Trusted financial advice
Whether you are buying UK real estate, investing in overseas property, borrowing against luxury assets, or building a commercial portfolio, we can provide the right financial advice.
As well as being one of the UK’s leading independent mortgage advisors, Knight Frank Finance has a breadth of knowledge in all aspects of specialist lending.
Knight Frank Finance has a specialist team that advises the world’s wealthiest individuals and their families, providing mortgage and financing advice far beyond the scope of the commoditised products available on the general market.
Offering a discreet and personal service, our unparalleled relationships with more than 180 private banks and lenders means we are uniquely placed to find the best solutions for our clients.
Alex Ogario, who leads our Private Office, explains how this specialist team can assist clients with their financial planning and investment decisions.
Why do individuals with such resources opt to use finance?
Many of our clients could acquire real estate without the need for finance, but low interest rates across Europe mean it’s an extremely compelling time to borrow money. Clients often think in terms of opportunity cost; if they’re achieving higher net returns on other investments than the cost of the debt, then it often makes sense for them to borrow. Tax planning can also be a driving factor.
Why do your clients use an adviser rather than going to their existing bank?
Last year we transacted with around 130 different lenders domiciled all over the world and if you look at the market there are literally thousands of products. Put simply, we filter through all of this noise to find the best solution for our clients.
You’re property specialists, can you help with financing non-property assets?
Yes, we’re often asked by clients to help them to raise funding against yachts, private jets, classic cars, art and even things like fine wine collections. Some of the more exotic asset classes have actually outperformed both the FTSE 100 and the Prime London residential property index over the last decade.
Can you assist outside the UK?
Yes we can. One of our strengths as a firm is leveraging the global footprint of the Knight Frank group, and its presence in 60 territories. Thanks to our wide network and strong relationships, we have made successful introductions to lending partners in Monaco, France, Italy, Spain, North America and the Middle East.
Are there any hints or tips that you would share with prospective clients?
Give yourself as much lead time as possible. It is imperative to have the right team around you because the due diligence process is increasingly thorough. We can move very quickly if a client wants to prioritise speed of execution, but it makes sense to prepare the financing in advance of any offer being made on a property.
Please get in touch with our specialist team for impartial, discreet advice.