NatWest has launched its own 6.5× loan-to-income (LTI) mortgage for high-earning borrowers, matching HSBC Premier as one of the most generous mainstream income multiple lenders in the UK. According to industry reporting, NatWest’s new “mega mortgage” is aimed at affluent professionals who need additional borrowing power in a challenging affordability environment.
| Lender | Max Income Multiple | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HSBC Premier | 6.5× | Premier status required; up to 90% LTV |
| NatWest | 6.5× | High earners; 5-year fix; up to 75% LTV |
| Nationwide | 5.5× | High earners; 5-year fix |
| Halifax | 5.5× | Credit-score dependent |
| Santander | 5.5× | £45k+ income; affordability sensitive |
| Barclays | 5.5× | Often requires 5-year fix |
| Private Banks (Coutts, Investec) | 6×–7×+ | Asset-backed lending; bespoke underwriting |
| Feature | HSBC Premier | NatWest |
|---|---|---|
| Max LTI | 6.5× | 6.5× |
| Eligibility | Premier status required | £75k+ single / £100k+ joint |
| LTV | Up to 90% | Up to 75% |
| Product Type | Often 5-year fix | 5-year fix required |
| Target Borrower | Affluent clients willing to bank with HSBC | High earners wanting max borrowing without switching banks |
With NatWest now offering a 6.5× income mortgage, high earners have more choice than ever when seeking enhanced borrowing power. HSBC Premier and NatWest now jointly lead the mainstream market, while private banks continue to offer 6×–7×+ income multiples through asset-backed lending for clients with significant wealth. This creates a tiered landscape in which mainstream lenders support high-income professionals, while private banks provide bespoke solutions for high-net-worth individuals with complex income streams or substantial assets.
Based on your income profile, you can borrow up to 6.5x your salary. With some lenders you can borrow more than this.
Bonus & variable pay - we work with lenders who count the full bonus track record rather than capping at 50%.
Based on your profile some lenders will borrow up to 85% loan to value (LTV).
This case study demonstrates how a high-net-worth client secured a significantly higher loan-to-income multiple through a private bank, using a combination of strong assets, investment holdings and a long-term wealth strategy. It highlights how private banks can exceed mainstream limits — often reaching 6× to 7×+ income multiples — when a client’s wider financial profile supports the lending.
The client needed to refinance a large rural property while also releasing capital for future development and diversification projects. Traditional lenders restricted borrowing to 4.5× income, which fell short of the required funding. The client’s income structure — a mix of salary, dividends and investment income — also made mainstream affordability assessments overly restrictive.
The client required a lender capable of:
After reviewing the client’s full financial position, a leading private bank agreed to provide a bespoke refinance package using asset-backed underwriting. Because the client held substantial investments and long-term wealth with the bank, traditional affordability constraints were relaxed.
The private bank offered:
The client successfully refinanced the entire estate and secured additional capital for future development. By leveraging their wealth and investment profile, they accessed a significantly higher loan-to-income multiple than any mainstream lender could offer.
This case demonstrates how private banks can deliver solutions that go beyond standard 6.5× income mortgages offered by lenders such as HSBC Premier. For clients with substantial assets, private banks may waive or soften affordability rules, enabling borrowing levels that reflect their true financial strength rather than just their annual salary.
We have extensive experience securing high income multiple mortgages. Book a free telephone consultation with our mortgage broker team at a time to suit you.
If you're interested in learning more about this or other similar products, enquire now and speak to a broker and you may find ways to maximise your borrowing power.
If you are looking to get a mortgage in your later years, we recommend you speak to an expert who will listen to your specific circumstances and advise you on the best course of action.
At Clifton Private Finance, our team of mortgage advisors and the expert partners we work with are dedicated specialists with an in-depth understanding of the finer nuances of equity release mortgages, pension-backed mortgages and specialist retirement products.
We are here to help you find the right deals, obtain the best rates, feel confident and secure about the process, and enjoy a smooth experience when getting your mortgage.
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