered. For many borrowers, a private mortgage lender is a medium-term solution, with the loan refinanced to a mainstream product once income has seasoned, credit has repaired, or the property position has been regularised.
Because criteria between private mortgage companies differ significantly, and some lenders only accept applications through intermediaries, using a whole-of-market broker is often the most practical route to comparing private mortgage lenders.
Mortgage repayment calculator
Private mortgage criteria
For context, these are the wider product terms covered by this guide. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the lender.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Borrowers | Personal names, limited companies, an LLP, trusts and offshore structures |
| Repayment type | Interest only, repayment, or part and part |
| Term | Up to 40 years on residential lending in our experience; each lender sets its own maximum |
| Minimum loan size | Set by each lender; some private banks and large loan lenders have a minimum loan size |
| Maximum loan to value (LTV) | Set by each lender for the borrower and the security |
| Income types considered | Salary, bonus, dividends, investment income and foreign currency income |
| Assets under management (AUM) | Required by some private banks; others offer dry lending without AUM |
| Residency | UK residents, expats and foreign nationals |
| Credit approach | Bespoke underwriting with manual assessment |
| Locations | England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland |
For context, these are the wider product terms covered by this guide. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the lender.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product fee | From £0-£995 |
| Type | Residential |
| Rates | From 4.59% |
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- Area:
- West Midlands
- Loan size:
- £92,000
Frequently asked questions
Who are private mortgage lenders in the UK?
Private mortgage lenders in the UK are private banks and specialist private mortgage companies that lend outside high street criteria. Some accept applications only through intermediaries, so borrowers often reach them through a mortgage broker.
Should I use a private bank or a specialist lender?
Private banks suit clients wanting a wider relationship and willing to place assets; specialist lenders suit complex income without that requirement; high-street teams can be competitive for straightforward cases. Comparing all shows the best package.
What is a private mortgage?
A private mortgage is a mortgage arranged through a private bank or a specialist private mortgage lender instead of a mainstream high street bank. Private mortgages are underwritten individually, which is why they are used by borrowers with large loan requirements, complex income, or wealth held in investments, businesses, trusts or overseas assets.
What is a private home loan?
A private home loan is a residential mortgage, arranged through a private bank or specialist lender, on a home the borrower will live in. It is used where income or wealth does not fit standard residential underwriting, for example for business owners, bonus-based earners and buyers of high-value homes.
Are private mortgages regulated?
A private mortgage secured on the borrower's own home is normally a regulated mortgage contract, overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the same way as a high street residential mortgage. Lending for investment purposes can fall outside regulation, and where the borrower is a high net worth mortgage customer under the FCA definition some MCOB rules apply differently. Ask your adviser which protections apply to your arrangement.
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