Private Bank Mortgage

Not always. Some private banks ask you to place investments with them, known as assets under management (AUM), while others lend without it, often called dry lending.

The distinction matters when comparing private bank mortgages. Some banks offer mortgage-only arrangements, while others expect a wider banking relationship.

Dry lending allows you to arrange a mortgage without transferring your investment portfolio or cash to the lending bank.

AUM lending involves placing eligible investments or cash with the bank as part of the relationship. The bank may consider these assets when assessing the overall lending proposition.

Of the 134 lenders whose residential criteria Enness Global tracks from published sources, 75 (just over half) lend without requiring assets under management (Enness Lender Database, October 2026). Terms depend on status, valuation and lender criteria.

AUM can influence pricing, loan size and loan-to-value, so the headline rate is only part of the comparison. We set out each bank's conditions alongside its terms.

The amount of assets required, the eligible investments and the conditions attached vary between banks.

When comparing an AUM mortgage with dry lending, we consider:

• The amount of assets the bank requires you to place with it.

• Whether cash, investments or both count towards the requirement.

• The effect of AUM on the mortgage terms.

• Any ongoing conditions attached to the banking relationship.

• Whether another lender offers suitable terms without an AUM requirement.

We explain the mortgage conditions so you can discuss the implications with your existing wealth manager.

We don't advise on investments. Speak to your wealth manager before moving assets.

Private banks typically suit large loans and complex wealth, specialist lenders suit non-standard income or property, and high-street lenders suit straightforward income at lower loan sizes.

The main difference is how each lender assesses your financial position and the property securing the mortgage. The right lender depends on the full application, not simply your income or property value.

Of the 134 lenders whose residential criteria Enness Global tracks from published sources, 42 (around a third) state that they will consider complex income (Enness Lender Database, October 2026). Terms depend on status, valuation and lender criteria.

Our whole-of-market approach means we can compare these different lending routes before deciding which lenders to approach.

Yes, interest-only is common in private bank lending, but you will need a credible plan to repay the loan at the end of the term.

With an interest-only mortgage, you pay the interest during the mortgage term. You remain responsible for repaying the original capital at the end.

Private banks assess the proposed repayment strategy alongside your income, assets and overall financial position.

Possible repayment strategies can include the sale of an asset or the use of investments, subject to the lender's assessment.

Of the 134 lenders whose residential criteria Enness Global tracks from published sources, 72 (about half) offer interest-only (Enness Lender Database, October 2026). Terms depend on status, valuation and lender criteria.

Part and part splits the loan into an interest-only portion and a repayment portion, so some of the capital is repaid during the term.

You make capital and interest repayments on the repayment portion. You pay interest only on the remaining portion.

This structure can suit borrowers who want to reduce some of the outstanding capital while retaining an interest-only element.

The lender assesses both portions and the repayment strategy for the interest-only balance.

Yes. Some private banks lend to non-UK residents, British expats and clients paid in foreign currency, though criteria vary by bank, nationality and currency.

International private banks can consider applicants whose income, assets or residency extend beyond the UK.

The assessment depends on the applicant's nationality, country of residence, income currency and the property being purchased.

Of the 172 lenders whose residential or BTL criteria Enness Global tracks from published sources, 44 state that they will lend to non-resident foreign nationals (Enness Lender Database, October 2026).

Private banks assess foreign-currency income according to their individual currency and residency criteria.

Lenders often discount foreign-currency income to allow for exchange-rate movements.

This means the income accepted for mortgage affordability may be lower than the amount you receive in your home currency.

We present your income, currency exposure and wider financial position clearly, then identify lenders whose criteria accommodate your circumstances.

Start with your target loan and property value, a summary of your income and assets, and whether you are open to placing assets with a lender.

You do not need to have every document ready before an initial discussion. However, a clear financial overview helps us identify suitable lending routes.

We recommend preparing:

1. Identity and residency: proof of identity, nationality and current residential address.

2. Income evidence: salary, bonuses, dividends and other income. Include recent accounts for each business you draw income from.

3. Assets and investments: statements showing cash holdings, investment portfolios and other significant assets.

4. Property details: the purchase price or current property value, location and intended use.

5. Existing borrowing: details of mortgages, loans and other financial commitments.

6. Your AUM preference: whether you would consider placing assets with a private bank or prefer dry lending.

This information gives us a starting point for assessing your requirements and approaching suitable lenders.

Choose a broker who can reach several private banks, compare them with specialist and high-street lenders, and explain any AUM conditions before you commit.

A private bank mortgage broker should understand how private banks assess wealth, income and existing banking relationships.

The broker should also have access to alternative lending routes. This matters when a private bank's conditions do not suit your circumstances.

When choosing a private bank mortgage broker, look for:

• Whole-of-market access: the ability to compare private banks with international, specialist and high-street lenders.

• Private banking relationships: experience approaching private banks and presenting complex applications.

• International expertise: an understanding of overseas residency, foreign-currency income and international assets.

• Knowledge of AUM and dry lending: the ability to explain the differences and compare the associated mortgage conditions.

• FCA authorisation: check the broker's regulatory status and permissions.

Enness Global is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 565120.

Our advisers assess your requirements before identifying lenders. We do not assume that a private bank is the right route for every borrower.

No. Private banks often suit large loans and complex wealth, but a specialist or high-street lender can sometimes offer terms that suit you better.

A private bank mortgage is not automatically more competitive. AUM requirements, property criteria and the way a lender assesses your income all affect the overall proposition.

We compare private banks with the wider market before recommending a route. The aim is to identify suitable lending, not to place every application with a private bank.