High loan to value mortgage for a barrister purchasing a family home

Our long standing barrister client and their partner were ready to upsize into a substantial family home in Herne Hill. The property offered strong long term potential but required significant renovation, making it essential to retain capital from their sale. Our objective was now to structure the finance in a way that supported both the purchase and their renovation plans.

With a purchase price of £1.1 million, they required an 85 percent LTV mortgage and preferred a two year fixed rate with as much of the mortgage facility on interest only as possible to support lower monthly payments during the renovation period.

The case brought together several factors that required precise lender selection. At 85 percent LTV, many lenders restrict interest only availability, preferring full repayment. The clients’ income profile combined employed and self employed earnings, with part of the barrister income recorded on a twelve month lag that did not reflect their recent progression.

Accurate assessment of barrister income can materially affect affordability, particularly at higher loan to values where lenders apply increased scrutiny. Their preference for a two year fixed rate added further stress test pressure, and the terms from their bank did not provide the loan structure or flexibility needed to support the renovation plans. A more tailored lender approach was therefore essential.

Drawing on his extensive experience advising barristers Romit Patel, Associate Director, quickly identified lenders equipped to assess chambers based income, variable earnings and projected performance for the year ahead.

With direct access to underwriting teams, Romit presented full context around the clients’ income trajectory, renovation plans and long term intentions. A formal letter from Chambers confirmed projected earnings, allowing affordability to be assessed using a figure that more accurately reflected their current professional position.

Romit set out a clear and structured proposal detailing the required loan composition, interest only allocation and intended overpayment strategy, ensuring the case progressed efficiently and aligned with the clients’ timeline.

The mortgage was arranged at 85 percent LTV, with 75 percent of the borrowing structured on an interest only basis. It was secured at a highly competitive rate, supporting lower monthly payments while allowing the clients to preserve capital for the renovation works that would transform the property into their long term family home.

This structure delivered significantly greater flexibility than the terms available through their bank and provided the leverage required to proceed confidently. With the right lender approach, precise presentation and consistent communication throughout underwriting, the clients were able to move forward with both the purchase and renovation plans securely and efficiently.

This case highlights LDN Finance’s expertise in working with barristers and legal professionals, where a clear understanding of chambers based income and evolving earning patterns enables us to structure solutions that sit confidently outside standard lending pathways.