85% LTV Mortgage for US Buyers Purchasing Prime Central London Property

• Client: US nationals relocating to London
• Challenge: Higher loan-to-value borrowing despite offshore USD income, UK residency considerations and limited UK affordability history
• Loan Amount: Circa £2.375M mortgage at approximately 85% LTV, subject to lender criteria

Relocating internationally often means establishing a financial profile in a new country while simultaneously purchasing a home. A pair of US nationals relocating to London approached Enness seeking finance for a prime central London property valued at approximately £2.75 million. Their priority was to preserve liquidity within their US-based investment portfolio rather than increasing their deposit, while also structuring the mortgage with predominantly interest-only borrowing to support cash flow.

Although the clients had substantial financial resources, the application fell outside the appetite of many mainstream lenders. As recent arrivals to the UK without indefinite leave to remain, they had a limited domestic borrowing profile. A significant proportion of their income was also generated by a US-based business and paid in US dollars, creating additional complexity for lenders that assess affordability primarily on UK-earned income.

Rather than relying solely on conventional affordability calculations, Enness introduced the clients to a private bank experienced in supporting internationally mobile high-net-worth borrowers. The lender assessed the clients' wider financial position, including offshore income, investment assets and overall liquidity, subject to its underwriting criteria and approval process.

A mortgage of approximately £2.375 million was arranged at around 85% loan-to-value, subject to lender criteria, with a blended repayment structure combining predominantly interest-only borrowing with a smaller capital repayment element. This enabled the clients to complete their purchase while preserving a greater proportion of their investment portfolio and avoiding the need to liquidate assets to increase their deposit.

This transaction highlights how specialist private banking solutions can provide greater flexibility for internationally mobile borrowers whose financial circumstances extend beyond conventional UK lending models. Where residency, foreign currency income and cross-border wealth form part of the overall picture, careful lender selection can be an important factor in achieving a suitable financing structure.

Important Information

Interest-only mortgages require a suitable repayment strategy, as monthly payments cover interest only and do not reduce the original loan balance. Borrowers remain responsible for repaying the capital at the end of the mortgage term.

Disclaimer

This case study is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax or currency advice. Enness Global acts as a broker and not as a lender. All lending is subject to status, underwriting, valuation and lender approval. Loan terms, pricing and lending structures vary depending on individual circumstances and market conditions. Where borrowing or income involves different currencies, exchange rate movements may increase borrowing costs or affect affordability. Independent professional advice should be sought before entering into any financial arrangement.

Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any debt secured against it.