Do I need to bank with a private bank already to get a private bank mortgage?

No, though it helps. Most private banks will consider a mortgage as the opening of a new relationship, not just a product for existing clients. Some, like C.Hoare & Co, are the exception and lend almost exclusively to existing private clients.

How much do I need in assets to qualify for a private bank mortgage?

There's no single threshold — it varies by bank and by case. Some banks expect a meaningful level of assets under management as a condition of lending; others are more flexible if the income and security profile is strong.

Is a private bank mortgage cheaper than a high street mortgage?

Not necessarily. Rates can be competitive, particularly for clients bringing significant assets to the relationship, but arrangement fees and AUM requirements often offset any headline saving. The right comparison depends on the full structure, not just the rate.

Can I get a private bank mortgage as a non-UK resident?

Yes — international and non-resident clients are a core part of the private banking mortgage market, particularly for prime London property. Structuring across jurisdictions and currencies is something private banks are typically well set up to handle.

What's the minimum loan size for a private bank mortgage?

Most private banks focus on loans from around £1-2 million upwards, though this varies by lender and by the wider relationship. Below this level, high street or specialist lending is usually more appropriate.

Can I use investment assets instead of income to secure a mortgage?

Often, yes. Many private banks will lend against a discounted value of a portfolio rather than requiring income alone to support the loan, which is particularly useful for clients with significant wealth but modest salaried income.

Do private banks offer interest-only mortgages?

Yes, more readily than most high street lenders, particularly where there's a credible and evidenced repayment strategy tied to assets, business sale proceeds, or other capital events.

How long does a private bank mortgage take to arrange?

It varies considerably. Because terms are relationship-led rather than templated, timelines can be longer than a straightforward high street application, though a well-prepared case presented to the right bank can still move quickly.

What documents will a private bank ask for?

Expect more than a standard mortgage application — typically a detailed statement of assets and liabilities, business accounts or tax returns for variable income, source of funds and source of wealth evidence, and details of any existing banking relationships.

Can a private bank mortgage be used for buy-to-let or commercial property?

Some private banks will lend on investment or commercial property as part of a wider relationship, though this is less standardised than residential lending and is assessed case by case.

What happens if my income is irregular or made up of bonuses and dividends?

Variable income is typically assessed holistically rather than through a fixed multiplier, which suits business owners, partners, and bonus-heavy earners.

Should I use a broker or approach a private bank directly?

A broker with active private banking relationships will usually have a clearer view of current lending appetite than a client approaching cold, and can present the case to the bank most likely to say yes on the best terms.

Is a private bank mortgage right for every high-net-worth borrower?

No. For a straightforward purchase with clean, provable income and no interest in a new banking relationship, a high street lender is often faster and cheaper. Private bank lending earns its place where complexity, scale, or an existing relationship make it worthwhile.

Lender Guides

Birmingham Midshires Buy-to-Let Remortgage: A Practical Guide

This guide explains how a Birmingham Midshires buy-to-let remortgage is assessed, focusing on rental coverage, maximum LTVs, and how personal income is treated when top-slicing is required.

Written By: James Blackler

On Sep 6, 2026

At Oakstead Finance, we work with Birmingham Midshires regularly and have a practical understanding of how the lender approaches applications. BM Solutions is intermediary-only — landlords cannot apply directly — and the way it assesses rental coverage, portfolio size and income differs from most high-street lenders in ways that affect what can be borrowed.

How a Birmingham Midshires Buy-to-Let Remortgage Actually Works

A Birmingham Midshires buy-to-let remortgage is assessed primarily on the rental income the property generates rather than the landlord’s personal earnings. This approach allows investors with complex income structures or lower personal salaries to still access competitive lending, provided the asset performs adequately.

Rental Coverage Rules for a Birmingham Midshires Buy-to-Let Remortgage

BM Solutions calculates affordability based on the projected or existing rental income of the property being remortgaged. The lender applies a stress test to ensure the rent comfortably covers the mortgage payments under adverse conditions.

✪ Rental coverage must typically meet a minimum of 125% of the mortgage payment at the lender’s standard stress rate.
✪ The stress test is usually applied at 5.5% or the pay rate plus 2%, whichever is higher.
✪ For portfolio landlords, the entire portfolio’s rental income and liabilities may be assessed to determine overall affordability.

How Personal Income Is Assessed

Unlike many high-street banks, BM Solutions has removed the standard £25,000 minimum personal income requirement for buy-to-let applications. The focus remains firmly on the rental coverage, though personal income may still be reviewed for top-slicing purposes if the rental income falls slightly short.

✪ No minimum personal income threshold applies to standard buy-to-let remortgages.
✪ If personal income is assessed, bonus and commission are typically considered at 50% over a one- to two-year history.
✪ Dividend income is evaluated based on the net profit after tax shown in the latest company accounts.

Maximum Loan Limits for a Birmingham Midshires Buy-to-Let Remortgage

The maximum loan-to-value (LTV) and loan amount depend on the property type and the borrower’s structure. BM Solutions has recently expanded its lending parameters to accommodate a broader range of investors.

