Large mortgages
Higher-value borrowing requires a more considered approach.
Large mortgage applications can involve more detailed underwriting, higher-value properties, complex income and a wider range of lender types. Our advisers help structure and manage these cases from the outset.
Higher-value lending
Bespoke underwriting
Lender routes
Mainstream to private bank
Higher-value lending
Larger loans can change the way lenders assess an application.
The larger the borrowing requirement, the more important lender appetite and case structure can become.
Mainstream lenders may be able to provide significant mortgage loans, but maximum loan sizes, affordability models and underwriting approaches differ substantially from lender to lender.
In other circumstances, specialist lenders or private banks may provide a more appropriate route, particularly where the client's income, assets or wider financial position require more bespoke consideration.
Underwriting
What matters in a large mortgage application.
Higher-value mortgage cases often require lenders to take a more detailed view of the applicant, property and overall financial position.
01
Income structure
Larger mortgages can involve salary, bonuses, commissions, dividends, retained profits, partnership income or multiple income sources.
02
Loan size
As borrowing increases, lender appetite and underwriting approach can change significantly, particularly at higher loan values.
03
Loan-to-value
The relationship between the loan and property value can influence lender choice, pricing and the level of underwriting required.
04
Assets & liquidity
Some lenders, particularly private banks, may take a broader view of a client's assets, liquidity and overall financial position.
05
Residency & overseas income
International residency, overseas income and foreign assets can affect which lenders are able to consider the application.
06
Property
High-value, unusual or non-standard properties may require lenders with more flexible property criteria or valuation approaches.
Lender strategy
The right lending route depends on more than the loan amount.
Large mortgages can be arranged through several different parts of the lending market. The appropriate route depends on the client's income, assets, property, borrowing level and wider circumstances.
Our role is to understand the case before approaching lenders, rather than assuming that the largest loan automatically requires a private-bank solution.
Discuss your borrowingMainstream lenders
Major banks and building societies may consider substantial mortgage borrowing where the case fits their affordability, income and property criteria.
Specialist lenders
Specialist lenders can sometimes provide greater flexibility where income, residency, property or the overall application falls outside mainstream criteria.
Private banks
Private banks may consider higher-value borrowing within the context of a client's wider financial position, assets and banking relationship.
Complex income
Higher earnings do not always mean straightforward underwriting.
Higher-value clients can have income structures that do not fit neatly into a standard salary multiple. Bonuses, commission, partnership income, dividends, retained profits and overseas earnings may all require different lender treatment.
Different lenders may use different proportions of variable income or assess company and partnership earnings in different ways. Understanding those differences can materially affect the borrowing position.
Private banking
Some cases require a broader financial conversation.
Private-bank underwriting can look beyond a conventional mortgage application.
Depending on the institution, the bank may consider wider assets, investments, liquidity, business interests and the broader client relationship alongside the property and mortgage requirement.
Different private banks target different client profiles, which means lender selection can be particularly important before an application or enquiry is made.
International clients
Large UK mortgages for clients with international circumstances.
Intra has arranged more than 3,000 mortgages for international clients from over 20 countries, including Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the United States, Canada and countries across Europe.
Overseas income, foreign residency, international assets and complex documentation can all influence which lenders are able to consider a higher-value UK mortgage.
International experience
3,000+
International clients
20+
Countries represented
How we work
Structure the case before approaching the lender.
Large mortgage cases can benefit from preparation before a formal application is made. Our team works through the financial and property details before determining the appropriate lending route.
Understand the requirement
We begin by understanding the property, loan size, income structure, assets, liabilities and wider financial circumstances behind the borrowing requirement.
Assess the lending routes
Your adviser considers whether the case is more appropriately placed with a mainstream lender, specialist lender or private bank.
Structure the application
Higher-value borrowing can require more detailed preparation, particularly where income, assets, residency or ownership structures are more complex.
Approach the lender
Once an appropriate route has been identified, we prepare the application and supporting documentation around the lender's requirements.
Manage underwriting
Our adviser and administration team remain involved throughout underwriting, valuation, lender queries and the mortgage offer process.
Complete
We continue to support the case through the final stages of the transaction and mortgage completion.
Lender access
Lender appetite becomes increasingly important at higher values.
Maximum loan sizes, affordability models and underwriting appetite vary significantly. Our lender access includes major banks, building societies, specialist mortgage providers and private banks.
Lender availability and suitability depend on individual circumstances and lending criteria.
Why Intra
Experience across substantial and more complex borrowing.
Large mortgage applications often require detailed lender research, careful preparation and active case management throughout the underwriting process.
01
Detailed fact-finding
We begin by understanding the full financial picture, including income, assets, liabilities, property and future plans.
02
Multiple lending routes
Our advisers can consider mainstream, specialist and private-bank options depending on the circumstances.
03
Complex circumstances
We regularly work with clients whose income, residency or financial position requires more detailed consideration.
04
Dedicated case management
Our administration team supports the progression of the application through underwriting, valuation, offer and completion.
Related services
Explore related borrowing requirements.
International
International clients
UK property finance for foreign nationals, UK expats and clients with overseas income or international circumstances.
Complex income
Self-Employed & Contractors
Mortgage advice for business owners and clients whose income requires a more detailed lender assessment.
Specialist finance
Bridging & Specialist Finance
Specialist property finance where conventional mortgage lending may not meet the requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Large mortgage questions.
These answers are general. The appropriate lending route will depend on your borrowing requirement, property and wider circumstances.
01What is considered a large mortgage?
+
What is considered a large mortgage?
There is no single definition. The point at which a mortgage is considered large depends on the lender and the wider circumstances. Borrowing above £1 million is commonly treated as higher-value lending, although underwriting can begin to differ at lower or higher amounts depending on the institution.
02Can high street banks provide large mortgages?
+
Can high street banks provide large mortgages?
Yes. Many mainstream banks and building societies are able to provide substantial mortgage loans, although maximum loan sizes, affordability calculations and lending criteria vary between institutions.
03When might a private bank be considered?
+
When might a private bank be considered?
Private banks may be relevant where borrowing is particularly substantial or where the client's wider assets, income, investment position or financial circumstances benefit from a more bespoke approach.
04Can bonuses and commission be used for affordability?
+
Can bonuses and commission be used for affordability?
Potentially. Different lenders take different approaches to variable income. Some may use a proportion of bonuses or commission, while others may assess historical earnings or require a track record over a particular period.
05Can retained company profits be considered?
+
Can retained company profits be considered?
Some lenders may consider retained profits or take a broader view of company performance when assessing company directors, although this varies significantly between lenders.
06Can Intra help with overseas income?
+
Can Intra help with overseas income?
Yes. International income can add complexity because lenders vary in the currencies, jurisdictions and income structures they will accept. Intra regularly works with clients whose financial circumstances extend beyond the UK.
07Can I borrow against a high-value or unusual property?
+
Can I borrow against a high-value or unusual property?
Potentially. The property's value, construction, location, condition and marketability will all be relevant. Some lenders have greater appetite for high-value or non-standard property than others.
Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other loan secured upon it.
Higher-value borrowing
Discuss your requirements with an Intra adviser.
Tell us about the property, borrowing requirement and wider circumstances and our team can help explain the next steps.
enquiries@intra-pf.com