Lending Criteria

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Adverse | Arrangement to Pay

Acceptable


Adverse | Arrears (secured/mortgage)

Acceptable


Adverse | Arrears (unsecured)

Acceptable


Adverse | CCJs

Acceptable if the total value does not exceed £500 and are satisfied.


Adverse | Criminal Convictions

Unable to consider.


Adverse | Debt Management Plan (Current/Unsatisfied)

Unable to consider.


Adverse | Debt Management Plan (satisfied)

Acceptable if satisfied for a minimum of 12 months and is over 3 years old.


Adverse | Defaults

Acceptable if the total value does not exceed £5000 and are satisfied.


Adverse | Discharged Bankrupt

Acceptable if discharged for 3 years, with satisfactory credit history over that period and no defaults or CCJs registered in the last 6 years.


Adverse | Financial Associates with Adverse

Acceptable


Adverse | Historic CIFAS Record (Years)

Unable to consider.


Adverse | Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA)

Acceptable if IVA has been settled in full for at least 36 months and no new adverse since it ended.


Adverse | Late Payments (Not Missed)

Acceptable where a maximum of 3 in last 12 months have occurred.


Adverse | Maximum Mortgage Arrears

Acceptable where no more than a status 2 in previous 24 months.


Adverse | Maximum Unsecured Arrears

Max of 2 in the last 24 months can be considered, must be satisfied and cannot have reached higher than a status 2.


Adverse | Months passed where Mortgage Arrears can be ignored

Acceptable where older than 24 months.


Adverse | Previously Repossessed (years ago acceptable)

Acceptable if possession satisfied over 3 years ago.


Adverse | Telecommunications Adverse Ignored

Acceptable


Adverse | Unauthorized Overdraft Charges

Acceptable with satisfactory explanation.


Applicant | Address History

Minimum 36 months residency required


Applicant | Advisor Own Application

Can be considered


Applicant | Age Limits: Interest Only Maximum Age at end of term

No maximum age at end of term if a repayment vehicle is in place.

Maximum age of 75 applies if repayment vehicle is Downsizing.


Applicant | Age Limits: Maximum Age (at point of application)

Repayment mortgage/interest only with alternative repayment vehicle to sale & downsize, to max 85 years of age.

Interest only mortgage with sale & downsize as the repayment vehicle - max age at end of term 75, max age at the start of the term is 70.

For no max age, refer to in/to retirement or RIO products


Applicant | Age Limits: Maximum Age at End of Mortgage Term

No maximum age at end of term. Refer to current product range for appropriate products.


Applicant | Age Limits: Maximum Age at End of Term for a Non Contributory Applicant

No Maximum age.


Applicant | Age Limits: Maximum Age at Term End Without Pension Proof (max retirement age)

85 years.


Applicant | Age Limits: Maximum age for self employed borrowers

No maximum age.


Applicant | Age Limits: Minimum Age at Application

18 years


Applicant | Age Limits: Retirement Interest Only (RIO) MAXIMUM Age at Application

No Maximum age.


Applicant | Age Limits: Retirement Interest Only (RIO) Maximum Age at Term End

No Maximum age.


Applicant | Age Limits: Retirement Interest Only (RIO) Minimum Age at Application

55 years.


Applicant | Applicant not on electoral register

Unable to consider.


Applicant | Debt Related: Debt being repaid fully or partially ignored

Acceptable


Applicant | Debt Related: Expiring debt can be partially or fully ignored

Acceptable


Applicant | Debt Related: Payday loan

Acceptable if the payday loan has been fully repaid.


Applicant | Debt Relief Order

Acceptable if satisfied over 36 months ago. 


Applicant | EU Nationals with a ‘pre-settled' or 'settled' status

Acceptable


Applicant | Expat Residential Mortgage

Acceptable in the following circumstances:   

The sole applicant is a UK Crown or Service Personnel who may be intermittently posted abroad and therefore will not residing in the UK full time, but where the property will not be let upon completion (Should there be intention to let the property refer to the Buy to Let Criteria);    

An applicant is a UK Crown or Service Personnel and the second applicant is a partner/spouse who will continue to reside in the UK full time and within the security property; and

An applicant is a UK Crown or Service Personnel and the second applicant is a partner/spouse who will continue to reside in the UK full time and within the security property; and

Their contractual remuneration/income is in (GBP) £Sterling, even if paid in a currency local to where they are resident.


Applicant | Foreign Nationals (Living Overseas)

Unable to consider.


Applicant | Foreign Nationals

Acceptable if the applicant has indefinite leave to remain, is an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen with 'settled' or 'pre-settled' status or were born outside the UK and have evidence of receiving UK naturalisation.


Applicant | Gambling (recurring transactions)

Unable to consider.


