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Case Studies

Large Loan for a Listed Castle In Scotland

Uk mortgage us citizen surrey
Mortgage Case Study1 min read
Deal snapshot
Loan amount £4,500,000
Purchase price £8,000,000
Loan-to-value 56%
Property type Grade A listed castle
Location Perthshire, Scotland
Term 25 years interest-only
Rate 5-year fixed
Lender type Specialist listed-property lender

The Story

A family office managing the wealth of a prominent UK family engaged Fox Davidson to finance the purchase of a historic castle in Scotland, valued at £5.5 million. The family sought a £3.5 million interest-only mortgage to fund the acquisition while maintaining capital for other investments, with plans to use the castle for private use and occasional event hosting.

The Challenge

The castle’s Grade A listed status and its dual use as a private residence and commercial event space made it a complex asset for lenders, who were concerned about resale value and maintenance costs. The family office’s income, derived from a mix of dividends, rental properties, and private equity, required careful structuring to meet lender affordability requirements. The family also demanded a long-term fixed rate to ensure payment stability.

The Solution

Fox Davidson partnered with a private bank experienced in heritage properties in Scotland. They secured a £3.5 million interest-only mortgage fixed rate for 10 years. By presenting a full business plan for the castle’s event income and leveraging the family’s substantial liquid assets, Fox Davidson overcame lender concerns.

Listed property at this scale is a tiny lender market. Fewer than a handful of banks will write a Grade A listed castle, and every one of them will want a specialist valuer who has actually sold one. The valuation, not the rate, is where these deals are won.

Frequently asked questions

What is a high net worth mortgage?

A high net worth (HNW) mortgage is assessed under the FCA’s high net worth rules rather than the standard affordability test. It is available to borrowers with net assets over £3 million or annual net income over £300,000. Lenders read the net assets test literally and include the equity in your main home, and on a joint application only one of you needs to meet it.

How does HNW mortgage assessment differ from a standard mortgage?

HNW assessment is whole-of-wealth based rather than income-multiple based. Lenders consider total assets, liabilities, liquidity, income, and lifestyle costs, then negotiate loan size based on the overall financial picture.

What loan sizes are available with HNW mortgages?

HNW mortgages typically start at £1 million minimum and have no upper cap. Loans of £5 million to £20 million are routine for qualifying clients. Loans above £20 million typically involve syndicated lending or relationship-driven arrangements with private banks.

How long does an HNW mortgage take to complete?

HNW mortgages typically complete in four to ten weeks. Mainstream HNW lenders are at the faster end. Private bank cases involving committee approval, complex structuring, or offshore elements can take eight to twelve weeks.

Completed transaction. This case study describes a live deal arranged by Fox Davidson. Client details are anonymised and figures rounded.

All rates and terms are indicative and subject to individual assessment, lender criteria and property valuation. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage.

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