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Being a partner in a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) often puts you in a strong financial position. However, when it comes to mortgages, lenders don’t always make things straightforward. At Strive, we’re experts in this field — we’ve helped hundreds of LLP partners secure the right deal, from newly appointed equity partners to senior partners at established firms.
Unlike many brokers who give vague answers like “it might be possible,” we cut through the noise. We’ll show you how different lenders assess LLP income, what documentation is required, and how you can give yourself the best chance of success.
Challenges for LLP Partners Seeking Mortgages
While LLP partners are often high earners, mortgages can still present hurdles:
- Classed as self-employed: Many lenders assess LLP partners as self-employed, meaning they may require two years’ accounts or SA302s. That’s tricky if you’ve just become a partner.
- Fluctuating profits: If your profit share varies, some lenders will average over multiple years, while others use the lower year — reducing borrowing power.
- Access to accounts: If you hold a small share in the LLP, getting full company accounts can be difficult. In such cases, lenders may accept tax returns or internal references instead.
If you’re a high net worth professional or equity partner, you may also want to look at our Mortgages for High Net Worth or Equity Partner Mortgages pages for tailored options.
Minimum Time Required as an LLP Partner
The required length of time you need to be a partner before lenders will accept your income varies widely.
| Minimum Time in LLP | Examples of Lenders |
|---|---|
| No minimum / Day 1 | Foundation Home Loans (case by case), HSBC (with evidence), Buckinghamshire BS, Stafford BS, AIB, Hinckley & Rugby BS, Clydesdale Bank, Cambridge BS, Vida Homeloans, Metro Bank, Principality BS, Dudley BS, Virgin, Co-operative Bank (Intermediaries), Newbury BS, Atom Bank, Harpenden BS, Scottish BS |
| 1–3 months | Swansea BS (1m), Cumberland BS (2m), Earl Shilton BS (3m), MPowered Mortgages (3m), Aldermore (3m), Kensington (3m with accountant evidence) |
| 6–12 months | Tipton BS (6m), Pepper Money, Loughborough BS, Beverley BS, Together, West One Loans, The Mortgage Lender, Norton Home Loans, LiveMore Capital, Marsden BS, Halifax (1-year accounts accepted), Precise, Bespoke BOI, Perenna, Mansfield BS, Market Harborough BS, Lendinvest, Central Trust, Bluestone, Kent Reliance, Saffron for Intermediaries |
| 18–24 months | Chorley BS (18m), Nationwide, Vernon BS, Progressive BS, Monmouthshire BS, Suffolk BS, TSB, United Trust Bank, Teachers BS, Coventry BS, Accord, Leek BS, Leeds BS, Hodge, Skipton BS, Santander, Newcastle Intermediaries, Darlington Intermediaries, Hanley Economic BS, NatWest, April Mortgages, Furness BS, Family BS, Melton BS, Bath BS, Gen H |
| 36 months | Bank of Ireland, Tandem Bank, Nottingham BS |
Outstanding service and clear communication are at the core of what we do. But don’t just take our word for it—read firsthand experiences from our clients and discover why they rate us a 5-star mortgage broker.
How Lenders Assess LLP Partner Income
Approaches vary, but most lenders fall into two main categories:
| Approach | Typical Documents Required | Examples of Lenders |
|---|---|---|
| Self-employed style | – Last 2 years’ SA302 + Tax Year Overviews – Finalised accounts (1–2 years, sometimes 3) – Accountant’s certificate (sometimes) | Nationwide, Halifax, Santander, Accord, Coventry, NatWest, Leeds, Bluestone, Precise, United Trust Bank, Nottingham, Marsden, Cambridge, Market Harborough, Pepper, Dudley, Family, Monmouthshire, Suffolk |
| Internal reference / confirmation letter | – Letter from HR, Finance Director or firm’s accountant confirming share of profit / remuneration – Sometimes supported by recent bank statements | HSBC (for large LLPs), Virgin, Metro Bank, Clydesdale, Cumberland (<25% share), MPowered, Principality, Buckinghamshire, Beverley, Atom, Newcastle, Scottish, Tipton, Bespoke BOI, Harpenden, Newbury, Stafford |
If you work in a specific profession like law or accountancy, also check out our Mortgages for Lawyers & Legal Professionals or Mortgages for Accountants guides — many lenders give favorable treatment to these careers.