Applicant | Minimum Income Requirement

No minimum income requirement.


Applicant | Minimum Time Owner Occupier

No minimum.


Applicant | Politically exposed persons

Acceptable


Applicant | Power of Attorneys

Acceptable


Applicant | Returning to UK

Acceptable for applicants who are returning to the UK with secured permanent employment and are paid in £Sterling (GBP). Self-employed applicants should refer to our team.


Applicant | Visas

Unable to consider.


Employment | CIS Contractor Assessment

Acceptable but treated as self-employed subject to a minimum of 6 months remaining on current contract with 2 years history supported by 2 years SA302s. Income averaged over the last 2 years.


Employment | Contractors Minimum Experience Requirement (Months)

12 months minimum.


Employment | Contractors Weekly Multiplier for Income Assessment

46 weeks


Employment | Contractors Minimum income requirement

No minimum income requirement.


Employment | Contractors minimum time remaining

No minimum time remaining requirement. 


Employment | Employed with Voluntary Breaks

Acceptable


Employment | Income made up primarily of benefits

Unable to consider.


Employment | Minimum length of time employed

3 months with current employer and 12 months continuous employment history. Must have no gaps of more than a month in the previous 12. Any probation periods must be completed before the mortgage completes.


Employment | Minimum Length of Time in Secondary Employment (Months)

Minimum of 12 months.


Employment | Partner in a professional LLP: Affordability Assessment

Assessed the same as a self-employed applicant using accounts and SA302s.


Employment | Partner in a professional LLP: Minimum Length of Time Requirement (Months)

Minimum of 24 months. Can consider applicants who recently joined LLP if the business has been trading for at least 2 years.


Employment | Pending new job salary accepted

Acceptable with evidence of the new offer of employment. Mortgage can't complete until first salary received and completion of any probationary period. 


Employment | Pending pay rise accepted

Acceptable with evidence of the pay rise. Mortgage can't complete until first salary received and completion of any probationary period. 


Employment | Probationary Period

Acceptable but can't complete until probationary period is completed, but if applicant changed jobs within same profession and have history in that field, completion can take place in that period.


Employment | Professional Landlord (Rent is primary source of income)

Acceptable if they own 4 or more properties and will be treated as self-employed, subject to affordability assessment.


Employment | Professional gambler

Unable to consider.


Employment | Self Employed: Accounts or Accountant Certificates where Accountant is not Chartered or Certified

Unable to consider.


Employment | Self Employed: Amount of shareholding to be considered self employed (percentage)

20% Maximum. 


Employment | Self Employed: Can use Projection as Latest Year

Unable to consider.


Employment | Self Employed: Declining Profits

Acceptable subject to plausible explanations.


Employment | Self Employed: Latest years self employed figures for affordability

Unable to consider.


Employment | Self Employed: Limited Company: Other allowable income

Unable to consider.


Employment | Self Employed: Loss in Latest Year

Unable to consider.


Employment | Self Employed: Maximum age of latest company accounts for Limited Companies (months)

18 months.


Employment | Self Employed: Maximum age of latest company accounts for Sole Traders/Partnerships (Months)

12 months. If between 6-12 months, we'll need to see a projection with details of what it's based on included.


Employment | Self Employed: Minimum length of time self employed (months)

Standard Product Range
Self employed income 24 months + 

Complex / Non-Standard Income:
Less than 12 months in employment - And or in probation. If in probation then complex
12–23 months self-employed or contract work
Future use of employment income or projections


Employment | Self Employed: Recent change in status (sole trader to limited company, etc)

Acceptable


Employment | Self Employed: Sole Trader / Partnerships: Other allowable income

Unable to consider.


Employment | Sports Professionals

Acceptable


Employment | Zero Hours Contract Minimum Time in Position (in Months)

Acceptable where minimum 12 months in the position.


Benefit Income | Adoption Allowance

Unable to consider as an income type.


Benefit Income | Attendance Allowance

Unable to consider as an income type.


Benefit Income | Carers Allowance

Acceptable where not used as sole income and only up to 50% and can be evidenced with most recent award statement and bank statements showing income. 


Benefit Income | Child Benefit

Acceptable up to 50% where evidence of most recent child benefit award statement and bank statements showing income can be provided.


Benefit Income | Child Tax Credits

Unable to consider as an income type.


Benefit Income | Constant Attendance Allowance

Unable to consider as an income type.


Benefit Income | Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Acceptable up to 100% with evidence of most recent award statement and latest bank statement showing carers allowance credit.


Benefit Income | Employment and Support Allowance

Unable to consider as an income type.


Benefit Income | Guardian Allowance

Acceptable but only as secondary income and only up to 30%.


Benefit Income | Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Unable to consider as an income type.


