Mortgages for tech and AI professionals
London’s technology and AI sector, from King’s Cross to Shoreditch, pays in ways that standard lenders struggle to assess. A large part of total pay often comes as RSUs in a US-listed company, alongside sign-on bonuses and rapid salary rises, and many people have recently relocated or are on a UK visa.
Soul Mortgages is a whole of market broker based on Great Portland Street in Central London. We arrange mortgages for engineers, researchers and leaders at technology and AI companies, with access to private banks, specialist lenders and the high street, advising by video call or phone.
How lenders look at tech pay
RSUs and share awards
Many lenders ignore RSUs altogether. Others will count vested shares, often averaged over one or two years, or a regular pattern of awards shown on payslips and P60s. Private banks may lend against the value of shares you already hold. Read more on borrowing on bonus and RSUs.
US-listed shares and dollar income
Awards in US-listed companies are valued in dollars and move with the share price. Some lenders apply a discount to allow for this, while others are comfortable using the value at vesting.
New contracts and sign-on bonuses
Joining a new company, sometimes with a large sign-on bonus, can mean only weeks of payslips. Some lenders will lend on a signed contract before your start date, and a few will consider part of a contractual sign-on payment.
Visa holders and relocations
Many tech professionals are on a Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa, or have moved from the US or Europe. A range of lenders will lend to visa holders, with the terms depending on time in the UK, deposit and residency status.
Who we help
What you will typically need
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
Will lenders count my RSUs as income?
Some will and some will not. Lenders that do usually look at shares that have already vested, often averaged over one or two years, or a regular award pattern shown on your payslips. We find the lenders whose approach gives you the most borrowing.
Can I get a mortgage if I have just started a new job?
Often, yes. A number of lenders will lend on a signed employment contract, sometimes before your start date, provided you are in a permanent role and the rest of your application is strong.
Can I get a mortgage on a UK visa?
Yes. Many lenders will lend to Skilled Worker and Global Talent visa holders. The deposit required and the rates available depend on how long you have been in the UK and how long is left on your visa.
Do I need to come to your office?
No. We advise clients by video call or phone at a time that suits you, and documents are shared securely online.