Getting a UK Mortgage with Vested Shares, even if paid in foreign currency!
If you are reading this article on getting a mortgage with Vested Shares, you have probably been scratching your head as to why the majority of UK Mortgage Lenders fail to factor these into their affordability assessment – after all, “vested” shares are a reward whilst you are working for a company. Even if you leave that employment, you can take them with you!
As you are undoubtedly aware, it’s increasingly common for professionals to receive part of their income through vested shares like RSUs (Restricted Stock Units). These income structures are especially prevalent among those working in:
- Tech companies (e.g., Amazon, Google, Meta and Salesforce)
- Investment banks and hedge funds
- Multi-national companies
So why is it so difficult to apply for a standard UK mortgage? You are left with no choice or at the mercy of a private bank.
How UK Mortgage Lenders See Vested Shares
I’m not a Lender but a Mortgage Broker, so all I can do is speculate. From my experience placing cases with Vested shares, the majority of UK Mortgage Lenders are reluctant to take on the business, but why?
- Uncertainty
Vested shares are variable income, so they can go up or down in value, just like any stock or share, with market fluctuations. - Foreign currency
Conventional Mortgages are paid in UK sterling from a UK account. Vested shares are often paid in the currency of their global head office. - Incompatible with streamlined processes
Vested shares could be beyond the level of training and expertise of their staff. Rather than educate or recruit, it’s easier and perhaps cheaper to say “no”.
How the right UK Mortgage Lenders overcome concerns
- “Haircut”.
This is a common industry phrase used to explain how to deal with potential currency fluctuations. Quite simply, the Mortgage Lender takes a percentage of the foreign income. For example, some will only use eighty per cent of the revenue, building a “buffer” for currency fluctuations if your salary takes a hit. - Track record.
Vested shares can be a “golden hello” to joining a firm. The Mortgage Lender will look for a pattern of payment, monthly, quarterly, annual, etc., to make sure it’s an ongoing element of pay, as a mortgage is a lifetime commitment and not a “one-off” annual expense.
Where do I get a Vested shares mortgage? Standard or Private Banks – we can support both
So what’s wrong with Private Banks? Absolutely nothing if this works, and I can often still support you. However, be warned: Private Banks can come with drawbacks. They thrive on the philosophy: “I’ll scratch you back if you scratch mine!” They are normally after your “investments,” and rightly or wrongly, mortgages are generally the last financial product they want to sell.
Main advantages of Standard banks:
- Deposits as low as 5%, i.e. 95% loan-to-value (LTV).
- Minimum loan entry is typically £500,000, but can go lower.
- No need to liaise or meet the Mortgage Lender, we handle everything for you.
- You can take a standalone mortgage with compulsory ancillary products.
- Processing tech to support quicker outcomes.
Potential drawbacks with Private Banks:
- Caps loan-to-value (LTV), at 50% to 75%.
- Want you to take out their investment products and services.
- You might be required to attend a Head Office interview, often in London only.
- Prohibitive minimum loan sizes, often a few million plus.
- They are not set up for volume with clunky manual processes and small mortgage departments.
- Overdoing conversations/touchpoints.
- For foreign nationals in particular, the LTV cap limits business opportunities. From my experience, although incomes can be high, their “usable” deposit level is low.
Vested Shares – The Mortgage Solution
You need to align with a mortgage broker who looks after vested share cases, such as Niche Advice, and who understands this landscape. Otherwise, your income could be severely under-assessed or even declined.
They will select the right lenders beyond those that cater for basic salary paid in GBP, who can understand currency fluctuations and interpret:
- Bonuses paid in a foreign currency
- Income from vested RSUs
- Evidence of consistency with variable compensation
Why Use Niche Advice for Complex Income Mortgages?
At Niche Advice, we’ve helped IT consultants and engineers from Silicon Valley giants to finance professionals in the City, paid in USD, Euros or other foreign currencies. Here’s what sets us apart: If you want to look at different elements of complex mortgages, you can click on my article on this subject.
- We understand complex income. We know which lenders accept foreign currency and vested shares, and how to present your case in the best light.
- We handle the paperwork. Our team knows how to package your documentation so that underwriters understand your income streams.
- We have access to 90+ lenders, including specialist lenders, challenger banks, private banks, and international-friendly mortgage providers.
- You get personalised service, not a one-size-fits-all application process.
What Documents Do You Need?
To assess your affordability and secure a mortgage, we typically require the following:
For Vested Shares / RSUs:
- Share schedules from your employer
- Payslips showing RSU income or bonuses
- Employer confirmation of the ongoing share award programme
- For Foreign Currency Income:
- Employment contract stating currency and compensation structure
- 3 to 6 months’ payslips
- UK bank statements showing incoming converted payments (if applicable)
- P60
Having these in order dramatically increases the chance of approval and allows us to fight for better affordability calculations on your behalf.
Final Thoughts
Vested, shared, and foreign currency bonuses don’t have to be a barrier to homeownership in the UK. With the proper guidance and strategy, your global income can be used to secure a competitive UK mortgage deal.
If you’re unsure where to start—or have already been turned down—contact Niche Advice today. We’ve helped professionals in finance, tech, and international roles get the mortgages they deserve.
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