Benefit Income | Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Acceptable where not used as sole income and only up to 50%. Must be evidenced with most recent award statement and 6 months bank statements.


Benefit Income | Universal Credit

Acceptable if the applicant is in gainful employment. Standard allowance and children categories only. Last 3 months Universal Credit award statements required.


Benefit Income | Working Tax Credits

Acceptable up to 50% where the loan is 80% LTV or lower.


Contractor Income | Agency work

Acceptable.


Contractor Income | CIS Contractor

Acceptable


Contractor Income | Fixed Term Contract

Acceptable where 12 months history can be documented with payslips or a P60.


Contractor Income | IT Consultant

Acceptable with 24 months contracting history, evidenced by sole trader/tax assessments or LTD company accounts. Minimum gross income of £75k and minimum 4 weeks remaining on current contract or evidence of new contract.


Contractor Income | Locum Doctor

Acceptable


Contractor Income | Nursing Bank

Acceptable.


Contractor Income | Piecework Contract

Can be considered as second applicant only. Speak to our team.


Contractor Income | Probationary contract

Unable to consider.


Contractor Income | Rolling contract

Acceptable.


Contractor Income | Seasonal Contract

Can be considered as second applicant only. Speak to our team.


Contractor Income | Short Term Renewable Contract

Acceptable subject to minimum 18 months history and evidence of further contract.


Contractor Income | Sub contractor

Acceptable subject to minimum 18 months history in same type of employment and minimum 6 months remaining on current contract.


Contractor Income | Temporary Contract

Unable to consider.


Contractor Income | Umbrella Company

Acceptable subject to 12 months history in same occupation.


Contractor Income | Zero Hours Contract

Acceptable with 3 months payslips and P60.


Employment Income | Additional Duty Hours

Acceptable.


Employment Income | Additional Responsibility Allowance

Acceptable but not if unsustainable going forward or temporary. Payslips/P60 requried to evidence.


Employment Income | Bonus

Acceptable


Employment Income | Car Allowance

Acceptable with last 3 payslips for evidence.


Employment Income | Commission

Acceptable at 50%.


Employment Income | Employers Housing Allowance

Acceptable.


Employment Income | Employers Mortgage Subsidy

Acceptable.


Employment Income | Employment Income from Family Business

Acceptable subject to employment being confirmed by a qualified external accountant and a P60.


Employment Income | Flight Pay

Acceptable.


Employment Income | Foreign currency

Unable to consider.


Employment Income | Large Town Allowance

Acceptable at 50% subject to 3 months history evidenced by payslips.


Employment Income | London Weighting

Acceptable at 50% subject to 3 months history evidenced by payslips.


Employment Income | Mileage Allowance

Unable to consider.


Employment Income | Overtime

Acceptable.


Employment Income | Parental/Maternity leave pay (back to work salary)

Acceptable


Employment Income | Salary (paid cash in hand)

Unable to consider.


Employment Income | Second Job

Acceptable if they have a minimum of 12 months in second job.


Employment Income | Shift Allowance

Acceptable.


Employment Income | Standby / Call Out

Acceptable.


Employment Income | Supply Teacher

Acceptable subject to minimum 12 months history in same occupation.


Employment Income | Tronc Payments (Tips etc)

Acceptable if they can be evidenced on payslips/P60.


Investment Income | Investment Income (not rent)

Acceptable with evidence of investment income.


Investment Income | Rental Income (from mortgage free property)

Acceptable at 50% of the rental income for affordability assessment.


Investment Income | Rental Income (from mortgaged property)

Acceptable at 50% of the net income.


Investment Income | Trust Income

Acceptable.


Other Income | Bursary

Acceptable with evidence of value with a reward letter or equivalent proof and duration.


Other Income | Foster Care Income

Acceptable.


Other Income | Income protection/Permanent Health Insurance

Unable to consider.


Other Income | Lodger Income

Acceptable at 50%.


Other Income | Maintenance

Acceptable


Other Income | Seafarer

Acceptable.


Other Income | Stipend

Acceptable with a reward letter or equivalent proof and duration.


Pension Income | Annuity

Acceptable.


Pension Income | Pension (Company)

Acceptable.


Pension Income | Pension - War Disablement

Acceptable if deemed payable for life.


Pension Income | Pension - War Widower

Acceptable.


Pension Income | Pension Credit

Unable to consider.


Pension Income | Private Pension

Acceptable.


Pension Income | Self Administered Drawdown Pension

Acceptable with evidence of sutainable income for the duration of the mortgage.


Pension Income | Self-invested Personal Pension (SIPPs)

Acceptable.


Pension Income | State Pension

Acceptable.


Self Employed Income | Directors Loan Payback

Acceptable.


