---
title: "Private Mortgages"
description: "Expert advice on private bank mortgages for high net worth clients, expats & complex income, with access to UK private banks and specialist private lenders."
url: "https://mortgagelane.com/specialists/private-bank-mortgages"
site: "Mortgage Lane"
collection: "specialists"
date: "2026-08-17"
author: "Seren Norton"
category: "Specialists"
reviewed: "2026-10-01"
reading_time: "13 min"
byline: "Seren Norton"
author_credentials: "CeMAP · FCA authorised firm"
language: "en-GB"
robots: "index,follow"
---

# Private Mortgages

Expert advice on private bank mortgages for high net worth clients, expats & complex income, with access to UK private banks and specialist private lenders.

Expert advice on private bank mortgages for high net worth clients, expats & complex income, with access to UK private banks and specialist private lenders.

[Private bank mortgage](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions?term=private-bank-mortgage)

Specialist lending

A mortgage provided by a private bank, often assessed alongside the borrower’s wider assets, income and banking relationship.

[Read the full definition of Private bank mortgage](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions?term=private-bank-mortgage)

## Expert advice on private mortgages

Speak to a Mortgage Lane adviser about your options.

## In short

A private mortgage is a home loan arranged through a private bank or specialist private mortgage lender rather than a mainstream high street bank, typically used by borrowers with large loan requirements, complex income, or substantial assets.

## Private mortgages require correct structuring from the outset

A private mortgage needs the right structure from the start. A case that is set up badly can be declined, lead to an unsuitable lender selection, or end up on terms that do not reflect the borrower's true financial position. Unlike high street lending, private mortgage lending turns on income structure, asset base, residency status, the ownership vehicle and the security offered. Presenting the case to the right private bank or specialist lender, in the format that lender expects, can make the difference between an approval and a decline.

## Specialist support for a range of private mortgage cases

We arrange private mortgages for high net worth individuals, business owners, professionals with complex or foreign currency income, [expats](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-expat-mortgage) and [foreign nationals](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-foreign-national-mortgage) purchasing or refinancing UK property. Borrowing can be in personal names, through limited companies, or through trust or offshore structures, and we choose the lender by the borrower's profile, income type and loan size.

[Speak to a specialist today and check your eligibility](https://mortgagelane.com/contact)

## Arranging a private mortgage

Mortgage Lane arranges regulated and specialist private mortgage lending through established private banks and private mortgage companies, and can advise on how a privately funded arrangement fits alongside mainstream lending.

## Private mortgage rates

## Best Private Mortgage Rates UK October 2026

| Feature | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Product fee | From £0-£995 |
| Type | Residential |
| Rates | From 4.59% |

Indicative rates last reviewed August 2026, subject to status and lender criteria. Rates change and these are not a quote. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

## Private mortgage criteria

*Private mortgage criteria*

| 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 |

## Types of private mortgages

Private mortgage borrowers range from professionals with straightforward but large borrowing requirements to international clients with multi-jurisdictional income and assets held in corporate or trust structures. Some cases suit a private bank relationship with assets under management; others suit a specialist private mortgage lender offering standalone lending. The guides below cover the main variations: private bank mortgages, private home loans, specialist private mortgage lenders and privately funded arrangements.

**Private bank mortgages**

A private bank mortgage is provided by a private bank, usually to high net worth clients, and underwritten case by case instead of through a standard affordability model. The bank looks at the borrower's overall wealth, income streams and asset position, which allows more flexibility on loan size, interest-only borrowing and complex ownership structures.

[Read more about Private bank mortgages](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/private-bank-mortgages/private-bank-mortgages)[Get in touch about Private bank mortgages](https://mortgagelane.com/contact)

[Private bank mortgage](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-private-bank-mortgage) · [Affordability](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-affordability)

**Private home loans and private home financing**

A private home loan is a residential mortgage arranged through a private bank or specialist lender for a home the borrower will live in, as opposed to an investment property.