✪ Maximum LTV is generally up to 80% for standard residential properties.
✪ Limited company applications are typically capped at 75% LTV.
✪ A maximum of 10 properties applies to all buy-to-let lending across the Lloyds Banking Group.

Understanding these thresholds is critical when planning a buy-to-let remortgage strategy, as exceeding portfolio limits can complicate the underwriting process.

What Is the Underwriting Process Like?

The underwriting timeline for a BM Solutions remortgage is generally efficient, provided all documentation is submitted correctly at the outset. The lender relies on intermediaries to package the application thoroughly.

✪ Typical turnaround time is two to three weeks for straightforward cases.
✪ A desktop valuation is often sufficient for standard remortgages without capital raising.
✪ Intermediaries have access to assigned case managers to resolve queries quickly.

Birmingham Midshires at a Glance

Criteria	BM Solutions Position
Maximum LTV	Up to 80% (75% for limited companies)
Minimum Personal Income	None (rental coverage is primary)
Rental Coverage	125% at stress rate (5.5% or pay rate + 2%)
Maximum Properties	10 properties across Lloyds Banking Group
Typical Turnaround	2 to 3 weeks
Assigned Case Manager	Yes (intermediary access)

A Worked Example

Consider a landlord looking to remortgage a property valued at £250,000 with an outstanding loan of £150,000, seeking a new 80% LTV product to release £50,000 in equity. The projected rental income is £1,200 per month. At an 80% LTV, the new loan amount would be £200,000. Assuming an interest rate of 5.0%, the monthly interest payment would be approximately £833. BM Solutions would stress test this at 5.5% or the pay rate plus 2% (7.0%). At a 7.0% stress rate, the monthly payment equates to roughly £1,166. The required rental coverage at 125% means the property must generate £1,457 per month. Since the actual rent is £1,200, the application might fall short on pure rental coverage. However, if the landlord has a personal income of £40,000, BM Solutions may apply top-slicing, using the personal income to cover the £257 monthly shortfall, thereby allowing the remortgage to proceed. This illustrates why understanding the remortgage you did not know you were missing can be vital for landlords whose rental yields are tight but whose overall financial position is strong.

How BM Solutions Compares to Alternatives

While BM Solutions offers strong criteria for standard and moderately complex cases, other specialist lenders may provide better terms depending on the landlord’s specific circumstances.

✪ Precise Mortgages: Offers greater flexibility for applicants with complex income structures or adverse credit, sometimes allowing up to 85% LTV on specific products, though often at a higher interest rate.
✪ Kent Reliance: Particularly strong for portfolio landlords, offering more flexible rental coverage calculations and accepting a wider range of property types, including certain HMOs, where BM Solutions may be more restrictive.

What You Need to Know

✪ A Birmingham Midshires buy-to-let remortgage relies primarily on rental coverage, not personal income thresholds.
✪ The standard stress test is applied at 5.5% or the pay rate plus 2%, requiring 125% coverage.
✪ Maximum LTVs reach 80% for personal applications and 75% for limited companies.
✪ Top-slicing can be used to bridge minor shortfalls in rental coverage if personal income is sufficient.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord remortgage a buy-to-let property with Birmingham Midshires?

Yes, BM Solutions offers a range of remortgage products for both personal and limited company landlords. The application must be submitted through an authorised intermediary, as the lender does not deal directly with the public.

Does BM Solutions have a minimum income requirement for buy-to-let remortgages?

No, BM Solutions has removed the standard £25,000 minimum personal income requirement for buy-to-let applications. Affordability is assessed primarily on the rental income the property generates.

What rental coverage ratio does Birmingham Midshires use?

The lender typically requires the rental income to cover at least 125% of the mortgage payment. This is calculated using a stress test rate of 5.5% or the actual pay rate plus 2%, whichever is higher.

Can personal income be used to help qualify for a Birmingham Midshires buy-to-let remortgage?

Yes, if the rental income falls slightly short of the required coverage, BM Solutions may consider top-slicing. This allows the lender to use a portion of the applicant’s personal income to bridge the affordability gap.

What is the maximum loan-to-value for a BM Solutions remortgage?

For standard residential properties, the maximum loan-to-value is generally 80%. If the application is made through a limited company, the maximum LTV is typically capped at 75%.

How long does a BM Solutions remortgage take to complete?

For straightforward cases with all documentation provided upfront, the underwriting and completion process typically takes between two to three weeks. Complex cases or those requiring full valuations may take longer.

Does BM Solutions lend to portfolio landlords?

Yes, BM Solutions lends to portfolio landlords, subject to an assessment of the entire portfolio’s rental income and liabilities. The maximum number of properties allowed across the Lloyds Banking Group is 10.

Are there early repayment charges on a Birmingham Midshires buy-to-let remortgage?

Early repayment charges depend on the specific product and the remaining term of the initial rate period. It is essential to review the individual mortgage offer or consult an intermediary to confirm the exact charges applicable.

Written By James Blackler

James Blackler founded Oakstead Finance to give complex cases the attention they're usually denied. Based at Arding & Hobbs in Clapham Junction, he works with London buyers and homeowners whose applications need more than a standard lender checklist; complex income, tight timelines, or a structure most brokers won't take the time to get right.

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