Self Employed Income | Limited Company Directors (Salary and Dividends)

Acceptable.


Self Employed Income | Limited Company Directors (Salary and Net Profits)

Acceptable using the share of net profit after tax.


Self Employed Income | Limited Company Directors (Salary and Share of Net Profits AFTER CORPORATION TAX)

Acceptable.


Self Employed Income | Limited Company Directors (Salary and Share of Net Profits BEFORE CORPORATION TAX)

Unable to consider.


Self Employed Income | Limited Company Retained Profits

Acceptable.


Self Employed Income | Net Profit (for sole traders and partnerships)

Acceptable.


Policy | Affordability Assessment: Additional Voluntary Pension Contributions

Will include when assessing affordability


Policy | Affordability Assessment: Charitable Donations

Can ignore when assessing affordability


Policy | Affordability Assessment: Child Care Vouchers

Will include when assessing affordability


Policy | Affordability Assessment: Company Pension

Will include when assessing affordability


Policy | Affordability Assessment: Maintenance Payments

Will include when assessing affordability


Policy | Affordability assessment: Non dependant household occupants

Will include when assessing affordability


Policy | Affordability assessment: Personal borrowing for self employed business purposes

Will include when assessing affordability


Policy | Affordability Assessment: Private Healthcare

Can ignore when assessing affordability


Policy | Affordability Assessment: School Fees

Will include when assessing affordability


Policy | Affordability Assessment: Season Ticket Loans

Will include when assessing affordability


Policy | Affordability Assessment: Sharesave Schemes

Will include when assessing affordability


Policy | Affordability Assessment: Student Loans

Will include when assessing affordability


Policy | Assessment of Additional Residential Mortgages

We'll use the outstanding balance of any additional residential mortgages when assessing affordability as opposed the monthly payment, based on our standard stress rate.

Consideration for additional costs will also be taken into account:

  • Council tax
  • Utilities
  • Insurance
  • Property maintenance
  • Subscriptions/TV Licence.
  • Any further additional costs that need to be considered.

Policy | Back to Back Remortgage

Acceptable.


Policy | Back to back (Sub Sale Purchase)

Acceptable.


Policy | Concessionary purchase

Acceptable if from family.


Policy | Concessionary purchase Where Giftor Will Remain

Unable to consider.


Policy | Consent to Let a Room (via AirBnB or similar)

Unable to consider.


Policy | Consent to Let, Tied Accommodation

Unable to consider.


Policy | Contract Reassignment

Unable to consider.


Policy | Credit Checks with Equifax

We don't use Equifax when assessing applications. 


Policy | Credit Checks with Experian

We don't use Experian when assessing applications. 


Policy | Credit Checks with Transunion (formerly Callcredit)

We use Transunion as a credit reference agency when assessing applications. 


Policy | Credit Scores?

We don't use credit scoring when assessing applications. 


Policy | Day 1 Remortgage (NOT inherited property)

Acceptable but not if the purchase was under value, purchased from family/friend or purchased in a private sale. 


Policy | Day 1 Remortgage (if inherited property)

Acceptable subject to providing a copy of the Will and Grant of probate.


Policy | Discount Market Scheme

Unable to consider.


Policy | First Homes Scheme: discounts for first time buyers

Unable to consider.


Policy | Green mortgage

Unable to consider.


Policy | Guarantors

Acceptable but borrower must be able to afford 70% of the repayment. We'll need to see income/expenditure, intended term and age as well as status of guarantor.


Policy | Guarantors: Reverse (younger applicant guarantor for older applicant)

Acceptable.


Policy | Guarantors: Where applicant significant income growth is not expected

Unable to consider.


Policy | Help to Buy

Unable to consider.


Policy | Income Multiple (Joint) Maximum

5.5x based on both Gross and Net income affordability. Always check affordability calculator.


Policy | Income Multiple (single) Maximum

5.5x based on both Gross and Net income affordability. Always check affordability calculator.


Policy | Inter-family sales (no discount)

Acceptable where no discount is being offered.


Policy | Joint borrower sole proprietor JBSP

Acceptable but mortgage term cannot extend beyond age 75 of any of the borrowers.
Proprietor must have an income & must be able to afford 50% of monthly mortgage payment & essential expenditure (council tax, utilities etc). Joint borrower cannot also reside in the property.


Policy | Let to Buy

Acceptable.


Policy | Lodgers

Acceptable if they're not a family member.


Policy | Maximum debt to income ratio

We have no DTI ratio.


Policy | Maximum number of applicants allowed

Max of 4 accepted.


Policy | Maximum number of applicants income used for affordability

Up to 4 incomes accepted.


Policy | Maximum Term (Years)

Maximum term of 40.


Policy | Maximum Term (Years): Retirement Interest Only (RIO)

No maximum term.


