Arranging a self-employed US-based client purchasing UK property with high loan to value is one of the most complex lending scenarios in private mortgage finance. In this case study, Articus Finance secured an 80% loan-to-value mortgage for a foreign national entrepreneur, enabling the purchase of a London property for their children attending university while maintaining liquidity overseas.
Introduction
Securing funding for a self-employed US-based client purchasing UK property with high loan to value demands advanced structuring. Traditional affordability models typically break down when income is irregular and when an applicant has no UK-based assets. By carefully aligning the client profile with the right lender, Articus Finance successfully negotiated a £640,000 facility against an £800,000 property—achieving both liquidity preservation and international diversification.
Client Background
The client was a US national and resident, leading several successful companies and classified as a high-net-worth individual. Although wealthy, much of their earnings were reinvested into ventures, leaving income streams inconsistent rather than salary-based. Their primary goal was to secure housing in London for children at university, with a longer-term plan to convert the residence into a secondary family home.
- Nationality/Residency: US national living in the US
- Occupation: Self-employed entrepreneur
- Property Value: £800,000 in London
- Loan Requirement: £640,000
- LTV: 80% loan-to-value
- Goal: Preserve liquidity in US investments while limiting UK cash deployment
The client faced multiple structural issues. Being both a foreign national and self-employed immediately reduced the available pool of potential lenders. Most mainstream institutions would reject such a profile because of its perceived instability.
The Challenge
This case presented three interlinked hurdles:
- Foreign National Risk: Lack of UK credit history or domestic assets raised immediate reservations among standard lenders.
- Irregular Income: Multiple global business revenues meant income was less predictable than standard salaried applicants.
- High LTV: Securing an 80% loan-to-value mortgage for a foreign national is considered beyond conventional lending risk appetite.
Furthermore, because the property would be occupied by family members rather than rented or retained strictly as an investment, certain banks restricted lending exposure.
Our Solution
Articus Finance carefully curated the application to ensure it appealed to bespoke underwriting teams:
- Specialist Lender Selection: We identified a private lender with expertise in handling high LTV cases for foreign nationals.
- Strength of Balance Sheet: Instead of relying on income streams, we showcased the client’s net worth and diversified asset base.
- Acceptance of Family Occupancy: We negotiated tailored terms to allow family use during university occupation.
- Cost Efficiency: Secured highly competitive financing below 2%—far lower than expected for this profile.
The result was a high LTV facility that allowed the client to protect overseas investment liquidity while achieving their immediate lifestyle goal.
Key Highlights
- Client Profile: US national, self-employed entrepreneur
- Property: £800,000 London residence
- Loan: £640,000 approved
- LTV: 80%
- Interest Rate: Below 2%
- Key Challenges: No UK history + irregular income
- Solution: Private lender, bespoke underwriting
- Outcome: Secured property while retaining international liquidity
Why Articus Finance Delivered
Only a select group of lenders are willing to approve applications like a self-employed US-based client purchasing UK property with high loan to value. Articus Finance’s success stemmed from reframing challenges as strengths—demonstrating entrepreneurial resilience, global liquidity, and substantial net worth. Our expertise lies not only in accessing private lenders but also in presenting complex cases persuasively, ensuring approvals where many advisers would meet decline decisions.
Importantly, the negotiated terms far exceeded expectations, with interest rates well below market benchmarks for high LTV international borrowers. This demonstrates our ability to unlock opportunities even when profiles appear outside normal lending parameters.
We frequently support similar cases relating to Foreign National Mortgages, Expat Mortgages, and Self-Employed Mortgages. Additionally, our long-established networks with private banks allow us to arrange exclusive High Net Worth Mortgages and Private Bank Mortgages often unavailable in the open market.
Explore Related Insights
- Mortgages for Foreign Nationals
- Expat Mortgage Options
- Self-Employed Borrowing Solutions
- High Net Worth Lending Expertise
- Private Bank Lending Options
- Interest-Only Mortgage Structures
- Further Case Studies
- Guides and Insight Articles
- FCA Guidance on Overseas Borrowers
Final Thoughts
This case demonstrates that a self-employed US-based client purchasing UK property with high loan to value can be successfully financed through specialist structuring. Articus Finance delivered an 80% LTV solution under 2% interest rates, securing both property access and financial flexibility. For international entrepreneurs and high-net-worth families, our discretion and network ensure access to lending solutions beyond conventional reach.
