Can RSUs Be Used to Qualify for a Mortgage?
DIRECTOR AND MORTGAGE ADVISER
Specialist broker for high-earning professionals and complex income cases.
If a significant part of your income comes from Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), you might be wondering whether mortgage lenders will take them into account when assessing how much you can borrow.
The short answer is: yes — but it depends. In this article, we’ll explain how RSUs work, how lenders assess them, and what you can do to improve your chances of using them effectively in a mortgage application.
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What Are RSUs?
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are shares in your company that are granted to you as part of your compensation, but which only become yours once they vest — typically over a period of time or once certain conditions are met.
For example:
You might be granted £100,000 in RSUs over 4 years
That means £25,000 worth of stock vests each year (assuming a linear schedule)
Once vested, you can sell the stock or hold it as part of your portfolio
RSUs are common in tech, finance, and multinational firms, and they can form a substantial part of your overall income.
Do Mortgage Lenders Accept RSU Income?
Yes — some lenders will include RSUs as part of your income, but their approach varies significantly. The key factors they consider include:
Vesting history – Have you received and exercised RSUs in the past 1–2 years?
Regularity – Are RSUs awarded annually or as a one-off?
Documentation – Can you provide award letters and vesting schedules?
Market value – Is the underlying stock stable and listed on a major exchange?
Mainstream lenders may be cautious, but specialist or high street lenders with large loan teams may accept vested RSUs as part of your affordability — especially if you’re applying for a £750k+ mortgage.
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How RSUs Are Treated in Affordability Assessments
Treatment varies by lender, but RSUs are typically:
Vested RSUs - Often accepted — especially if consistent over 2+ years
Unvested RSUs - Rarely used unless part of a clear ongoing reward structure
RSU Income Pattern - Usually averaged over 2 years; some may use most recent
Documentation - Award letters, payslips showing vesting, P60 or tax returns
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When RSUs Can Be Most Valuable
RSUs can make a significant difference in affordability where:
You’re borrowing a large amount (e.g. £750k–£2m)
Your base salary alone doesn’t support the borrowing
You’ve had 2+ years of consistent RSU vesting
You work for a well-known public company with stable share value
You’re using a lender with specialist underwriters (not just automated systems)
In many cases, RSUs unlock affordability that wouldn’t be available otherwise.
What Documentation Do You Need?
To use RSUs in a mortgage application, be ready to provide:
Vesting schedule from your employer
Award letters confirming grant and vesting periods
Payslips or bank statements showing RSU proceeds (if sold)
P60s or tax calculations if RSU income is declared there
Evidence of ongoing awards (to show it's part of your package)
The clearer your track record, the more confident a lender will be that RSU income is dependable.
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Conclusion: RSUs Can Boost Borrowing Power — If You Present Them Well
For professionals in tech or finance, RSUs can play a big role in mortgage affordability — but only if you can prove their value and consistency.
Need help securing a mortgage with RSU income?
We’ve helped clients earning through RSUs secure high-value mortgages from flexible lenders.
Request your fee free mortgage consultation today. No obligation, just sound advice.
FAQs
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Generally no — most lenders only use vested RSUs with a clear track record. Unvested RSUs may be viewed as too uncertain.
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Ideally 2+ years. Some lenders will use the most recent year if the amounts are significant and regular.
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Vested RSUs may be counted as income (for affordability) or assets (as part of your overall financial strength), depending on how they’re structured and disclosed.
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It’s possible, though rare. RSUs usually supplement base salary rather than replace it in affordability calculations.
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No — many mainstream lenders ignore RSUs completely. Working with a broker who knows which lenders to approach is essential.
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