Policy | Minimum Term (Years)

Minimum of 5.


Policy | Minimum period background property let before can be ignored (months)

Minimum of 3 months.


Policy | Non Simultaneous Sale and Purchase

Unable to consider.


Policy | Number of credit reference agencies used

1 used with a hard footprint.


Policy | Remortgage Purpose: Buy to Let to Residential

Acceptable.


Policy | Remortgage Purpose: For Business Purposes

Acceptable if not for repaying business or tax debts.


Policy | Remortgage Purpose: Home Improvements (other property)

Acceptable.


Policy | Remortgage Purpose: Pay Tax Bill

Unable to consider.


Policy | Remortgage Purpose: Purchase Commercial Property

Acceptable.


Policy | Remortgage Purpose: Purchase Overseas Property

Acceptable.


Policy | Remortgage Purpose: Purchase share of freehold

Acceptable.


Policy | Remortgage Purpose: Repay Help to Buy

Acceptable.


Policy | Remortgage Purpose: Shared Ownership Staircasing to 100% ownership (maximum LTV)

Max 95% LTV.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Balance Swap (maximum LTV)

Maximum 90% LTV.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Buy out (maximum LTV)

Maximum 90% LTV.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Buy to Let Purchase (maximum LTV)

Maximum 80% LTV.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Capital raise for BTL where property not yet found

Unable to consider.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Debt Consolidation (maximum LTV)

Maximum 80% LTV. No debt consolidation in the last 3 years, max loan amount £30k and value of unsecured debt in the background is no higher than £25k.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Extending a lease

Acceptable.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Gift Money (Maximum LTV)

Maximum 75% LTV.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Home Improvements (maximum LTV)

Maximum 95% LTV.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Land Purchase (maximum LTV)

Maximum 75% LTV.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Lifestyle (holidays, car's, non essential spending etc)

Unable to consider.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Medical expenses

Unable to consider.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: Personal investments (not property related)

Unable to consider.


Policy | Remortgage purpose: School/Education fees

Unable to consider.


Policy | Remortgage waiting period

6 months unless inherited or remortgaging bridging finance used to purchase security property.


Policy | Retentions (Minor retentions potentially ignored)

Can be ignored if above £2,000.


Policy | Retirement Interest Only (RIO) Joint Applicants First Death Affordability Assessment

Will consider most types except for any non-provable income.


Policy | Retirement Interest Only (RIO) Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Required?

LPA is required as a condition of lending.


Policy | Retirement Interest Only (RIO) Offered?

Refer to available products.


Policy | Retirement Interest Only (RIO): Can Consider Non-Guaranteed Potential Future Affordability

Unable to consider.


Policy | Retirement Interest Only (RIO): Minimum Equity Requirement

No minimum equity requirement.


Policy | Right to Acquire

Unable to consider.


Policy | Right to Buy

Acceptable but only in local postcode prefixes BL, CH, CW, M, OL, SK, WA or WN. RTB1 document to be provided with application. 

Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor and remortgages not considered for Right to Buy.

 


Policy | Self-Build: Valuation fee based on the estimated final value or land value

Estimated Final Value.


Policy | Shared Ownership

Unable to consider.


Policy | Simultaneous First and Second Charge

Unable to consider.


Policy | Soft Footprint on Credit Search?

Hard footprint is done during credit search.


Policy | Sole application for married couple

Acceptable.


Policy | Sole application joint proprietor

Unable to consider.


Policy | Source of Deposit: Cryptocurrency / Bitcoin

Unable to consider.


Policy | Source of deposit: Builders Deposit

Acceptable if applicant has minimum 5% deposit.


Policy | Source of deposit: Concessionary

Acceptable.


Policy | Source of deposit: Equity Loan

Unable to consider.


Policy | Source of deposit: Forces Help To Buy

Unable to consider.


Policy | Source of deposit: Gift From Immediate Family

Acceptable.


Policy | Source of deposit: Gift from occupier NOT named on mortgage

Unable to consider.


Policy | Source of deposit: Gifted NOT from Immediate Family

Acceptable.


Policy | Source of deposit: Loan Repayable on Sale of Property

Acceptable.


Policy | Source of deposit: Loan from immediate family

Acceptable as long as it's non-repayable.


Policy | Source of deposit: Mortgage on additional property

Acceptable.


Policy | Source of deposit: Originated outside of EEA

Unable to consider.


Policy | Source of deposit: Redundancy payment

Acceptable.


Policy | Source of deposit: Repayment of Ltd Company Directors Loan

Unable to consider.


Policy | Source of deposit: Unsecured Loan

Unable to consider.


Policy | Source of deposit: Vendor Gifted

Unable to consider.


