Identify what is income and what is reimbursement
Frequency, contractual entitlement, history and expected continuation matter. Reimbursed expenses should not be presented as usable salary. Where payslip labels are unclear, an employer explanation can make the difference between an understood case and an avoidable query.
How I approach the case
We begin with what you want to achieve, your timescale and any part of the case that needs explaining. I review the evidence and suitable lender routes, then explain the available options and their costs. A recommendation follows the individual assessment; an initial conversation does not commit you to an application.
Where legal, tax or other specialist advice is needed, we identify it early so the finance fits the wider transaction. Tell me about any change in employment, borrowing, deposit or property details before proceeding.
What to prepare
- Payslips and contract
- Bonus or allowance history
- Bank credits
- Explanation of deductions and expense reimbursements
You do not need every document before saying hello. Start with a short outline; detailed or sensitive records should follow through an agreed secure route.
The fact a payment appears on a payslip does not mean every lender will count it. Avoid borrowing plans based on unconfirmed income treatment.
Your questions, answered
How do you explain income that is not a regular salary?
The starting point is a clear account of where the money comes from, how often it is received and whether it is expected to continue. Depending on the circumstances, that may involve accounts, contracts, tax records or a history of variable pay. The evidence must support the figures used.
Can we look at the case before choosing a lender?
Yes. We first identify the income, credit or ownership issue that needs explaining, then assess suitable routes. Tell me about earlier applications and the reasons given for a decline, if known. Repeated applications without understanding the issue can leave the important question unresolved.
What makes a useful initial summary?
Outline the property, borrowing required, deposit source and timing. Add a short explanation of the part that is unusual: for example, company profits, a short contract history or a recent change in circumstances. Detailed records can follow through an agreed secure route.
Larger loans & individual properties£1m+ borrowing, substantial homes & landOpen the group to explore the loan, property and project pages relevant to your plans.8 routes +
- £1m+ mortgagesLarger purchases, refinancing and the evidence behind the borrowing.↗
- Large homes & country estatesSubstantial houses, outbuildings, annexes and the wider estate.↗
- Complex property typesListed homes, unusual construction, conversions and multiple titles.↗
- Land, acreage & sitesSeparate land purchases, planning, access and the proposed exit.↗
- Mixed-use propertyA property combining residential, business or rental uses.↗
- Development financeLand acquisition, construction, funding stages and project exit.↗
- High-net-worth mortgagesIncome, assets, liabilities and available liquidity.↗
- UHNW mortgagesSubstantial wealth, ownership structures and international circumstances.↗
Further reading: MoneyHelper: mortgages and homebuying. Content reviewed 9 September 2026. General information; availability depends on the individual case.