[Read more about Private home loans and private home financing](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/private-bank-mortgages/private-home-loans-and-private-home-financing)[Get in touch about Private home loans and private home financing](https://mortgagelane.com/contact)

[High net worth mortgage](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-high-net-worth-mortgage) · [Residential mortgage](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-residential-mortgage)

**Mortgage loans from private individuals**

A mortgage loan from a private individual is an arrangement where a person, often a family member or private investor, lends money secured against a property in place of a bank. These privately funded arrangements sit outside mainstream mortgage products and carry legal and regulatory considerations for both parties, including whether the lender needs FCA authorisation for a regulated mortgage contract.

[Read more about Mortgage loans from private individuals](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/private-bank-mortgages/mortgage-loans-from-private-individuals)[Get in touch about Mortgage loans from private individuals](https://mortgagelane.com/contact)

[Mortgage](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-mortgage) · [Regulated mortgage](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-regulated-mortgage)

**Private mortgage lenders and private mortgage companies**

Private mortgage lenders are specialist, non-high-street lenders and private mortgage companies that lend outside standard bank criteria. A private mortgage company may not need a wider banking or investment relationship: it bases the lending decision on the security, the borrower profile and the exit or repayment strategy.

[Read more about Private mortgage lenders and private mortgage companies](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/private-bank-mortgages/private-mortgage-lenders-and-private-mortgage-companies)[Get in touch about Private mortgage lenders and private mortgage companies](https://mortgagelane.com/contact)

[Private bank mortgage](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-private-bank-mortgage) · [Mortgage](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-mortgage)

**Large mortgages and high net worth lending**

A large mortgage, sometimes called a million-plus mortgage, is a loan above the size some high street banks will lend, and can be arranged through private banks or specialist large loan lenders. Loan size thresholds vary by lender.

[Read more about Large mortgages and high net worth lending](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/private-bank-mortgages/large-mortgages-and-high-net-worth-lending)[Get in touch about Large mortgages and high net worth lending](https://mortgagelane.com/contact)

[Underwriting](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-underwriting) · [Mortgage](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-mortgage)

## Process breakdown

01

### Information gathering and advice

The first stage is gathering the information needed before a suitable lender recommendation can be made: your income structure, assets and liabilities, residency and ownership structure, the property details, and your preferences on repayment type and rate.

02

### Credit approval

Once you are happy with the recommended lender and confirm you want to go ahead, the case is presented for a decision, often with a detailed summary to support the bespoke underwrite. Up to this point there is usually nothing to pay. Once the private mortgage is approved in principle, the case moves to full application, and lender fees become payable at that stage.

03

### Application, valuation & underwrite

When the application is submitted, the valuation fee is paid and the valuation instructed. Private mortgage underwriting is manual, and the lender may ask for supporting evidence on income, source of wealth, or corporate and trust structures. Once the valuation is back and the underwriter is satisfied, the lender issues a formal mortgage offer.

04

### Offer and completion

After the private mortgage offer is issued you will need legal advice, and some private banks require the borrower to use a solicitor from their approved panel.

## How private mortgage lenders assess large mortgages

Private mortgage lenders assess the borrower's whole financial position instead of applying a standard income multiple. These are the main mechanics private banks and specialist lenders use when underwriting a large or complex mortgage.

### Bespoke affordability instead of income multiples

Private mortgage lenders build affordability from the borrower's actual income streams instead of applying a single salary multiple. Salary, bonus history, dividends, partnership drawings, retained company profits, rental income and investment income can all count, each weighted by how sustainable it is. For business owners, some private lenders assess affordability on the company's trading performance as well as the income the owner chooses to draw.

### Assets under management (AUM) and relationship pricing

Many private banks price and approve mortgages as part of a wider relationship. Placing assets under management (AUM) with the bank, such as an investment portfolio, can give access to lending that income alone would not support, and may improve the pricing. Where an AUM requirement applies, it varies by institution and case.

