Banker bonuses in 2026: What they’re spending them on — and how it affects high-value mortgages
Tags: Bonus income mortgages, Large mortgage loans, Residential mortgages
Quick Summary
This Trinity Financial article explains how banker bonuses in 2026 influence mortgage affordability and borrowing capacity for high earners. The bonus season — typically December to March — sees significant variable pay for investment bankers, often multiple times base salary, with major bonus pools reported by banks such as HSBC. Lenders assess bonus income differently: most mainstream UK lenders use a two-year average, applying between 50% and 100% of bonus income for affordability calculations and requiring documentation such as P60s, payslips and employer confirmation. Barclays, Nationwide and Santander are noted for accepting higher proportions of bonus income, while specialist and private banks can offer bespoke underwriting for high-net-worth borrowers. Bonuses are frequently used to support large mortgage loans, including £1m+ residential mortgages and high-value property purchases. Trinity Financial's mortgage advisers consistently explore tailored solutions for complex bonus income and maximise borrowing potential.
For many bankers bonuses amount to several multiples of base salary. In London, this is a significant bonus year because banks that were previously constrained when paying staff bonuses can now pay much larger amounts due to regulatory changes.
Goldman Sachs, for example, is now reportedly able to pay bonuses equivalent to 25x salaries. At the same time, London banks are free to pay a higher proportion of bonuses for senior people in cash.
Bonus season for bankers typically runs from December through to March, as banks finalise their performance numbers for the prior financial year and start paying out variable compensation packages. This is when most investment banks and front-office divisions announce their annual bonus pools and individual bonus pay-outs.
Bonus Figures: HSBC increases bonuses to $3.93 billion (£3.1 billion)
HSBC recently revealed a total bonus pool of $3.93 billion (£3.1 billion), its largest in 14 years and up 10 per cent on the previous year. These figures demonstrate how top-tier bankers still earn substantial variable pay even amid cost-cutting and strategic shifts.
What bankers spend their bonuses on - 2026 Trends
While hard data on exactly how bankers spend bonuses isn’t published, surveys and financial reporting shed light on typical behaviours:
High-end properties & homes: Investment bankers commonly use bonuses as deposits for new homes — often in high-value markets like central London and prime property postcodes. Upsizing or relocation purchases, especially if base salary alone wouldn’t support the mortgage.
Prime investment property buys, using bonuses to boost borrowing capacity or increase loan-to-value flexibility. This isn’t surprising: in high-cost cities, even high base salaries may not be sufficient without incorporating bonus income into mortgage affordability assessments.
Luxury goods & lifestyle: Anecdotal evidence suggests significant spending on luxury watches, bespoke tailoring, cars, and second homes — especially after a strong payout. Although lifestyle spending is less quantifiable, significant discretionary pay often drives consumption in these categories.
Can bankers use their bonuses for mortgage affordability?
Yes — but with conditions. Mortgage affordability frameworks treat bonus income differently from base salary. Most UK mainstream lenders will take a two-year average of bonus income, use between 50% and 100% of that figure and require evidence via P60s, payslips and employer confirmation.
Aaron Strutt, product director at Trinity Financial, says: "If you want the most competitively priced rates, they are typically available through the mainstream lenders and they will still consider bonus income at a percentage of the total — commonly 50% of two-year averages.
"Some lenders, including Barclays and Santander, will take 100% of bonus income if it is consistent and evidenced. Specialist lenders and private banks can sometimes take deferred or irregular bonus income into account and develop solutions for those earning over £300,000.
"One bank offering two-year fixes from just over 3.50% offers higher earners up to 75% interest-only mortgages using the sale of the property as the mortgage repayment vehicle."
Best banks & lenders for Bonus Mortgages
If you’re a high earner with bonuses in the £250,000+ range, the right lender can make a significant difference in how much you can borrow.
- Barclays for Intermediaries: Accepts 100% of the two-year average bonus and does not cap bonus relative to salary — ideal for high bonus cases.
- Santander: Will typically accept 70% of the bonus if consistent.
- Investec: Recently offered a high-net-worth client a 90% LTV mortgage on a property in London from day one, with capital reductions due in the first ten years, which enabled the client to reduce the loan-to-value to 65%.
- NatWest: For guaranteed bonuses Natwest will consider an average of the last two years' payments (cash element only) and use 100% of it in our affordability calculation. Please note that if there has been a sharp decline in the latest year's bonus the underwriter may use 100% of the most recent year's bonus.
- Specialist & private banks: Private and tailored mortgage brokers can access bespoke deals for high-net-worth clients.
Speak to a Trinity Financial mortgage adviser today
The mortgage market moves fast — and the right advice can make a significant difference to the rate and deal you secure. Get in touch with our team to discuss your options.
Call Trinity Financial on 020 7016 0790 to secure a banker bonus fixed or tracker rate mortgage, book a consultation, or use our appointment calendar
The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.
Your mortgage is secured on your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage
Yes — most UK lenders will consider bonus income as part of your total income when calculating how much you can borrow, though the percentage and evidence required varies by lender and bonus history.
Many lenders use a two-year average and typically accept 50–60% of bonus income. However, some more bonus-friendly lenders may accept up to 100% where bonuses are consistent and well documented.
No — guaranteed or regular annual performance bonuses are more likely to be counted than ad-hoc or one-off bonuses. Most lenders want at least two years of bonus history.
Yes — lenders will scrutinise the consistency and sustainability of variable income more closely. Specialist lenders and private banks are often more flexible for high bonuses.
It is a good idea— brokers like Trinity Financial know which lenders are bonus-friendly and can maximise how much of your bonus income counts toward affordability.
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