Google Engineer Uses Restricted Stock Unit Income to Secure a £2.0m Mortgage

Scenario

How Cleerly might help a high-earning engineer upsize with an RSU-backed mortgage

In this illustrative scenario, a successful Google engineer set out to upsize his home after the arrival of his first child; he needed a mortgage adviser who could deliver a truly bespoke solution to reflect his more complex remuneration structure.

With a property purchase of £2.6M and a loan requirement of £2M, almost half of the affordability rests on income from Restricted Stock Units (RSUs); a sophisticated financial component that many lenders simply won’t consider.

Many high street lenders shy away from RSU (Restricted Stock Unit) income, seeing it as too complicated or unpredictable. In contrast, specialist lenders and private banks take a more sophisticated view. They focus on a client’s track record of receiving RSUs, usually over the last two to three years, and look ahead at your vesting schedule to build a clear picture of your borrowing potential.

By way of introduction by the client’s asset manager, Cleerly can help provide the clarity and strategic guidance for structuring his RSU mortgage so he could maximise borrowing power without liquidating valuable assets, principally by working in close collaboration with senior underwriting teams to navigate lender criteria and unlock the necessary leverage. The result: a tailored part-and-part mortgage, blending interest-only and capital repayment, secured on highly competitive terms with a high street bank.

He's been absolutely brilliant throughout the whole process starting even before we had any meaningful deposit to consider to buy a property. He explained everything in great detail, answered every question convincingly and sorted out our mortgage in a couple of weeks. We definitely recommend working with this company.

Very professional got me increased borrowing at a slightly better rate than i was previously able to obtain. Simon listened carefully to me and then suggested a plan to allow me to repay my mortgage after two years once Ive sold my house. Anytime I emailed a query the response was swift and helpful. Will recommend in the future to colleagues and friends.

In order to finance a move, we intended to port our mortgage and extend the borrowing, but our existing lender through in so many curveballs that is was impossible to stay with them. Matthew worked tirelessly to find us a second option which we then secured. I can't imagine what would have happened without his help and support throughout.

Andrew is very knowledgeable, prompt and very professional. Courteous, sharp and inventive, Andrew got my mortgage sorted twice in times when it was quite difficult to arrange one. The main thing though is Andrew is very confident and reliable and always delivered on his promises.

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The Challenge

This case stands out for its intricate income structure.

The client’s base salary of £177,500 gives a solid platform, but it is effective consideration of his RSUs, over £1M received across six years, that sets the agenda for affordability. With more than half the borrowing hinging on lenders recognising equity-based income, success requires deep market knowledge and a lender willing to move beyond conventional criteria.

RSU packages, split between vested and unvested awards, demand a nuanced, expert approach. At Cleerly, we drill into the details to identify exactly what could count as qualifying income, tailoring our case to fit each lender’s framework perfectly. With many providers resistant to this level of complexity, it is crucial to target a lender capable of recognising, and rewarding, modern remuneration structures.

Cleerly’s Bespoke Solution

By taking a forensic approach to a client’s income, meticulously highlighting vested RSUs and presenting a clear, data-backed track record of consistency and reliability, Cleerly assembles best-in-class documentation, a thorough income analysis, and forward-looking financial projections, giving lenders absolute confidence in a client’s long-term borrowing power and sustainability.

In this example, we would craft a bespoke part-and-part mortgage, offering both flexibility and a standout rate.

By drawing on Cleerly’s strong relationships with key decision-makers at a bespoke lender, we champion the case at every step, anticipating lender queries and ensuring the journey from application to approval is seamless and efficient.

The Solution

Our example client can move into his new family home with a mortgage designed for his unique income structure and long-term goals, comprising:

A loan of £2 million
A preferential rate
Structured with 50% Interest-Only and 50% Capital Repayment.

From first conversation to completion, Cleerly’s hallmarks are transparency, pace, and sharp financial insight, ensuring a smooth journey and total confidence at every stage.

Why Choosing a Specialist Broker Matters

Complex Incomes Need Specialist Support

Lender policies for RSUs can differ a great deal. A standard “salary-only” route could limit your borrowing options. A specialist mortgage broker like Cleerly can:

Find lenders who accept up to 100% of your RSU income

Check if using your RSU income is really best for you

Structure your application to make your assets stand out

Help prepare documents so there are no delays

Connect you with private banks who can offer flexible terms for high earners

As a specialist mortgage broker, Cleerly has the experience and expertise to help you turn your RSU income into homeownership. Fill in our online form to request a call back or speak to a member of the team today on 02394 212912.