### Lombard lending and asset-backed structures

Some private banks offer Lombard lending: borrowing secured against a portfolio of liquid investments, in place of or alongside property. A Lombard facility is sometimes used with a private mortgage to bridge liquidity, fund a purchase ahead of an asset sale, or reduce the loan secured on the property itself. These structures need careful advice, because a fall in the portfolio's value can trigger a margin call.

### Foreign currency income and international borrowers

Private mortgage lenders assess income earned in foreign currencies and wealth held overseas, including for expats and foreign nationals buying UK property. Some reduce non-sterling income by a percentage (a haircut) to allow for exchange rate movement, and lenders ask for clear source of funds and source of wealth evidence to meet their [anti-money laundering](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-anti-money-laundering) obligations.

### Interest-only and repayment strategy

Private lenders can offer [interest-only mortgages](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-interest-only-mortgage) where the repayment strategy is credible. Acceptable strategies can include sale of the security property, sale of other assets, an investment maturity, or an expected liquidity event such as a business sale. The lender documents and tests the strategy before accepting it.

### The high net worth exemption

The [Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-financial-conduct-authority) Handbook defines a high net worth mortgage customer as someone with an annual net income of at least £300,000 or net assets of at least £3 million, or whose obligations are guaranteed by a person with that income or those assets. Where a customer meets the definition, the [MCOB rules](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-mcob) let firms apply different provisions to the lending, and lenders that use them ask for their own evidence and declarations. Being wealthy does not apply the provisions automatically. They change the protections that apply, so have an adviser explain exactly what you are agreeing to before you proceed. Source: [FCA Handbook glossary, high net worth mortgage customer](https://handbook.fca.org.uk/glossary/G2953) (checked 1 October 2026).

## Related specialist mortgage advice

- [2026](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/specialists-private-bank-mortgages-details)Guide[Private Mortgages: detailed guide](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/specialists-private-bank-mortgages-details)Detailed explanations and criteria for Private Mortgages.[Read more about Private Mortgages: detailed guide](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/specialists-private-bank-mortgages-details)
- [2026](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/private-bank-mortgages/private-mortgage-lenders-and-private-mortgage-companies)Guide[Private mortgage lenders and private mortgage companies](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/private-bank-mortgages/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.[Read more about Private mortgage lenders and private mortgage companies](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/private-bank-mortgages/private-mortgage-lenders-and-private-mortgage-companies)
- [2026](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/private-bank-mortgages/private-bank-mortgages)Guide[Private bank mortgages](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/private-bank-mortgages/private-bank-mortgages)A private bank mortgage is a mortgage provided by a private bank, usually to high net worth clients, and underwritten on a bespoke basis rather than through standard affordability models. Private banks assess the borrower’s overall wealth, income streams, and asset position, which allows greater flexibility on loan size, interest-only borrowing, and complex ownership structures.[Read more about Private bank mortgages](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/private-bank-mortgages/private-bank-mortgages)

## Frequently asked questions and answers on private mortgages

**Q: What is a private mortgage?**

faq-id: 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.

**Q: How do I get a large mortgage?**

faq-id: how-do-i-get-a-large-mortgage

Borrowers usually get a large mortgage from a private bank or a specialist large loan lender, through a broker, with full evidence of income, assets and source of wealth. These lenders look at total remuneration, business interests and investment assets, and some will lend on an [interest-only](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-interest-only-mortgage) basis where the repayment strategy is documented.

**Q: Do private banks offer better mortgage rates?**

faq-id: do-private-banks-offer-better-mortgage-rates

Not necessarily. Private banks can offer competitive terms on large loans, particularly where the client has a wider banking or investment relationship with the bank. Their pricing is set case by case and is not published, so private bank mortgage rates vary and are worth comparing with specialist and mainstream alternatives before you choose.

**Q: What is a private home loan?**

faq-id: 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.

