Specialist Lending
Specialist mortgage solutions for complex circumstances, self-employed, adverse credit, foreign nationals, contractors, and beyond.
Specialist lending is the term used for mortgage products designed for borrowers who do not fit the standard criteria of mainstream lenders. If a high street bank has declined your application or told you it cannot help, it does not mean no lender can, it means you need a specialist lender and a broker who knows how to access them. For more information, see the FCA regulated mortgage advice.
The specialist lending market covers a broad range of circumstances: self-employment and complex income, adverse credit history, foreign national and expat status, unusual property types, bridging finance, second charge mortgages, and more. Each area has its own set of lenders, criteria, and application requirements. We navigate all of them.
Who needs specialist lending?
You may need a specialist mortgage if any of the following apply:
You have been declined by a high street lender
You are self-employed, a contractor, or have variable income
You have adverse credit history, missed payments, defaults, CCJs, or a previous bankruptcy
You are a foreign national or UK expat
You are purchasing an unusual property (non-standard construction, HMO, above commercial premises)
You need finance quickly for a property purchase or renovation
You want to raise capital against a property you already own
A mainstream lender declining you is not the end of the road, it is often just the beginning of finding the right solution.
With access to lenders from across the market you can trust that we will be able to find the right solution for you.
Adverse credit and bad credit mortgages
Adverse credit, including missed payments, defaults, county court judgements (CCJs), debt management plans, IVAs, and previous bankruptcy, does not automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage. Specialist lenders assess adverse credit cases individually, considering the severity, recency, and circumstances of the credit issue alongside the strength of the rest of the application.
Generally, the older and less severe the credit issue, the wider your options. A larger deposit significantly improves your chances with adverse credit lenders. We have successfully arranged mortgages for clients with a wide range of credit histories, and we know exactly which lenders are likely to accept your specific situation.
Bridging loans
A bridging loan is a short-term secured loan used to bridge a financial gap, typically for 1–18 months. Common uses include buying at auction, purchasing before selling your existing property, funding renovation works before taking out a development or buy to let mortgage, and completing transactions quickly where a standard mortgage is not available in time. Bridging loans are fast to arrange (sometimes within days) but carry higher interest rates than standard mortgages, making them a short-term solution rather than a long-term product.
*please note that some specialist mortgages are provided by way of a third party broker*
How can we help?
We start by understanding your circumstances in full, your income structure, credit history, residency status, and the property you are looking to purchase or refinance. We then use our knowledge of the specialist lending market to identify the lenders best placed to help, structure your application in the most favourable way, and manage the process through to completion.
Whether your situation is straightforward or highly complex, we approach every case with the same commitment to finding the right solution. We work with specialist lenders across all areas including adverse credit, self-employed, foreign nationals, expats, bridging, second charge, HMO, and non-standard construction.
Why Choose The Mortgage Story for Your Specialist Lending Solution?
Whether you’re self-employed, living overseas, navigating past credit challenges, or simply seeking specialist lending solutions, we have a mortgage path built just for you. Our team of expert brokers takes the time to understand your unique story and financial goals. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you find the perfect mortgage match, with:
- Whole of Market Access: Whether you’re looking for a property anywhere in the UK or beyond, we compare offerings from across the entire lending landscape, bringing you the most competitive rates and terms tailored to your specific situation.
- Bespoke Expertise: Our advisors have in-depth knowledge of specialist mortgages and lending solutions. We’ll navigate the complexities for you, finding the optimal solution for your needs.
- Empathetic Support: We understand that the mortgage journey can be stressful. We’re here to offer clear guidance, answer your questions, and advocate for you every step of the way.
So if your circumstances are a little bit more unique, then get in touch with us so that we can help to find you the best deal for your circumstances.
Get in touch to arrange a free consultation
What We Do For You
Source The Best Deals
We have relationships with every major specialist lender in the UK market, including lenders who deal exclusively with complex cases and are not accessible without a specialist broker. We know their criteria in detail and can quickly assess which lenders are most likely to approve your case on the best available terms.
Provide Additional Services
For complex cases, getting the surrounding advice right matters as much as the mortgage itself. We can advise on protection insurance appropriate to your circumstances, connect you with solicitors experienced in specialist transactions, and refer you to accountants where income structuring is a factor.
Work Quickly and Efficiently
Some specialist lending cases, particularly bridging loans and adverse credit mortgages, need to move quickly. We understand this and work efficiently to submit well-prepared applications that minimise lender queries and delays. For bridging finance, we can often receive a decision in principle within 24–48 hours.
Specialist Mortgages
Whatever your circumstances, the best first step is a conversation. We will assess your situation honestly, explain your options clearly, and tell you what is achievable before you commit to anything. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation consultation.