Running a business while also trying to secure high-value property finance can be uniquely challenging. For many entrepreneurs, income does not fit the standard mould that high-street lenders prefer. Instead of predictable salaries, their wealth may be tied up in dividends, retained profits, director’s loans, or international earnings.

This is where private bank mortgages come into play. In 2025, more entrepreneurs are turning to private banks to secure tailored property finance that takes into account the bigger picture of their wealth — not just what shows up on a payslip. For entrepreneurs buying UK property, refinancing existing assets, or leveraging business wealth for investment, private banks often provide the flexibility and personal service that mainstream lenders cannot.

Why Traditional Mortgages Fall Short for Entrepreneurs

High street banks continue to favour applicants with consistent PAYE income. For salaried employees, this means straightforward approvals. But for entrepreneurs, that model rarely fits.

Consider a founder with most of their wealth tied up in company shares, profits left in the business, and a modest declared salary. To a mainstream lender, affordability may appear limited, even if the client has millions in business assets.

That’s why entrepreneurs often encounter:

• Tight affordability assessments that don’t reflect true wealth.
• Limited flexibility on complex income streams like dividends, bonuses, or foreign earnings.
• Lower loan-to-value (LTV) caps compared to private banking solutions.

Private banks, by contrast, look holistically at the borrower’s financial position, considering both personal and business wealth when structuring loans.

👉 For more on how underwriting is evolving, see our article on AI in Mortgage Underwriting: How 2025 Tech Is Changing Approvals.

The Private Bank Approach in 2025

Private banks take a different view when working with entrepreneurs:

• Relationship-led lending: Decisions are often based on an in-depth understanding of the borrower, not just algorithms.
• Flexible structuring: Banks may consider global income, shareholdings, or asset portfolios.
• High-value lending: Loans in excess of £1m are common, with LTVs up to 80% depending on the borrower profile.
• Portfolio leverage: Entrepreneurs may pledge investment portfolios, company assets, or overseas holdings to strengthen their case.

For example, an entrepreneur with retained profits in a UK limited company could use a private bank to structure lending that recognises both personal income and business assets — something a high street lender would often decline.

Balancing Business Assets with Borrowing

One of the key advantages of working with a private bank is the ability to balance personal borrowing against wider business interests.

Entrepreneurs frequently ask whether they should draw funds from their business to purchase property or use external borrowing. The answer often lies in tax efficiency, liquidity management, and long-term investment goals.

• Liquidity: Keeping cash in the business may allow for reinvestment, while leveraging a mortgage maintains growth capital.
• Tax efficiency: Structuring borrowing through the right entity (personal name, LLP, SPV, or trust) can significantly affect tax outcomes.
• Wealth strategy: Mortgages can be part of a broader wealth management plan, especially for high-value property acquisitions.

👉 For landlords using corporate structures, see our guide on SPVs vs. Trading Companies: What Landlords Must Know in 2025.

Common Entrepreneurial Scenarios

Buying a London Residence

Many entrepreneurs use private bank mortgages to purchase prime London property. These deals often require flexibility around income recognition, with banks willing to consider complex remuneration structures.

Refinancing for Expansion

Some business owners refinance personal or investment properties to release capital for business growth. A private bank can tailor terms so the debt does not hinder future borrowing capacity.

International Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs with overseas income, mainstream lenders often fall short. Private banks are typically more willing to accept global wealth, particularly if assets are managed through established structures.

👉 For a detailed look at overseas borrowing challenges, read Navigating French Property Finance as a Brit or Expat Mortgages: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Risks and Considerations

While private bank mortgages offer flexibility, they also carry risks:

• Higher fees: Arrangement fees can be substantial, especially for bespoke deals.
• Relationship dependency: Lending terms often depend on maintaining a broader banking relationship.
• Complex structuring: Transactions may involve cross-border tax implications, requiring careful planning.

That’s why entrepreneurs benefit from working with whole-of-market advisers who can compare private bank solutions with specialist or high-street alternatives.

How Willow Can Help

At Willow Private Finance, we regularly arrange private bank mortgages for entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and international clients. We understand that entrepreneurial wealth rarely fits standard models — and we know how to present a case to lenders in the most favourable light.

Whether it’s leveraging company assets, structuring through an SPV, or securing prime London finance with offshore wealth, we help entrepreneurs access the most competitive terms available.

👉 Related reading: High Net Worth Mortgages in 2025: What Lenders Look for Beyond Income.

Conclusion

For entrepreneurs, property finance in 2025 requires more than a one-size-fits-all mortgage application. Private banks can unlock opportunities by recognising the broader picture of business and personal wealth. But the complexity of these arrangements makes specialist advice essential.

By aligning your borrowing with your business strategy, you can secure not only the right property but also the financial flexibility to continue growing your enterprise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes private bank mortgages especially useful for entrepreneurs in 2025?
Because many entrepreneurs have income tied up in shares, retained profits, or business cashflow rather than a fixed salary, private banks offer flexibility by assessing total wealth, global assets, and business structures instead of just traditional income.

How do private banks evaluate entrepreneurial income and assets?
They use a holistic underwriting approach, considering portfolio holdings, company value, dividend history, retained profits, and liquidity. Some allow asset-backed or portfolio-pledged lending. Willow Private Finance+2Willow Private Finance+2

What kind of loan-to-value (LTV) and loan sizes are possible?
Private banks can offer high-value lending (often £1 million+) with LTVs up to 80 %, depending on the entrepreneur’s financial profile and collateral. Willow Private Finance+2Willow Private Finance+2

How can entrepreneurs balance using business assets vs. borrowing personally?
Borrowing can be structured via SPVs, trusts, or as personal liabilities, taking into account tax efficiency, liquidity needs, and wealth strategy. Drawing heavily from business cash can hamper operations, so aligning structure with long-term goals is vital. Willow Private Finance

What risks or costs come with private bank mortgages?
They often require higher fees, ongoing obligations (e.g. placing assets under management), and depend heavily on maintaining a banking relationship. Structural, tax, and reporting complexity can be significant. Willow Private Finance+1

Can entrepreneurs refinance property to fund business growth?
Yes — many business owners tap equity or refinance investment/residential property via a private bank to generate liquidity for expansion or strategic investment. Willow Private Finance

Are private bank mortgages available for international entrepreneurs or non-UK income?
Yes. Private banks are more willing to accept overseas income and asset holdings when structured appropriately, especially for clients with global wealth and complex income streams. Willow Private Finance

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