Navigating Offshore Income to Secure a High-Value First-Time Buyer Mortgage

CASE STUDY

Overview

Purchasing a first home is always a milestone, but for these clients, the journey was anything but straightforward. With income routed through a newly formed offshore partnership and no prior mortgage experience, their situation required specialist navigation.

Referred to Henry Dannell by a leading London law firm, the couple sought an adviser who could balance technical precision with discretion to secure a high-value mortgage that met their needs for flexibility, affordability, and long-term peace of mind.

Case Profile

CLIENT TYPE First-Time Buyers
PROPERTY VALUE £3,175,000
DEPOSIT £1,950,000 (incl. £250,000 gifted from family)
LOAN REQUIRED £1,225,000
LOAN-TO-VALUE 38.6 percent

The Challenge

The applicant’s income structure proved problematic. One applicant had recently moved from a senior PAYE role into a partnership within a Cayman Islands-registered limited partnership (LP), operating under the same strategic group as their former employer.

While the income remained GBP-denominated and UK-taxed, several high street lenders declined the case outright, citing offshore structuring as outside their lending policy.

As first-time buyers, the clients also lacked familiarity with mortgage processes. They required not just a financing solution, but a guided, confidence-building experience at every stage.

Tailored Solution

Key actions included:

  • Strategic Lender Engagement: We crafted a detailed credit paper evidencing employment continuity, UK tax residency, and the sterling income structure, addressing lender concerns proactively.
  • Client Education: The process was demystified with clear, jargon-free explanations tailored to first-time buyers, ensuring the clients felt informed and in control.
  • Bespoke Recommendation: A flexible 2-year tracker mortgage was sourced via a high street lender willing to take a holistic view, offering overpayment freedom and no early repayment charges.

Despite initial declines from several mainstream lenders, the case was successfully placed thanks to a strong lender relationship and a well-structured submission, including a comprehensive credit paper that clearly outlined the clients’ financial profile and aligned with the lender’s risk appetite.

The Outcome

  • Product: 2-Year Variable Tracker
  • Term: 30 years, Capital Repayment
  • Lender: High Street Bank
  • Key Features: Full overpayment flexibility, No ERCs

The clients secured their ideal home with a mortgage that provided both flexibility and reassurance.

What Made This Case Different

This case exemplifies the value of expert, relationship-led advice. A structure that several lenders deemed out of scope was ultimately approved due to proactive case management and tailored positioning.

But beyond the technical resolution, this was also a story of support. For clients taking their first step into home ownership, what matters isn’t just the mortgage; it’s the experience. Confidence was built not just through numbers, but through trust, education, and understanding.


This is a case study and not indicative of typical results. Past performance is not necessarily representative of future results. This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please seek professional advice before making any financial decisions.
Author:
Lauren Kelly
Mortgage Adviser
CONTACT