Securing a £2 million-plus mortgage in 2025 is a very different experience from arranging a standard residential loan. The sums involved are larger, the underwriting more forensic, and the lender pool much smaller — yet for the right borrower, it is possible to achieve exceptional terms.

Whether you are purchasing a prime London townhouse, a country estate, or a high-value investment property, success depends on knowing how large loan lenders think, how they structure their offers, and what you must provide to prove your suitability. At this level, relationships matter just as much as numbers — and understanding the subtleties of the market can make the difference between a declined application and a multi-million-pound facility approved on competitive terms.

What Counts as a Large Mortgage Loan in 2025?

While “large loan” is not a formally regulated category, it is generally used to describe mortgages of £2 million or more. Many high street banks will lend above this threshold only in rare cases, preferring to keep within their standard affordability models.

In practice, loans of £2–£5 million are at the upper end of what retail banks can offer, and often require a pristine credit profile and high, provable income. Once borrowing needs move beyond £5 million, the market becomes the domain of private banks, boutique lenders, and international institutions who are willing to take a more holistic view of your wealth — considering assets, liquidity, and overall net worth rather than simply your payslips.

The Role of Private Banks and Specialist Lenders

Large mortgage loans in the £5–£10 million range are typically arranged through private banks or highly specialised lenders. These institutions can offer a level of flexibility mainstream lenders cannot match.

For example, a private bank may be prepared to consider bonus-heavy income, dividend flows, or offshore earnings that traditional lenders struggle to assess. They can also offer higher loan-to-value ratios if you have significant assets under management with them, or if you are willing to move investment portfolios as part of the relationship.

Our blog on How Private Banks Are Underwriting Mortgages in 2025 Using Investment Portfolios & Asset-Based Lending explores this approach in more detail, including the different ways banks may secure lending against both property and non-property assets.

Preparing for a Large Loan Application

The larger the mortgage, the more robust your application needs to be. For standard residential mortgages, three months’ bank statements and payslips may suffice. For a £5–£10 million loan, lenders will expect a far deeper view of your financial position.

This may include:

• A full statement of assets and liabilities.
• Proof of liquidity, particularly for any offshore holdings.
• Evidence of income sustainability, even if your income is irregular or multi-sourced.
• A clear repayment strategy for interest-only borrowing.

Borrowers with foreign currency income, or those relying on investment returns, should be prepared for extra scrutiny. Our guide on How Foreign Currency Income & Liquidity-Based Lending Are Reshaping UK Mortgage Approvals in 2025 provides insight into how these cases are viewed.

Structuring Large Mortgage Deals

Multi-million-pound mortgages are rarely simple repayment loans. They are often tailored to suit the borrower’s cashflow and long-term wealth strategy. Common approaches include:

• Interest-only terms with capital repaid from asset sales or liquidity events.
• Part-and-part arrangements blending repayment and interest-only elements.
• Portfolio-backed lending, where securities, investment accounts, or multiple properties are used as collateral.

For clients with trust or family office structures, we often integrate legal and tax advice early on to ensure the mortgage structure aligns with broader estate planning objectives. More detail on this approach can be found in our blog How to Finance a UK Property Through a Family Office or Trust in 2025.

Valuation Considerations for Prime Property

At this level of lending, valuations become more subjective. A high-value property in Belgravia or Chelsea may be influenced by an international buyer market that distorts traditional comparable analysis. Similarly, a rural estate’s worth may depend on unique features — such as land holdings, heritage listing, or development potential — that standard mortgage valuers may not fully account for.

Our article on Financing Multimillion-Pound Properties in 2025: A Guide for Wealthy Buyers explains how lenders view prime property differently and why engaging a broker who understands these nuances is critical.

Overcoming Common Hurdles

High-value lending comes with unique challenges:

• Liquidity mismatch — where assets are high-value but illiquid.
• Complex income streams — multiple currencies, trusts, or international earnings.
• Ownership structures — properties held via SPVs or offshore companies can raise lender concerns.

We’ve covered these issues in depth in Trusts and Property Finance in 2025: Lender Attitudes, Risk Appetite and What’s Changing, which is essential reading if you are buying through anything other than a straightforward personal purchase.

How Willow Private Finance Can Help

At Willow Private Finance, we specialise in arranging large mortgage loans for clients with complex income, significant assets, or high-value property targets. Our access to private banks, boutique lenders, and international financiers means we can negotiate bespoke facilities tailored to your circumstances — whether you need a £2 million purchase loan or a £10 million-plus structured finance solution.

We work closely with your other advisers, from wealth managers to tax specialists, ensuring your mortgage complements your overall financial plan. By understanding how high-value lenders think — and by presenting your case in the way they want to see it — we maximise your chances of securing competitive terms.

📞 Want Help Securing a Large Mortgage Loan?

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