Policy | Transitional Arrangements Offered

Acceptable.


Policy | Undervalue transactions

Acceptable but LTV for mortgage purposes must be based on lower of purchase price or valuation.


Product | Arrangement Fees Can Be Added When Exceeding LTV Limits

Acceptable up to a maximum LTV of 95%.


Product | Buy for University (Student Mortgages)

Acceptable where property has a minimum of 3 bedrooms.


Product | Can extend mortgage offer

Acceptable.


Product | Family assist 100% mortgages

Acceptable subject to product availability.


Product | Interest Only Residential

We require a minimum equity of £200k minimum equity in all cases except Retirement Interest-Only, Buy to Let and Professional Mortgages.

We have no minimum income requirement.

Our acceptable repayment vehicles are:

  • Sale of mortgaged property where the downsizing plan is plausible.
  • Sale of other mortgaged property if equity in other property must at least equal new mortgage requirement.
  • Sale of other unencumbered property.
  • Annual lump sum repayments where evidence of a plan is provided.
  • Existing endowment or ISA with evidence of policy and maturity forecast.
  • Pension lump sum where evidence of pension and lump sum projection is provided.
  • Other assets are acceptable where they are in £Sterling or based in the UK and evidence is required.

We are unable to consider an interest-only application without a repayment vehicle.


Product | Interest Only Buy to Let (BTL)

We have no minimum equity requirement for Buy to Let or Holiday Let mortgages.

We have no minimum income requirement.

Our acceptable repayment vehicles are:

  • Sale of mortgaged property where the downsizing plan is plausible.
  • Sale of other mortgaged property if equity in other property must at least equal new mortgage requirement.
  • Sale of other unencumbered property.
  • Annual lump sum repayments where evidence of a plan is provided.
  • Existing endowment or ISA with evidence of policy and maturity forecast.
  • Pension lump sum where evidence of pension and lump sum projection is provided.
  • Other assets are acceptable where they are in £Sterling or based in the UK and evidence is required.

We are unable to consider an interest-only application without a repayment vehicle.


Product | Interest Only - Retirement Interest-Only (RIO)

We have no minimum equity requirement for Retirement Interest-Only (RIO) mortgages.

We have no minimum income requirement.

Our only acceptable repayment vehicle for a RIO mortgage is the sale of mortgaged property, triggered at the point the borrower vacates the property to move into long-term care/ sheltered accommodation or the borrower dies.

We are unable to consider an interest-only application without a repayment vehicle.


Product | Maximum Loan Size Retirement Interest Only (RIO)

Maximum loan size of £750,000.


Product | Maximum Loan to Value (LTV) for Interest Only mortgages

Maximum LTV of 70%.


Product | Maximum Loan to Value (LTV) for Retirement Interest Only (RIO): Purchases

Maximum LTV of 60%.


Product | Maximum Loan to Value (LTV) for Retirement Interest Only (RIO): Remortgage with Capital Raising

Maximum LTV of 60%.


Product | Minimum Loan Size

Minimum of £25,000.


Product | Minimum Loan Size Retirement Interest Only (RIO)

Minimum of £25,000.


Product | Offer expiry time

Offers valid for 6 months (180 days).


Product | Offset Mortgages

Not available.


Product | Overpayment facility as standard (percentage)

Variable products allow 25%, fixed allow 10%. Refer to current products.


Product | Portable mortgages as standard

Yes.


Product | Post offer changes

Acceptable.


Product | Self-Build: Maximum loan amount

Max loan of £1,800,000.


Product | Self-Build: Maximum LTV against valuation at point of stage release

Max 75% LTV.


Product | Self-Build: Maximum amount of stage payments

Max of 5 stage payments.


Product | Self-Build: Minimum amount of stage payments

No minimum stage payments.


Product | Self-Build: Product fees added to the loan

Acceptable.


Product | Self-Build: Retention product offered upon completion of build

Yes, retention product will be offered.


Product | Self-Build: Stage payment frequency

Flexible payment schedule acceptable.


Product | Self-Build: Stage payment release schedule

Funds will be released in arrears of each stage completed.


Product | Self-Build: Stage release fees

A reinspection fee of £65 will be charged with completion of each stage. 


Product | Sharia Compliant Mortgages

Unable to consider.


Product | Split Mortgage Terms

Acceptable.


Property | Escalating Ground Rents

Unable to consider.


Property | Estate Rent charges

Unable to consider.


Property | Ex MOD properties

Unable to consider.


Property | Flat/Maisonette Maximum LTV (New Build)

85% maximum LTV considered but excludes city centre apartments and converted office blocks. 


Property | Flat/Maisonette Maximum LTV (Standard)

90% maximum LTV considered but excludes city centre apartments, converted office blocks or ex-local authority.