Best Lenders for LLP Partner Mortgages
There’s no single “best” lender — the right choice depends on your profile, documentation, and how long you’ve been a partner:
| Lender Approach | Examples | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Self-employed style | Nationwide, Halifax, Santander, Accord, Leeds, Coventry, NatWest | Ideal if you have 2+ years’ accounts or SA302s and steady profits |
| Internal reference friendly | HSBC (large LLPs), Virgin, Metro Bank, Clydesdale, Principality, Buckinghamshire | Useful if you’re a new partner or can’t provide full accounts yet |
| Flexible / case-by-case | Foundation Home Loans, Bespoke BOI, Family BS, Dudley BS | Good for those with unique income structures or short trading history |
At Strive Mortgages, we’ll match your circumstances to the most suitable lenders — no guesswork.
How Much Can You Borrow & What Deposit Is Needed
- Borrowing multiples: Generally 4.5–5x income; up to 5.5x (or more in rare cases) for high earners.
- Deposit: Products may be available from 5%, but many lenders prefer 10–15% or more for larger loan sizes.
High net worth and Private Bank Mortgages
If your earnings exceed £300,000 or your net worth is over £3 million, you could qualify for a private bank or high net worth mortgage. These are bespoke lending options designed for clients with complex income or significant assets.
Private banks assess each case individually, often considering overall wealth, investment portfolios, and future earning potential rather than just standard payslips or accounts. This flexible approach can unlock higher loan amounts, competitive interest-only options, and tailored terms that suit your broader financial position.
For those who fall into this category, exploring private bank mortgages or high net worth mortgages can open up opportunities not typically available through high street lenders.
How Strive Helps LLP Partners
We don’t leave you guessing — we guide you step-by-step:
- Expert selection: We know which lenders treat LLP income flexibly and how.
- Application packaging: From SA302s to internal letters, we help you assemble the strongest application.
- Data-driven match: Our tech compares lender criteria, affordability models, and rate options.
- Representation: We present your case professionally to lenders, easing underwriter concerns.
- Full support: From first call to mortgage offer, we manage all paperwork and communication.
🎯 If you’re a partner in an LLP, or a professional in law, accountancy, or equity ownership, contact Strive Mortgages today. Let us find the best deal and make the process seamless.
FAQs
Most lenders treat LLP partners as self-employed, assessing income based on your profit share, drawings, or the amount confirmed in your partnership accounts. Some specialist and professional lenders will also accept internal reference letters or confirmation from your finance department, especially for established firms such as solicitors, accountants, or medical practices.
Yes — a number of lenders are open to accountant-certified projections or future profit forecasts, particularly where your income has grown due to promotion, partnership changes, or firm performance. These are more likely to be accepted by lenders experienced in dealing with professional LLPs such as law firms, accountancy practices, and medical partnerships.
Many lenders will average your last two years’ LLP income to smooth out fluctuations. However, some will consider your most recent year if your earnings have increased and the trend is sustainable. The key is providing clear, consistent financial records and explanations for any income changes.
It depends on the lender. Some accept applications from day one of partnership if you’ve been working at the same firm and can show a stable track record. Others prefer at least 24 to 36 months of LLP accounts or partnership statements. The right lender match depends on your level of experience, profession, and supporting evidence.
You can often secure a mortgage with as little as 5% deposit, though 10–15% typically unlocks better interest rates and wider lender choice. Larger deposits can also help where income structures are complex or rely on projections rather than historic accounts.
Jamie Elvin
Jamie is an expert in all things mortgages, and our most experienced broker. Connect with Jamie and get started to see how Strive Mortgages can help you.
