High net worth mortgages for complex income

Many high net worth borrowers have income that does not fit standard affordability models, such as substantial discretionary bonuses, partnership profit shares, carried interest, vested and unvested stock awards, dividends from personal companies, or income drawn from trusts.

Specialist HNW lenders and private banks can assess complex income on its underlying substance. For example, a lender may take a multi-year average of bonus income, recognise vesting schedules for stock awards, or assess retained profits within a company the borrower controls, subject to the lender’s individual criteria.

Presenting complex income correctly is one of the most important parts of a high net worth mortgage application. Clear evidence, such as remuneration statements, partnership accounts, vesting schedules, and trust documentation, allows the lender to give full weight to the borrower’s true earnings.