Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Income Mortgages

It’s essential to work with institutions that truly understand the value of your equity compensation. At Cleerly, we partner with a diverse range of mortgage lenders who recognise and welcome RSU income. These include:

• Specialist Lenders: Boutique lenders and challenger banks regularly work with tech professionals, lawyers, and high-net-worth individuals whose pay is weighted towards RSUs and other equity awards. These lenders understand complex pay structures and are far more likely to take RSU income fully into account.

• Private Banks: For those with larger portfolios and ongoing RSU awards, private banks such as Coutts, Investec, and HSBC Private Banking excel at offering custom, tailored mortgage solutions. Their flexible underwriting empowers them to use a greater proportion of your RSU income when calculating affordability.

• Forward-Thinking Building Societies: Some building societies and regional mutuals are growing increasingly savvy about tech and finance industry pay, occasionally considering RSU income on a case-by-case basis.

• International and Global Banks: For globally mobile professionals or those with foreign income, banks like Barclays International and Citi Private Bank are experienced in working with currency conversion, international equities, and non-traditional compensation.

The key is finding a lender open to more than just payslips and basic salary. That’s where Cleerly steps in—matching you with mortgage partners who see the bigger picture and want to help you unlock your full borrowing potential.

An RSU is a form of company share granted to you as part of your compensation package. Unlike share options, you don't have to buy them. However, you don't own them immediately; they come with a "vesting schedule." This means you gain ownership gradually over time (e.g., 25% per year). Once they vest, they are treated as taxable income, and you own the shares outright.

RSU mortgages are especially relevant for clients whose remuneration goes beyond a traditional salary. If you’re in the tech industry—perhaps working for a major software, fintech, or global cloud company—chances are a significant part of your income comes in the form of Restricted Stock Units. But it’s not just limited to tech. High-earning professionals such as lawyers, investment bankers, management consultants, and executives at publicly listed firms also frequently receive equity as part of their total remuneration.

If your pay includes regular RSU awards, stock bonuses, or equity compensation—even if you work in law, finance, or another specialist sector—an RSU mortgage can help you unlock the full value of your earnings. Cleerly specialises in supporting ambitious professionals who want to turn their unique pay packages into home ownership opportunities.

Yes, absolutely. While many high street banks may not accept RSU income because they view it as too complex or variable, specialist lenders and private banks often will. These lenders look at your history of receiving RSUs (typically over the last 2–3 years) and your future vesting schedule to determine your affordability.

The main difference lies in how income is assessed. Standard mortgages typically look at basic salary and guaranteed cash allowances. RSU mortgages require a more sophisticated assessment that considers:

• Complex Income: Evaluating vesting patterns and stock fluctuations.

• Total Compensation: recognising that your true earnings include equity, not just cash.

• Specialist Lenders: Accessing a network of private banks and boutique lenders who understand tech and finance compensation packages.

Incorporating your RSU income can transform your borrowing potential. By leveraging your total remuneration package, you can:

• Boost Borrowing Power: Potentially increasing affordability by 30-50%.

• Access Premium Properties: Qualifying for larger loans allows you to consider homes that might otherwise be out of reach.

• Secure Better Rates: A strong total income profile often unlocks competitive rates from private banking institutions.

Lenders typically look at your track record of receiving RSU income over the past 2–3 years. They will often calculate an average from this period (or use the most recent year if it’s lower). Depending on the lender and the stability of your income, they may use between

50% and 100% of this average in their affordability calculations.

It depends on the lender. Some may use 100% of your average RSU income, while others may cap it at 50–75%. Lenders may also apply a "haircut"—a percentage deduction—to account for market volatility or exchange rate fluctuations if your shares are in a foreign currency.

Generally, unvested RSUs (shares you haven’t earned yet) are not counted as immediate income because they aren’t guaranteed. However, some specialist lenders will look at your future vesting schedule to support the sustainability of your income, especially if you have a strong vesting history at a stable public company.

To smooth out fluctuations in share price, most lenders use an average share value over 12 to 24 months rather than the current share price. They also evaluate the financial health of your employer to ensure the income source is reliable.

Including vested share income usually improves your debt-to-income ratio significantly. It adds a substantial layer of qualifying income without adding any new debt, which makes you a more attractive borrower to lenders.

Yes, provided you have sold the shares and the cash proceeds are sitting in your account. Once liquidated, these funds are treated as savings or assets just like any other cash deposit.

To prove your RSU income, you will need to provide more documentation than a standard applicant. Expect to submit:

• Vesting Schedule: A document from your employer outlining future release dates and share volumes.

• P60s: Your last two years of P60s to show total taxable income.

• Brokerage Statements: Records showing past stock sales and proceeds received.

• Award Letters: Evidence of your RSU grants.

• Standard Documents: Your latest three months of payslips and bank statements.

Not necessarily. While showing a history of selling shares (liquidation) can strengthen your application by proving the income is "realised", many lenders are happy to accept RSUs based on the vesting schedule alone. You generally do not need to sell shares just to qualify, provided you can prove they are vesting regularly.

Yes. Many employees at global tech or finance firms receive RSUs in USD or EUR. Specialist lenders are accustomed to this and will convert the value for affordability purposes. Be aware that they may apply a slight discount to account for exchange rate fluctuations.

If your RSUs have only recently started vesting, you may face challenges with mainstream lenders who prefer a two-year track record. However, specialist brokers can often find lenders who take a more flexible view, particularly if your employment history is strong and future vesting is clear.

Because RSU policies vary wildly between lenders, a generic "salary-only" approach can severely undercut your borrowing power. A specialist broker like Cleerly can:

• Identify which lenders accept  RSU income.

• Structure your application to highlight your total wealth.

• Navigate complex documentation to prevent delays.

• Connect you with lenders that offer bespoke terms for high-net-worth individuals.