Everything Equity Partners Need to Know About Mortgages

David Walsh

DIRECTOR AND MORTGAGE ADVISER

Specialist broker for high-earning professionals and complex income cases.

Becoming an equity partner is a career milestone—but when it comes to getting a mortgage, it can introduce unexpected complexity.

Your income may be higher than ever, but if it's based on profit share or LLP drawings, many lenders will treat it cautiously. Whether you're newly promoted or a seasoned partner looking to move home or remortgage, here's what you need to know.

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Why Partner Income Is Treated Differently

Equity partners in LLPs or partnerships aren’t employees—they’re business owners in the eyes of lenders. That means:

• You’re typically paid through monthly or quarterly drawings, not a fixed salary

• Your income may vary depending on firm performance and profit allocation

• You likely don’t receive payslips or a P60

To many lenders, this counts as self-employed income—even if you have a predictable earnings track record. That’s where structuring and documentation matter.

What Lenders Look for in Equity Partner Applications

The good news: many lenders have become familiar with LLP and partner pay structures. However, their requirements vary. Common elements they’ll assess include:

• Length of time as a partner – Most want at least one full tax year in the role, though some will accept less

• Income consistency – Fluctuating drawings may raise flags unless well explained

• Firm profile – Well-known firms with transparent profit structures can make underwriting easier

• Tax records – SA302s, Tax Year Overviews, and sometimes firm-issued income summaries

Some lenders will also accept forecasted drawings if you're newly promoted, especially with a letter from your finance or HR department confirming your expected income.

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Common Mortgage Hurdles for Equity Partners

Even with strong income, you might face challenges such as:

• Delays while waiting for tax returns – Not always necessary if your firm provides a robust income letter

• Capped income multiples – Some lenders limit borrowing based on average income, not recent uplift

• Assumptions about self-employment – Without the right guidance, applications may be assessed using less favourable criteria

These hurdles can usually be overcome—but only if your application is packaged to match lender expectations.

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How to Strengthen Your Application

Here’s how to give yourself the best chance of success:

• Get a firm letter early – Ideally confirming current drawings and expected income for the year

• Use a specialist broker – Partner income is misunderstood by many high street lenders

• Time your application carefully – If your income has recently increased, wait until that uplift is visible in tax returns or confirmed in writing

• Know which lenders to avoid – Some won’t touch LLP income unless you’ve been in the role for two years

Mortgage Options for Equity Partners

Depending on your goals and income, you might consider:

• Large loan mortgages – With bespoke underwriting for high-value borrowing

• Interest-only or part-and-part structures – To manage cash flow while investing retained profits

• Private bank mortgages – If you’re borrowing £1m+ or want flexible structuring around assets and income

• Offset mortgages – Useful for managing liquidity if you hold cash for tax or distributions

A good broker will help you decide what’s most efficient based on your current and future financial plans.

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Conclusion: With the Right Advice, Partner Pay Doesn’t Have to Be a Barrier

As an equity partner, your income may be complex—but it’s also substantial. With the right advice, you can structure a mortgage that works for your lifestyle and financial goals—whether that’s minimising tax, managing cash flow, or borrowing at scale.

Need advice tailored to your partnership role?
We specialise in helping law firm and professional services partners secure the right mortgage—on your terms.

Request your fee free mortgage consultation today. No obligation, just sound advice.

Complete Enquiry Form

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FAQs

• Can I get a mortgage as a newly made-up partner?

  Yes. Some lenders will accept applications from day one if your income is confirmed in writing by the firm.

• Do I need two years of LLP accounts?

  Not always. One full tax year—or a strong firm letter—may be enough, depending on the lender.

• How much can I borrow as an equity partner?

  Typically 4.5 to 5.5 times annual income, depending on structure, outgoings, and lender policy.

• Will lenders accept profit share or drawings as income?

  Yes—but they may ask for tax returns, income summaries, or firm letters to verify it.

• What if my drawings fluctuate?

  Some variation is fine—especially if your overall trend is upward and well documented.

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