7th November 2025
To celebrate Love Your Lawyer Day, we're taking a closer look at recent case where we were able to help two young professionals, one being a trainee solicitor, secure their first homes.
At the Vernon, we understand that a client’s potential often tells a more complete story than their paperwork. That’s why our human approach to underwriting is designed to look beyond rigid criteria, especially when supporting first-time buyers at the onset of their careers.
In two recent cases, we helped two young professionals secure their first homes. Both applicants are early in promising careers, with incomes expected to increase over time. They were seeking a mortgage that offered long-term stability - something that would support their growth, match their ambition, and give them a foundation to put down roots.
The first applicant fell just outside our affordability calculation. While many lenders would decline on that basis alone, we looked at their personal circumstances. We were able to take into account guaranteed future income and the applicant’s strong professional trajectory, so we were happy to support the application.
The second applicant, a trainee solicitor, was in a similar situation when it came to their affordability. We applied our common-sense, personal approach once again, allowing us to proceed without any issues.
The first applicant also lacked 12 months of continuous employment history, often a stumbling block. But by taking a common-sense view of the situation and considering the quality and progression of employment, our underwriters were able to proceed with confidence. In similar situations, we're also able to consider applicants in a probationary period.
Both applicants secured five-year fixed-rate mortgages on a 40-year term, providing them with more affordable monthly payments and the predictability of fixed repayments. This gave them the breathing room to focus on their professional development, with greater financial stability during a key stage in their careers.
Our approach puts people first. We work closely with brokers to understand the full context of a case, whether that’s early-career applicants, income trajectory, or unique employment patterns. No automated decisions. Just real people finding real solutions.
Got clients with big potential who don’t fit standard criteria? Get in touch.
Phone: 0161 429 4327