- This mortgage case study is based on a real client scenario. Details have been simplified to protect client confidentiality.
At higher income levels, securing a large mortgage is not just about how much you earn, it’s about how lenders assess that income. In this case, we helped a London-based professional secure a £1.8 million mortgage where a significant portion of their income came from bonuses and variable pay.
Quick summary
High earners are often limited not by income, but by how that income is assessed. Choosing the right lender can significantly increase borrowing potential.
The situation
Our client was a senior professional based in London with a strong overall income package.
Income structure:
- £200,000 base salary
- £150,000–£250,000 annual bonus (variable but consistent)
They were looking to:
- Purchase a high-value property in London
- Maximise borrowing based on total income
- Ensure bonus income was fully recognised
- Secure a competitive mortgage rate
The challenge
Not all lenders treat bonus income the same way.
Common issues include:
- Bonus income capped or heavily discounted
- Only a percentage (e.g. 50%) being used
- Requirement for a 2–3 year average
- Some lenders ignoring variable income entirely
This meant:
Using the wrong lender could have reduced borrowing by £400,000–£600,000
What we did
We structured the application around the client’s full income profile.
Our approach included:
- Identifying lenders that accept a higher proportion of bonus income
- Using a multi-year average to demonstrate consistency
- Selecting lenders experienced with high-income professionals
- Structuring the case to present total earnings clearly to underwriting
- Comparing affordability models across multiple lenders
The result
The client successfully secured a £1.8 million mortgage aligned with their full income profile.
Key outcome:
- £1.8M mortgage approved
- Bonus income fully factored into affordability
- Suitable lender selected first time
- Competitive rate secured
- Property purchase completed smoothly
Oportfolio insight
Across London and the South East, we regularly see high earners being under-assessed by lenders.
In many cases:
- Income is strong
- Deposit is sufficient
- Borrowing is limited due to income interpretation
The difference between lenders can be hundreds of thousands in borrowing power
Why this matters for high earners
If your income includes:
- Bonuses
- Commission
- Profit share
- Variable income
Then:
Lender choice becomes critical. At higher loan levels, small differences in how income is assessed can have a major impact on what you can borrow.
Need help structuring a high-value mortgage?
If you’re earning a high income and want to understand how much you could realistically borrow, we can help.
We’ll assess:
- Your full income structure
- Which lenders best reflect your earnings
- How to maximise your borrowing potential
Book a confidential mortgage review with Oportfolio Mortgages and get clarity before you apply.
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