Property | House/Bungalow Maximum LTV (New Build)

85% maximum LTV acceptable. Any builder incentives disclosed by using the CML Incentive Form, will be treated as a reduction in purchase price for maximum mortgage amounts and LTV requirements. 


Property | House/Bungalow Maximum LTV (Standard)

95% maximum LTV acceptable. Maximum advance of £300k.


Property | Japanese Knotweed

Unable to consider.


Property | Leasehold Property where No Separate Management Company Exists

Unable to consider.


Property | Legal: No search indemnity insurance (purchases)

Unable to consider.


Property | Legal: No search indemnity insurance (remortgages)

Acceptable.


Property | Legal: Private local authority search (purchases)

Acceptable.


Property | Legal: Private local authority search (remortgages)

Acceptable.


Property | Lending Location

Only England, Wales and Isle of Wight are acceptable.


Property | Maximum Ground Rent (as % of Property Value/Purchase Price)

No maximum threshold.


Property | Maximum number of storeys considered for lending on ex local authority flats

Unable to consider.


Property | Maximum number of storeys considered for lending on flats

Max of 10 storeys but must have a lift and be leasehold.


Property | Maximum number of stories where no lift is present

Maximum of 4 storeys.


Property | Minimum Percentage of Properties under Private Ownership on Ex-Local Authority Blocks of Flats

Unable to consider.


Property | Minimum Property Value

Minimum of £125,000.


Property | Minimum Property Value for Retirement Interest Only (RIO)

Min of £140,000.


Property | Minimum remaining lease at application

Min of 85 years at completion and 50 years remaining at the end of the mortgage term 


Property | Minimum remaining lease at end of term

50 years remaining.


Property | New Build Warranty: AEDIS

Unable to consider.


Property | New Build Warranty: Build Assure

Unable to consider.


Property | New Build Warranty: Building Life Plans

Unable to consider.


Property | New Build Warranty: Buildzone

Acceptable.


Property | New Build Warranty: Checkmate (Castle 10)

Acceptable.


Property | New Build Warranty: CRL Management Ltd

Unable to consider.


Property | New Build Warranty: Global Home Warranties

Unable to consider.


Property | New Build Warranty: ICW

Acceptable.


Property | New Build Warranty: LABC

Acceptable.


Property | New Build Warranty: NHBC Guarantee

Acceptable.


Property | New Build Warranty: Premier Guarantee Scheme

Acceptable.


Property | New Build Warranty: Professional Consultants Certificate

Acceptable.


Property | New Build Warranty: Protek

Acceptable.


Property | New Build Warranty: Q Assure Build

Unable to consider.


Property | New Build Warranty: Zurich Municipal "New Build"

Unable to consider.


Property | New Build purchased off plan

Acceptable.


Property | Properties with Asbestos

Unable to consider.


Property | Properties with Occupancy Restrictions

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: 100% Timber Construction

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: BOPAS accreditation required for non-standard construction

Yes.


Property | Property Construction: British Iron and Steel Federation (BISF)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Concrete construction

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Converted church

Acceptable subject to valuers comments.


Property | Property Construction: Cornish construction

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Dutch barns

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: EWS1 required on properties with combustible cladding or materials on balconies?

May be required dependent on the number of storeys and subject to valuers comments. If our valuer requries additional information regarding EWS1 form, the property will be unacceptable until it is provided.


Property | Property Construction: Easiform

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Flying Freehold

Acceptable if partial and evidence of mutually enforceable covenants for support and maintenance. Freehold flats unable to be considered.


Property | Property Construction: Insulating concrete form (ICF)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Large Panel System (LPS)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Majority Flat Roof

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Modern method of construction (MMC)

Acceptable but we will consider valuers comments in any decision.


Property | Property Construction: Modular and POD Construction

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Mundic block

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: No-Fines

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Non repaired prefabricated reinforced concrete

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Off site manufactured (MMC)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Potton Homes

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Repaired prefabricated reinforced concrete

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Single skin

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Steel framed

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Structural Insulated Panel Solutions (SIPs)

Acceptable.


Property | Property Construction: Thatched roof

Acceptable subject to satisfactory valuation report.


Property | Property Construction: Timber framed

Acceptable if constructed post 1970.


Property | Property Construction: Tower Block with Cladding

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Wholly Timbered

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Construction: Woolaway

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Factors: Contaminated Land

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Factors: Mine Shafts

Acceptable if the mine entrance is more than 20 metres from the property, not within security boundary and the property being insurable. Subject to satisfactory valuation report.


Property | Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class A1 – shops and retail outlets)

Acceptable but not if above or adjacent to pubs, bars, restaurants, takeaways or any business that might have an adverse impact on value or saleability of the security property.


