BarristerMortgage Solutions
Work with expert advisors to secure your bespoke barrister mortgage
As a barrister, your income structure and professional journey are unique. That’s why a standard mortgage approach simply won’t do. At Henry Dannell, we specialise in crafting tailored mortgage strategies that reflect your reality, not just your tax return.
By working closely with underwriters and leveraging long-standing lender relationships, we know how to structure and present your case to maximise the chance of approval. For many clients who’ve faced previous rejections, we’ve helped turn a “no” into a confident “yes.”
Leveraging Lender Relationships
We work closely with underwriters to structure and present your income in a way that maximises your chances of approval.
Tailored Solutions for Pupil Barristers
When in pupillage, we source solutions from lenders who can lend now, rather than wait for one year’s accounts.
Sharp Income Trajectory
When your income increases rapidly, it can raise income sustainability concerns. We mitigate these with our understanding of income patterns at the Bar.
Complex Scenarios Solutions
When circumstances fall outside traditional lending criteria, our specialists use deep insight and lender expertise to source solutions.
Please note: a mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Why Should a Barrister Use a Mortgage Advisor?
Mortgages for Barristers, Made Simple
Securing a mortgage can be challenging, especially when applying directly to lenders. Many barristers face unnecessary rejections due to a limited understanding of how their income works.
We take a tailored, case-by-case approach to present your income in the best possible light, maximising your borrowing potential based on your true earnings, not just what appears on your tax return. By understanding the nuances of your practice, analysing income fluctuations, and considering future earning potential, we build a comprehensive financial picture that evidences long-term sustainability.
The Financial Journey of a Barrister
This guide helps to break down common misconceptions, explaining how future earnings and variable income can work in your favour during each stage of your barrister career.
Gain clear, practical insights into your options.
Trusted by Legal Professionals to Deliver Results
We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and circumstances, to source the most suitable lender and mortgage solution for you.
Henry Dannell’s specialist mortgage team, with over three decades of combined experience, has become so trusted in this space that lenders have asked us to help shape their lending policies for Barristers.
This influence comes from our track record of turning “impossible” cases into successful approvals, which may have otherwise been declined, simply by presenting the true value of our clients’ financial profiles.
We help lenders see beyond irregular income, guiding them to understand the unique earning patterns of Barristers at every stage, from Pupil to Junior Tenant to Silk. Our deep insight and tailored case presentation have resulted in lenders adopting a more holistic approach and creating mortgage products tailored to the realities of a Barrister’s career.
Barrister Mortgage Questions
Yes, although it’s not standard across all lenders. Some will consider projected income if you have a proven track record of growth and supporting evidence from chambers.
Yes. Some lenders will underwrite based on accounts rather than relying solely on tax returns, which can maximise borrowing potential, particularly if your accounts show a higher income.
Not necessarily. While many lenders prefer two years of accounts, some lenders offer mortgages with just one year’s accounts, benefitting barristers in the early stages of their careers.
The amount varies between lenders, as each has its own affordability model and assessment method. Your income, outgoings, and financial commitments are key factors. Working with a mortgage advisor familiar with barristers’ needs can help secure better terms.
Yes. Some lenders may base their decision solely on your latest year’s accounts, especially if they show significant growth. Bespoke lenders often take a holistic view of your finances.
Typically, you will need:
- Last 2 years’ accounts
- Tax calculations (SA302s) and overviews
- Last 3 months’ bank statements
- Projection letter from your senior clerk
- Aged debt report
- Payment summary
- Work done report
High street lenders often use stringent assessments, but bespoke lenders understand fluctuations in barristers’ income. Providing a comprehensive income trajectory can mitigate credit risk concerns.
Not necessarily. The process varies due to differing income verification documents, and borrowing can be calculated differently, as income will change year on year. This is why speaking with a specialist advisor is key.
Technically, none. Some lenders offer mortgages to barristers with little or no trading history, even during pupillage.
Yes, subject to meeting certain criteria. Some lenders require a minimum income or property equity.
Lenders typically assess income based on your last 2 years’ income. They may consider childcare costs when calculating affordability. Holistic lenders can account for income reductions if you plan to return to work.
Offset mortgages reduce interest by offsetting savings against your mortgage balance, which is especially useful for barristers using tax funds to manage interest costs.
Yes. Some lenders offer mortgages based on pupillage awards, recognising future earning potential.
Yes. Lenders may include sporadic judicial work in their assessments if there’s evidence of income or a contract.
Mortgage CalculatorCalculate your monthly repayments
Please note: a mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. This information does not contain all of the detail you would need to choose a mortgage. Make sure you read the provided individual European Standardised Information Sheet (ESIS) which most lenders in the UK refer to as the ‘Mortgage Illustration’ before you make a decision. The Mortgage Illustration gives you tailored information based on a particular mortgage and the level of lending you require which is important to help you make your decision. This includes associated rates and fees, the overall costs of the mortgage and your monthly repayments. PLEASE NOTE THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MORTGAGE ADVICE AND THE FIGURES SHOWN ARE PURELY A GUIDE. THE ACTUAL RATE AVAILABLE WILL DEPEND UPON YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. PLEASE ASK FOR AN ESIS.
Barrister Mortgage Case Studies
How we've helped our clients
First-Time Buyer | Complex Income
We were able to source a lender that was willing to use the strength of both clients’ professions - with applicant one’s latest figures in isolation, in conjunction with the full value of applicant two’s current contract, with added evidence of previous renewals at the current level.
First-Time Buyer | Barrister with One Year of Accounts
Through effective communication and negotiation with the underwriter, we successfully secured the lending solution the client needed.
Residential Mortgage | Complex Income
With our understanding of the income structures of accountants and barrister's income, we were able to evidence the onward sustainability and upward trajectory of both incomes. We were also able to provide our analysis of previous mergers to offer the lender further confidence that the income for Applicant two was...
New Residential Purchase | Partially Retired KC
We were able to use our extensive knowledge of barrister income and our relationships with specific banks to secure our client a loan at the required amount.
What our clients say…
‘…outstanding in delivering exemplary personal service in a world where personal service seems to have been relegated to a thing of the past.’
King's Counsel