Mortgage broker in Kensington
Kensington is one of London’s most sought-after addresses, and one of the hardest places to fit a standard mortgage. Values often take loans beyond what high street lenders will offer, many homes are listed or sit in conservation areas, and a large share of flats are leasehold with lease terms and service charges that underwriters look at closely.
Soul Mortgages is a whole of market broker based on Great Portland Street in Central London. We arrange mortgages for high net worth and complex income clients buying and remortgaging in Kensington, Holland Park, South Kensington, Earl’s Court and Kensington Olympia, with access to private banks, specialist lenders and the high street.
Kensington property and what lenders look for
Stucco townhouses and garden square homes
Large period houses often call for loans that only private banks and a handful of specialist lenders will consider. These lenders look at your whole balance sheet, including investments and future income, rather than a simple income multiple.
Mansion flats and conversions
Most flats are leasehold or share of freehold. Lenders check the remaining lease term, ground rent and service charges. We flag short leases early so a lease extension can be built into the purchase or remortgage plan.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
Much of Kensington sits in conservation areas and many homes are listed. Some lenders restrict how much they lend on listed or unusual properties, so we match the property to lenders comfortable with it before you apply.
Mews houses
Mews homes can come with shared access, rights of way or estate management arrangements. We make sure these are understood by the lender and your solicitor early.
Who we help in Kensington
How we work
- An initial conversation about the property, your income and your timescales.
- We assess your full financial position, including assets and variable pay.
- We compare private banks, specialist lenders and the high street side by side.
- We present a clear, well packaged case to the right underwriter.
- We manage the case through valuation, offer and completion with your solicitor and agent.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a private bank to buy in Kensington?
Not necessarily. Some high street lenders lend well into seven figures for straightforward borrowers. Private banks tend to win where the loan is very large, income is complex or wealth is held in investments. We compare both routes for you.
Can you arrange a mortgage on a listed building?
Yes. Many lenders will lend on listed properties, although some apply tighter criteria. We place the case with lenders comfortable with the property type from the outset.
What if the lease on my flat is short?
Lenders usually want a minimum remaining lease term, and short leases can affect both the loan and the value. We will flag this early so you can plan a lease extension alongside the mortgage.
Can you help if I am buying from overseas?
Yes. We regularly arrange mortgages for UK expats and foreign nationals buying in Kensington, including income paid in other currencies. See our international mortgages page.