Specialist Mortgage Lenders
A house doesn’t only serve as a roof over your head but also represents an essential investment for your future. Acquiring a suitable mortgage can be a challenging and daunting task. This is where specialist mortgage lenders come into the picture. For those who don’t fit into the regular borrower category, these lenders offer a tailored solution, making your dream home a reality.
1. Who are Specialist Mortgage Lenders?
In the vast financial landscape, specialist mortgage lenders are a unique entity. They cater to borrowers who have unique financial conditions that don’t meet the standard criteria of traditional high street banks. Whether you’re self-employed, have a less than perfect credit score, or are seeking a mortgage for a non-conventional property, these lenders provide a more flexible approach to mortgage lending.
2. What Makes Them Special?
Specialist lenders are more adaptable in their approach compared to high street banks. They assess each application individually, taking into account the unique circumstances of the borrower. This individualistic consideration allows them to support borrowers with diverse financial needs who may have difficulty securing a mortgage from mainstream lenders.
3. In-Depth Understanding
In the quest to find the right mortgage solution, specialist mortgage brokers invest time to comprehend your personal needs and circumstances. They manage the entire process for you, from handling necessary paperwork to liaising with relevant parties till your mortgage finalizes. Their comprehensive understanding of the lending market enables them to secure the best mortgage deal for your specific situation.
4. Flexibility Amid Regulations
Despite their flexibility, specialist lenders adhere to the same rules as high street banks under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) introduced in 2014. This ensures that potential borrowers undergo stress tests to determine their capacity to afford repayments if interest rates were to increase. This methodology ensures that the borrower is safe to lend to.
5. Overcoming Financial Hiccups
Having a poor credit score or facing a county court judgement (CCJ) or bankruptcy does not necessarily spell doom for your mortgage aspirations. These events are usually one-time occurrences and can be explained. Although lenders take these into account, it does not deter all lenders from providing a mortgage. A commitment to improving your financial position can help you secure a mortgage, albeit through different assessment routes.
6. The Array of Mortgage Solutions
Specialist lenders offer a variety of mortgage solutions tailored to the borrower’s needs. These include:
Bridging Loans:
These short-term loans help bridge the gap between payments, making them ideal for securing an asset while arranging long-term financing or for purchasing a property at auction.
Buy-to-Let Mortgages:
Specifically designed for landlords buying a rental property, these mortgages provide flexibility between bridging loan exits or initial purchases and future long-term finances.
Commercial and Semi-Commercial Mortgages:
Suitable for business properties, these mortgages are secured by a first legal charge on the business premises.
Mortgage for Holiday Lets:
These mortgages cater to property owners who intend to let out their property for short periods, offering potential for higher annual income with good seasonal occupancy levels and higher accommodation fees.
7. The Pricing Factor
Due to the personalized approach to lending and the higher risk involved, specialist lenders often charge higher rates. This risk-based mortgage pricing is designed to protect the lender against default. However, the benefits of bespoke financial solutions often outweigh the cost factor for borrowers with unique needs.
8. Specialist vs. Private Lending
While both specialist and private lenders offer flexible loan options, there are notable differences. Private lenders provide private money with few regulations, leading to higher risk for both parties. On the other hand, specialist lenders offer underwritten loans with robust processes, providing a similar level of flexibility but with less risk.
9. What’s Needed to Work with Specialist Lenders?
Applicants will typically need to submit proof of identity, address, and affordability, as well as proof of the value of the property against which the loan is secured. The eligibility criteria may vary between lenders, but these are generally the key requirements.
10. Seek Expert Advice
If you’re unsure about which route is best for you, consulting a specialist mortgage broker can be a beneficial first step. They can guide you through the various options and help you find a solution that best fits your needs.
Often specialist lenders will only work with mortgage brokers and some only with a handful of specialist mortgage brokers. Do check how many lenders any broker has and ensure they have a sufficient breath of the market such as ourselves – Compton Financial.
In conclusion, specialist mortgage lenders provide a valuable service for borrowers with unique financial circumstances. They offer a lifeline to those who might otherwise struggle to secure a mortgage, making the dream of home ownership a reality for many.
Your home is at risk if you fail to keep up payments on your mortgage or any other loans secured against it.
Buy to Let mortgages are not usually regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Compton Financial Services Ltd is an Appointed Representative of New Leaf Distribution Ltd. who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Number 460421. Head Office 165 – 167 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7QA. Co registration Number 5520001.