**Q: Can foreign nationals get a private mortgage in the UK?**

faq-id: can-foreign-nationals-get-a-private-mortgage-in-the-uk

Yes. Foreign nationals can get private mortgages on UK property through private banks and specialist lenders. The lender looks at residency, visa status where relevant, the currency of the income and the source of wealth, and may set a different loan-to-value limit for an overseas borrower. Our [mortgages for foreign nationals](https://mortgagelane.com/specialists/mortgages-for-foreign-nationals) page covers the wider market.

**Q: Who are private mortgage lenders in the UK?**

faq-id: 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.

**Q: Are private mortgages regulated?**

faq-id: are-private-mortgages-regulated

A private mortgage secured on the borrower's own home is normally a [regulated mortgage contract](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-regulated-mortgage), 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.

**Q: Do I need assets under management to get a private bank mortgage?**

faq-id: do-i-need-assets-under-management-to-get-a-private-bank-mortgage

Not always. Some private banks make assets under management (AUM) a condition of mortgage lending, while others offer dry lending with no AUM requirement. Whether a condition applies depends on the institution, the loan size and the strength of the borrower's overall profile.

**Q: Can I get a private mortgage with complex income?**

faq-id: can-i-get-a-private-mortgage-with-complex-income

Yes. Complex income is one of the main reasons borrowers use private mortgage lenders, who can take into account bonuses, dividends, retained company profits, partnership drawings, investment income and foreign currency earnings. Each income stream is weighted on its own merits instead of going through a standard affordability calculation.

**Q: Can I get a private mortgage through a limited company or trust?**

faq-id: can-i-get-a-private-mortgage-through-a-limited-company-or-trust

Yes. Private mortgage lenders can lend to limited companies, limited liability partnerships, trusts and some offshore structures. Lending to a structure usually needs [personal guarantees](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-personal-guarantee) from the individuals behind it, along with full disclosure of beneficial ownership for anti-money laundering purposes.

**Q: Are private mortgages interest only?**

faq-id: are-private-mortgages-interest-only

Private mortgages can be arranged on an interest-only basis, subject to a credible repayment strategy. Acceptable strategies can include the sale of the property, the sale of other assets, investment maturities or planned liquidity events such as a business sale, and the lender asks for evidence of the strategy and tests it during underwriting.

**Q: Can a private individual lend me money for a mortgage?**

faq-id: can-a-private-individual-lend-me-money-for-a-mortgage

Yes. A private individual can lend money secured against property, but the arrangement can carry legal and regulatory considerations, including whether the lender needs Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorisation to enter into a regulated mortgage contract. Both sides need formal legal documentation, and a [gifted deposit](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-gifted-deposit) or a second charge may protect both parties better.

**Q: Can I borrow against my share portfolio instead of selling it to buy a house?**

faq-id: can-i-borrow-against-my-share-portfolio-instead-of-selling-it-to-buy-a-house

Yes. Borrowing against a share portfolio, so you do not have to sell the shares, is possible through Lombard lending, also called securities-backed lending. The lender takes security over the portfolio and advances a percentage of its value, and the shares stay invested. If the portfolio falls in value, the lender can make a margin call for more collateral or a partial repayment.

**Q: Can I get a £5 million mortgage through a bank or do I need private banking?**

faq-id: can-i-get-a-5-million-mortgage-through-a-bank-or-do-i-need-private-banking

Some mainstream banks with large loan teams can arrange a £5 million mortgage, and private banks also lend at this size. A private bank underwrites a £5 million mortgage against the borrower's overall income, assets and wealth, which can allow more flexible structures than mainstream large loan criteria.

**Q: Can I get a high value mortgage with no income but significant assets?**

faq-id: can-i-get-a-high-value-mortgage-with-no-income-but-significant-assets

Yes, it can be possible through private banks and specialist lenders that use asset-backed underwriting. The lender may treat liquid assets as the source of repayment, or structure an income stream from an investment portfolio. Illiquid wealth, such as property, is harder to lend against without income.

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Published: 2026-08-17

Last reviewed: 2026-10-01

Source: https://mortgagelane.com/specialists/private-bank-mortgages