Compare Mortgage Rates from Access Bank Against the Market starting at 3.47%

About The Access Bank UK

Unlike high-street lenders that rely on automated credit scoring and "tick-box" criteria, The Access Bank UK operates on a relationship management model. Every customer is assigned a dedicated Relationship Manager who serves as a single point of contact.

This manual, human-led approach makes them a strong option for borrowers with complex income structures, international wealth, or those who value a personal banking relationship over a digital-only experience. They have a strong presence in Trade Finance, Commercial Banking, and Asset Management alongside their property lending.

Property Loan Products

The Access Bank UK refers to its mortgage products as "Property Loans." These are bespoke facilities designed for both residential and investment purposes.

• Residential Property Loans: Designed for customers looking to purchase a property to live in within the UK. These are typically available on a repayment basis with terms of up to 30 years.

• Buy-to-Let (BTL) Property Loans: For investors purchasing property to rent out. These are available on a repayment or interest-only basis, with terms typically up to 15 years.

• Bespoke Lending: As a private bank, they can often tailor the loan to meet individual needs, such as accommodating complex income streams (e.g., foreign currency income, self-employed profits, or dividend income) that high-street banks might ignore.

Note: Because they are a private bank, they do not publish "headline" interest rates or standard Loan-to-Value (LTV) tables on their website. Pricing and terms are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on your financial profile and the strength of the application.

Pros and Cons of The Access Bank UK

Here is a balanced overview of the advantages and disadvantages of choosing The Access Bank UK for your property finance.

Pros:

• Dedicated Relationship Manager: You get a named individual who understands your financial history and needs, rather than a call centre.

• Manual Underwriting: Decisions are made by people, not computers. This is ideal for complex cases, such as foreign nationals, expats, or business owners with complicated accounts.

• Speed and Efficiency: They pride themselves on "fast and hassle-free processing," often able to move quicker than large bureaucratic banks once a relationship is established.

• International Focus: They are well-equipped to deal with clients who have financial interests in Nigeria or other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, acting as a bridge for international wealth.

Cons:

• Lack of Transparency on Rates: Unlike high-street banks, you cannot see their mortgage rates online. You must inquire directly to get a quote, making quick comparisons difficult.

• Niche Focus: They are not a mass-market lender. If you have a standard PAYE job and a 10% deposit, you will likely find cheaper and more accessible deals with a mainstream high-street bank.

• Shorter Terms on BTL: Their Buy-to-Let products are often capped at 15-year terms, which is shorter than the 25-30 year terms available elsewhere.

• Potential Private Banking Fees: As a relationship bank, there may be higher minimum requirements or fees associated with their private banking services compared to a standard mortgage lender.

Customer Service and Reviews

As a niche private bank, The Access Bank UK does not have the thousands of Trustpilot reviews typical of a high-street lender. However, they have built a strong reputation in the industry for their customer service.

• Awards: They have won the "Best African Trade Finance Bank" and significantly, were named "Best Brand in the Financial Services Sector" at the Global Brand Awards.

• Service Style: Customer feedback typically highlights the professionalism of the Relationship Managers and the "personal touch" that is absent from modern digital banking.

• Complaints: They are regulated by the FCA and have a formal complaints procedure, but public complaint volumes are low, reflecting their smaller, more exclusive client base.

How to Apply for a Mortgage with Access Bank UK

You cannot apply for a mortgage with The Access Bank UK via an online form or comparison site. The process is relationship-led, but we work with mortgage brokers who can help you build one up with them. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Get started here to get matched with a mortgage broker: We have brokers on our team who specialise in Access Bank’s products.

2. They will contact the Bank: Your broker will call their dedicated team or fill out an enquiry form on their website to request a call back.

3. Discussion with a Relationship Manager: A Relationship Manager will contact you to discuss your specific needs, income, and the property you wish to purchase. They will perform an initial assessment of your eligibility.

4. Bespoke Offer: If you fit their criteria, they will structure a Property Loan proposal for you, outlining the interest rate, fees, and terms.

5. Full Application: With your broker’s guidance, you will then complete a full application, providing the necessary documentation (proof of income, ID, property details) for their credit committee to approve.