High-Net-Worth Mortgages for Americans in the UK: What Lenders Look For in 2025

For many high-net-worth (HNW) Americans, the United Kingdom — and in particular Prime Central London — continues to hold a unique allure.

Whether it’s a historic townhouse in Mayfair, a penthouse overlooking Hyde Park, or an Oxfordshire estate steeped in history, the UK’s prime property market remains one of the most sought-after in the world. In 2025, despite shifting interest rates and evolving tax rules, American demand remains steady, driven by lifestyle appeal, investment diversification, and the prestige of owning in one of the most resilient real estate markets globally.

Yet even with significant wealth, securing a UK mortgage as a US citizen is not as straightforward as some might assume. FATCA compliance, currency considerations, lender restrictions, and more complex underwriting processes can all make the path to finance more intricate.

This is particularly true at the high-net-worth level, where transactions are often bespoke, lender relationships are critical, and the structuring of wealth — from assets under management to trust arrangements — can make or break an application.

Why Wealthy Americans Still Use Mortgages

One common misconception is that high-net-worth buyers always purchase outright in cash.

In reality, many opt to finance part of the purchase for strategic reasons. Debt can be an effective tax planning tool, particularly where interest costs may be offset against certain types of income. For many HNW clients, leveraging allows them to keep capital invested elsewhere, maintaining liquidity for other ventures, acquisitions, or personal priorities.

Mortgages also provide a way to manage currency exposure.

For US-dollar-based investors, taking out a GBP mortgage on a UK property can reduce the impact of exchange rate fluctuations over time. By holding debt in sterling, buyers effectively hedge part of the currency risk that comes with owning an overseas asset.

We explore more of these advantages in our related article, How Americans Can Get a UK Mortgage: Overcoming Expat Lending Challenges in 2025.

The Lending Landscape for HNW Americans in 2025

At the high-net-worth level, the lending pool for Americans is narrower but more specialised. Mainstream high street banks rarely accommodate US nationals, largely because of FATCA reporting obligations and the complexity of cross-border income structures. Instead, the most suitable solutions typically come from private banks and specialist wealth lenders.

Private banks are often the first choice for many HNW Americans. They are equipped to navigate FATCA requirements, take a global view of income and assets, and structure facilities in a way that aligns with a client’s broader wealth strategy. Many of these banks offer multi-currency lending, interest-only terms, and higher loan-to-value ratios than the mainstream market — but access often comes with conditions, such as placing a significant amount of assets under management with the bank.

Specialist wealth lenders, on the other hand, may offer slightly lower maximum LTVs but do not always require an AUM commitment. They tend to be more flexible on property type, willing to move quickly, and may be more accommodating of complex income profiles, such as those involving trusts, family offices, or significant investment income.

Assets Under Management: The Private Bank Gateway

For many HNW Americans, the most significant consideration when approaching a private bank is the asset under management requirement. In 2025, commitments typically range between £1 million and £5 million, though for ultra-high-value loans, banks may request more. This capital is then managed by the bank’s investment team, which may bring added benefits, such as preferential mortgage rates, enhanced LTVs, and bespoke lending structures.

However, an AUM commitment is not simply a banking formality — it is an investment decision. Buyers should carefully assess whether the bank’s approach to portfolio management aligns with their own investment philosophy. In some cases, it may be preferable to work with a lender that does not require AUM, even if the rate is slightly higher, in order to retain full control of investment strategy.

Income, Assets, and Global Wealth Structures

When assessing a high-net-worth American borrower, UK lenders take a holistic view of financial standing. This is not limited to declared annual income; they also look at worldwide assets, business holdings, and the structures through which wealth is held. Trusts, limited liability companies, and family offices are all common in HNW client profiles — but they introduce additional layers of documentation.

Lenders will want to see a clear picture of both the source of wealth and the source of funds being used for the transaction. For Americans, this can be more extensive than for UK nationals, particularly where income or capital is derived from multiple jurisdictions. This is where working with a broker experienced in cross-border high-net-worth lending becomes invaluable.

Loan-to-Value in the Prime and Super-Prime Market

In the mainstream market, maximum LTV ratios for non-resident borrowers tend to be conservative. However, in the HNW space — particularly when working with private banks — higher LTVs are achievable. In 2025, private banks may offer up to 70% LTV for well-qualified HNW American borrowers, rising to 75% in rare cases where significant AUM is placed. Specialist lenders without AUM requirements often cap at 65%, though they may be more flexible in other areas.

For a £10 million property in Knightsbridge, the difference between 65% and 70% LTV could mean an additional £500,000 in available liquidity — an amount that can have a meaningful impact on investment strategy.

Currency Considerations

Currency is another critical factor in structuring HNW mortgages for Americans. Many private banks now offer the ability to denominate a mortgage in USD, matching income streams and eliminating currency mismatch risk. Others allow borrowers to switch currencies during the loan term, providing flexibility if income sources change or exchange rates move significantly.

We explore the implications of currency exposure in more detail in our article, Currency Risk and Income Verification: Challenges of Foreign Income.

Real-World Examples

In one recent case, a US family office sought financing for a £12 million Belgravia townhouse. The chosen private bank offered a USD-denominated mortgage at 75% LTV, contingent on a £3 million AUM commitment. This structure allowed the client to avoid currency risk while benefiting from a competitive fixed rate.

In another example, a retired US entrepreneur purchased a £4 million Oxfordshire estate. Wanting to keep their wealth with a long-standing US adviser, they opted for a specialist lender at 65% LTV. While the rate was marginally higher than a private bank’s offer, the absence of AUM requirements and a rapid approval timeline made this the more practical choice.

How Willow Private Finance Can Help

Navigating the UK mortgage market as a high-net-worth American buyer is not just about finding a lender — it’s about finding the right lender for your specific circumstances. At Willow Private Finance, we have long-standing relationships with private banks, specialist wealth lenders, and boutique providers who are experienced in working with US clients.

We take the time to understand your full financial profile, objectives, and constraints. This means identifying lenders who will view your global wealth structure positively, negotiating terms that match your priorities — whether that’s higher LTV, currency flexibility, or avoiding AUM commitments — and managing the process to reduce complexity.

From the first conversation to completion, our role is to ensure that your mortgage solution complements your wider wealth strategy and enables you to acquire the property you want on the best possible terms.

📞 Secure Your UK Mortgage With Expert HNW Guidance

Prime property purchases require prime-level mortgage advice. Whether you are buying in London or the English countryside, our specialist knowledge and lender relationships can unlock better terms and help preserve your wealth.

Book a confidential consultation with Willow Private Finance today, and we’ll connect you with lenders who understand the needs of high-net-worth American clients — and know how to deliver results.

For more on how we’ve helped international clients succeed in the UK market, you can explore our insights on Remortgaging as a UK Expat and Why Expat Mortgages Require Large Deposits