For many high net worth individuals (HNWIs), income doesn’t come in the form of a traditional monthly payslip. Instead, it might be made up of dividends, trust distributions, rental profits, overseas earnings, carried interest, or even cryptocurrency gains. While this can present challenges when applying for a mortgage, it absolutely doesn’t mean borrowing is off the table.
In fact, with the right approach — and the right mortgage broker — HNWIs can access flexible, bespoke lending solutions tailored to their unique financial profile.
💼 What is ‘Complex Income’?
Complex income typically refers to earnings that don’t fit neatly into the “employed with a basic salary and bonus” category. Examples include:
- Company dividends (often irregular or retained in the business)
- Director’s drawings
- Trust income or distributions
- Rental income from multiple properties
- Foreign currency earnings
- Performance bonuses or carried interest (common in finance)
- Investment or capital gains
- Income from multiple jurisdictions
- Self-employed income with variable profits
🧾 Why Standard Mortgage Lenders Often Say ‘No’ to High Net Worth Individuals
Mainstream lenders typically use automated systems and fixed criteria. If your income doesn’t tick the right boxes, your application may be declined or under-offered — even if you have substantial wealth or assets.
For example:
- Retained profits in a business may be ignored.
- Trust income might be deemed unpredictable.
- Currency conversion or foreign tax reporting can cause delays or concerns.
This is where a specialist broker becomes essential.
🔍 What Lenders Really Want to See
High net worth lenders and private banks take a different view. They can offer manual underwriting, meaning a real person reviews your case and understands the bigger picture. They will look at:
- Your total wealth and asset base
- Track record of income (even if irregular)
- Liquidity (e.g. cash in accounts, investment holdings)
- Business performance, if you’re a company director
- Your borrowing history and repayment behaviour
The key is showing that you’re a low-risk borrower — even if your income is unconventional.
🧠 Smart Strategies to Boost Mortgage Success for HNWIs
Here are a few ways we support high net worth clients with complex income:
1. Packaging the Application Clearly
We help present income and assets in a way that makes sense to lenders — often providing additional commentary, cash flow forecasts, or accountant’s letters.
2. Choosing the Right Lender
Not every lender understands complex structures. We work with private banks, boutique lenders and specialist divisions of high street banks who do.
3. Using Assets as Security or Income
Some lenders allow the use of investment portfolios or other assets to strengthen affordability — including offset products or asset-backed lending.
4. Mortgage via Company or Trust
Depending on your financial setup, it may be better to borrow via a company or trust. We help explore the pros, cons, and tax implications.
🤝 Work with a Broker Who Understands High Net Worth Borrowers
At Mortgage Links, we regularly work with professionals, entrepreneurs, and international clients whose income is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re buying a main residence, refinancing a portfolio, or investing in a second home, we provide expert, discreet support — tailored entirely around your financial world.
Get in touch today to discuss your options and let us help you navigate the mortgage process with clarity and confidence.
