What was the situation?
Our clients, a married couple and both practising barristers, approached LDN Finance to review their mortgage arrangements as their existing fixed-rate period approached expiry.
They were referred by their independent financial adviser, who recognised the case called for a broker with proven expertise in barrister income, large loan lending and direct underwriting engagement.
The clients owned a substantial residential property valued at £4,400,000, set within extensive grounds with a number of outbuildings, with existing borrowing of £3,100,000 on an interest-only basis.
With their fixed-rate period nearing expiry, the clients wanted to know whether a more competitive long-term arrangement could be secured. They approached LDN Finance having been advised elsewhere that it could not.
What was the issue?
Both clients were self-employed barristers, with earnings that varied considerably from year to year. Strong periods of practice were followed by planned reductions in workload, producing an income profile that a standard affordability assessment would not read accurately.
The property itself presented no concern as security. Properties of this size and character, with extensive grounds and outbuildings, call for a lender comfortable assessing them, and early underwriting engagement to confirm that view.
Timing added further pressure. The clients came to LDN Finance late, with limited time before their existing fixed-rate arrangement expired.
What was the process?
Martin Ball, Mortgage Adviser within LDN Private Clients, positioned the case through LDN Finance’s large loans relationship with the lender, engaging with senior underwriters directly from the outset.
The lender was comfortable with the property as security, which allowed early focus to move to the income.
Rather than resting on short-term variability, the case was positioned around a broader and more representative view of earnings over time. Periods of reduced activity in barrister practice do not signal weaker affordability or financial position, and the income was evidenced to reflect that.
Direct underwriting access meant these discussions took place immediately and at the right level of authority, with an agreement in principle secured within 24 hours of the first underwriting discussion.
From there, LDN Finance aligned underwriting, valuation and legal progression in parallel, reaching completion within three weeks of the clients’ first conversation with the firm.
What was the solution?
The clients completed a £3,100,000 interest-only remortgage on a fixed rate, significantly below their existing private bank arrangement.
The remortgage completed ahead of the expiry of the clients’ existing arrangements, securing a materially more competitive long-term structure.
The outcome reflected proven expertise in barrister income, direct senior underwriting engagement, and access to large loan relationships able to move quickly where a standard route could not.
As Official Service Partner to the
Bar Council, LDN Finance advises barristers and chambers professionals on barrister mortgages and high-value lending, including cases involving variable income, distinctive property profiles and time-sensitive refinancing.
High-value lending solutions with LDN Finance
Are you looking to purchase a new property but have a complex income structure? We’re here to help you find a solution – no matter how complex your circumstances. At LDN Finance, our specialist brokers have extensive experience in providing creative solutions to secure large loans for our clients.
We work closely with our trusted network of private banks and both high street and specialist lenders to arrange bespoke mortgage arrangements to suit your circumstances at competitive, market-leading rates.
Get in touch with us to organise an initial consultation.
