What are Private Mortgage Lenders?

Private mortgage lenders offer specialised finance solutions for high-net-worth individuals. These lenders have a unique understanding of the financial needs of wealthy clients and provide customised mortgage options that are not typically available through regular banks.

To be eligible for these private mortgages, you generally need to have either:

  • A net worth of at least £3 million, or
  • An annual income of at least £300,000.

Private mortgage lenders focus on creating mortgages that are specifically designed for each client. They are not bound by the same rules as traditional high street lenders, which means they can offer more flexible and accessible products for their affluent clients.

How Private Mortgage Lending Works

Private mortgage lending involves creating a bespoke agreement that suits your financial situation and preferences.

Unlike standard mortgages, private lenders look beyond just your income. They consider your entire ability to repay the loan, including your assets and debts. The key steps in securing a private mortgage include:

  • Discussing your financial goals, current arrangements, and plans.
  • Figuring out the right loan amount, interest rates, and how you’ll pay back the loan.
  • Being open about your sources of income and what assets you own.
  • Using your property or other valuable items as security for the loan.

Private mortgages are tailored to fit the exact needs of high-net-worth individuals. Some features of these mortgages might include:

  • Mortgage values exceeding £10 million
  • Loans at 90-95% loan-to-value ratios
  • Lower interest rates
  • Interest-only terms without requiring repayment vehicles

Working with expert brokers can be crucial to finding the best and most competitive private mortgage options available.

Why High Net Worth Borrowers Choose Private Lenders

High net-worth individuals often find that regular mortgage lenders can’t fully meet their needs. These lenders usually have strict rules that don’t fit the complex financial situations of wealthy investors. Private lenders offer better options that are more suitable for people with a lot of money.

Access Significantly Higher Income Multiples

Normal lenders usually only lend up to about 4.5 times your income. Private lenders, however, can offer you loans that are more than 7 times your earnings. This means you can borrow more money while still having cash for other investments.

Gain Access to Preferential Interest Rates

Private lenders have special mortgage deals for wealthy clients. These deals aren’t usually advertised to the public. Private mortgages often have very low-interest rates, sometimes below the average rates.

Unlock Higher Loan-to-Value Ratios

Private lenders are more willing to offer higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios compared to traditional banks. This means you can borrow more against the value of the property, leaving more of your cash available for other uses.

Structure Bespoke Finance Solutions

Private mortgages are tailored to your specific needs, unlike standard mortgages that have fixed rules. 

Specialist brokers help you find the best solution that matches your financial goals and abilities. This is especially useful for wealthy property investors who want to borrow more.

Which Lenders Offer Private Mortgage Deals in the UK?

While prominent high-street banks provide some services via private arms open to high-net-worth individuals, their mortgage offerings generally lack innovation compared to dedicated private lenders focused exclusively on privileged clients.

Leading specialised private mortgage lenders currently actively providing loans in the UK include:

  • Paragon
  • Precise Mortgages
  • Together Money
  • Masthaven Bank

To access their exclusive deals and preferential rates, partnering with expert specialist brokers who have established lender relationships is almost always an essential requirement. 

Most private providers firmly avoid direct public interaction due to service intricacy and the necessity of maintaining prestige brand positioning by carefully qualifying prospective clients.

Should I Use a Mainstream Mortgage or a Private Lender?

Big banks do offer private mortgages, but they often have limits on how much you can borrow, usually between £5-10 million. Private lenders, on the other hand, can handle bigger and more complicated loans.

Private lenders focus on creating unique mortgage solutions that are specifically designed for each wealthy client. They use their expertise and connections with specialist brokers to make it easier for you to get these special deals.

Steps to Getting a Private Mortgage in the UK

To get a private mortgage in the UK, you can follow these three simple steps:

1. Consult an Experienced Specialist Broker

Find a mortgage broker who specialises in high-net-worth lending. They have connections with top private lenders and can help you get good deals.

2. Prepare Necessary Financial Documentation

Gather all your financial documents to show your wealth. This includes details of what you own and owe. Lenders need this to offer you a mortgage that fits your financial situation.

3. Allow Brokers to Negotiate on Your Behalf

Let your broker talk to lenders for you. They know how to get special deals that are not usually available. Your broker will work to get a mortgage that suits your property investment plans.

Are Second Charge Private Mortgages Available?

Yes, second-charge mortgages are available from private lenders, especially for high-net-worth borrowers. These loans allow you to borrow against the equity in your property that’s already mortgaged. Lenders will assess your ability to manage payments for both your primary and second mortgages.

Second-charge mortgages from private lenders typically have higher interest rates than first mortgages due to the increased risk, but they are generally more competitive than those from conventional banks. Rates can vary, but specialist brokers often secure deals with rates around 3-4%.

One key advantage of second-charge mortgages is their flexibility in terms of loan amounts and repayment terms. 

They can be a suitable option for funding significant expenses like home renovations or consolidating debts. It’s important to remember that your property may be at risk if you cannot keep up with repayments on your mortgage.

Can I Get a Private Buy-to-Let Mortgage?

Private lenders are particularly receptive to buy-to-let mortgage applications from wealthy investors who manage multiple properties. 

Using your entire property portfolio as collateral can streamline the loan process, making it more straightforward to secure financing for expanding your property investments.

Unlike standard buy-to-let mortgages, which often have strict lending criteria and limits, private buy-to-let mortgages offer greater flexibility. They are customised to fit your specific investment strategy and risk tolerance. 

This customization can include varying loan-to-value ratios, interest rates, and repayment terms that align with your financial goals and cash flow needs.

Experienced brokers play a crucial role in navigating the private lending market. They can identify lenders who are most likely to offer favourable terms based on your unique circumstances and investment objectives. 

This bespoke approach is particularly beneficial for complex portfolios or for investors looking to expand in niche property markets.

Additionally, private buy-to-let mortgages can sometimes offer interest-only payment options, which can be attractive for investors seeking to maximise cash flow. 

It’s important to carefully consider the long-term implications of interest-only loans and ensure they align with your investment strategy and financial planning.

What If My Credit History Shows Defaults or Arrears?

If your credit history isn’t perfect, with missed payments or defaults, regular banks might say no to you. But private mortgage lenders often look more at how much you own, not just your credit score, when they decide if you can afford a loan.

If you have a lot of assets and can show you can make the payments, some private lenders might overlook past credit problems. It’s a good idea to be open about any financial issues you’ve had before. 

This helps your broker find lenders who might be interested in giving you a mortgage. 

Even with a rocky credit history, you can often get a private mortgage if you have enough assets and haven’t had any major financial problems recently.

The Bottom Line

If you’re wealthy and considering a private mortgage, the benefits are clear: lower interest rates, the ability to borrow more, and flexible terms tailored to your financial situation. These mortgages are especially useful if you have a complex income but substantial assets.

The key to a successful private mortgage is working with a specialist broker. They have the expertise and connections to navigate the unique needs of high-net-worth clients, ensuring you get a mortgage that fits your goals.

Looking for a private mortgage? Contact us and we’ll match you with an expert broker for a free, no-obligation chat to provide your options and solutions tailored to your situation.