New research from Enness Global highlights a growing shift in how high-net-worth borrowers approach finance, with greater emphasis being placed on preserving liquidity, securing certainty of execution and accessing bespoke lending solutions rather than simply securing the lowest possible interest rate.
The research suggests that affluent clients are increasingly using finance as a strategic wealth management tool, rather than simply as a means of accessing capital. Borrowers are using debt to preserve liquidity, fund investments and optimise their wider financial position, contributing to continued demand for specialist lending solutions.
This includes securities-backed finance, bridging loans and cross-border lending facilities, which are increasingly being used to accommodate the complex financial structures and international requirements of high-net-worth individuals.
The report also highlights continued international demand for Prime London property. While transaction volumes have softened, housing supply has increased by 13.8% year-on-year, giving buyers greater choice. Average discounts to asking prices have also widened to 10.5%, creating more favourable purchasing conditions for buyers in the luxury market.
Prime Central London house prices remain around 7% below the previous year, further contributing to the relative value available to international buyers.
US buyers remain among the most active overseas purchasers, with particularly strong interest from individuals working across the technology, artificial intelligence and private equity sectors.
Despite a year-on-year decline, transactions above £5 million also remain comfortably above pre-pandemic averages, highlighting the continued resilience of the super-prime property market.
Islay Robinson, CEO of Enness Global, said that the research demonstrates how sophisticated borrowers are increasingly viewing finance as part of a wider wealth strategy. He highlighted the importance of structuring borrowing around a client’s broader financial position, with certainty of execution and liquidity often taking precedence over simply achieving the lowest available rate.
The findings reflect the increasingly complex requirements of high-net-worth borrowers, particularly those with diversified assets, international interests and multiple sources of income. For these clients, specialist lending can provide greater flexibility when traditional mortgage structures do not fully align with their wider financial objectives.
Read the full article in Financial Reporter.
