Over half (51%) of UK mortgage brokers have described finding suitable financial products for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) as a "significant hurdle", research by Butterfield Mortgages has found.

The prime London mortgage provider’s latest survey of 300 UK mortgage brokers revealed that 17% of these brokers stated that it was "extremely challenging".

Over three in five (61%) UK mortgage brokers said they rely on specialist lenders to find the right product for their clients, particularly in cases where standard lending options may not be available.

This includes lending to HNWIs, non-UK residents and those purchasing unusual properties.

However, the research found that 56% of brokers said that securing products for non-UK residents was a challenge and those buying specialist properties that are hard to value was a common challenge, according to 51% of brokers.

Chief executive officer at Butterfield Mortgages, Alpa Bhakta, said: "It’s clear that brokers are confronted with a number of challenges at present. Finding mortgage products for more complex clients is one of them, largely due to mainstream lenders’ rigid lending criteria. Specialist lenders are ready and appropriately placed to fill this gap – something which is reflected in the increasing number of brokers (61%) using alternative options to high-street banks.

"With activity levels expected to rise in the coming months, it’s important that brokers continue to seek out lenders who can provide tailored solutions to ensure all of their clients can access the mortgage finance they need to invest in UK real estate with confidence."

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