Remortgaging With Bonuses RSUs and Partnership Income. What High Earners Need to Know
How Lenders Assess Bonuses and RSUs
Most lenders focus on base salary, but many have specific policies for variable income:
- Bonuses: Lenders typically consider an average of the last two to three years of bonus payments. Some may also accept contractually guaranteed bonuses for the current year.
- RSUs and stock options: These are increasingly recognised as part of total income if documented properly, often via your employment statements or equity award letters. Including RSUs can significantly boost your affordability.
By highlighting your full compensation package, you can increase the amount a lender is willing to lend without needing to take on additional risk.
Partnership and Self-Employed Income
For professionals earning through partnerships or running their own consultancy:
- Lenders usually calculate affordability based on averaged profits over the last two to three years, verified via SA302 tax forms and business accounts.
- Planning ahead allows you to structure your accounts or draw salary to present the strongest possible application.
Without careful preparation, your variable income may be underrepresented, limiting your borrowing capacity.
The Strategic Advantage of Remortgaging Early
Timing is crucial. By starting your remortgage six months before your current deal ends, you can:
- Lock in competitive rates before interest rate rises
- Give lenders time to assess your variable income fully
- Maximise borrowing power while keeping your options flexible
Even if rates drop, securing a remortgage early doesn’t lock you in unnecessarily, you can still switch if a better deal becomes available.
Key Mistakes to Avoid
High earners often make the mistake of:
- Waiting until the last few weeks of their current deal, risking higher interest rates
- Failing to declare RSUs, bonuses, or partnership income, limiting borrowing power
- Not planning documentation in advance, which can slow down approval
Take Control of Your Remortgage Today
If you receive bonuses, RSUs, or partnership income, a remortgage review can help you unlock the full value of your earnings. Planning early ensures you secure the best rate, maximise borrowing potential, and protect yourself from rising interest rates.
Contact us today to see how much you could borrow and optimise your mortgage deal.