Property | Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class A2 – professional services)

Acceptable but not if above or adjacent to any business that may adversely affect value or saleability of security property.


Property | Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class A3 – food and drink)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class A4 – drinking establishments)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class A5 – hot food and takeaway)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class B)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class C)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class D)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Sui Generis)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Factors: Overhead Power Lines

Acceptable subject to valuers comments.


Property | Property Factors: Part Renovated

Acceptable if habitable.


Property | Property Factors: Underpinned within last 10 years

Acceptable subject to valuers comments and insurability.


Property | Property Issues: Absentee freeholder

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Issues: Overage Clause

Acceptable.


Property | Property Ownership: Possessory Title

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Ownership: Shared access or shared services

Acceptable.


Property | Property Ownership: Splitting of a title deed on completion

Acceptable.


Property | Property Ownership: Tenancy in Common with Unequal Shares

Acceptable.


Property | Property Ownership: Trust

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Type Studio Flat Minimum Floor Area (Sq Metres)

Minimum of 39 Square metres.


Property | Property Type: Basement flat

Acceptable.


Property | Property Type: Coach house

Acceptable.


Property | Property Type: Commonhold Properties

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Type: Ex local auth flat/maisonette

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Type: Ex local authority house/bungalow

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Type: Farmhouse (where farmhouse and land are contiguous)

Acceptable subject to valuers comments and there's no adverse impact on value of saleability of security property.


Property | Property Type: Flat above commercial food outlet

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Type: Flat above commercial offices

Acceptable subject to valuers comments.


Property | Property Type: Flat above commercial pub

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Type: Flat above shop (not food outlet)

Acceptable subject to valuers comments.


Property | Property Type: Freehold flats and maisonettes

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Type: Grade 1 Listed Building

Acceptable subject to valuers comments.


Property | Property Type: Grade 2 Listed Building

Acceptable subject to valuers comments.


Property | Property Type: Grade 2* Listed Building

Acceptable subject to valuers comments.


Property | Property Type: Mobile homes and houseboats

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Type: Studio flat

Acceptable but must have min floor area of 39 Sq Metres.


Property | Property Usage: Acceptable commercial limit

Maximum limit of 20% and doesn't attract business rates and no modifications are necessary to support the saleability of the property as a residential dwelling.


Property | Property Usage: Agricultural restrictions

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Usage: Bed and Breakfast

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Usage: Empty Property (Unoccupied)

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Usage: Holiday/Second Home

Acceptable at maximum loan £300k and can't consider part & part in this scenario.


Property | Property Usage: Holiday/Second Home maximum LTV

Max 75% LTV. Income should cover both mortgage (outstanding balance will be stressed at our stress rate) & running costs of properties will be included in the affordability assessment. 


Property | Property Usage: Home for dependant

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Usage: Live/Work units

Unable to consider.


Property | Property Usage: Mixed Use Residential / Commercial

Unable to consider.


Property | Property being purchased at auction

Acceptable.


Property | Property factor: Spray foam insulation

Unable to consider.


Property | Property has self contained annex

Acceptable but occupier should be close family member (parent/child) Not to be let out on commercial basis.


Property | Property with Age Restrictions / Retirement Properties

Unable to consider.


Property | Property with Annex where Annex will be Let

Acceptable if it will be rented to close family (parent/child). Will be subject to satisfactory assessment of saleability and satisfactory valuation report.


Property | Property with Restrictive Covenant Section 106

Unable to consider.


Property | Property with acreage

Acceptable subject to valuers comments.


Property | Property with deck access

Unable to consider.


Property | Property with more than one kitchen

Acceptable.


Property | Restricted Sale Price

Unable to consider.


Property | Retrospective New Build Warranty

Acceptable


Property | Solar Panels

Acceptable.


Property | Unadopted Roads

Acceptable subject to valuers comments.


Buy to Let: House of Multiple Occupation (HMO)

Acceptable.


Buy to Let: HMO Maximum LTV

75% maximum.


Buy to Let: HMO Maximum Number of Bedrooms

Maximum of 6.


Buy to Let: HMO Maximum Number of Kitchens

No maximum.


Buy to Let: HMO Maximum Number of Storeys

Maximum of 4.


Buy to Let: HMO Minimum Double Bedroom Square Metre

No minimum.


Buy to Let: HMO Minimum Property Value

Minimum value of £200,000.


Buy to Let: HMO Minimum Single Bedroom Square Metre

39 sq metres minimum.


Buy to Let: HMO Unlicensed

Unable to consider.


Buy to Let: Minimum Loan Size

£140,000 minimum.


Buy to Let: Expat

Acceptable for purchase or remortgage of UK property.

All applicants must be British nationals

Rental income must be in GBP - Sterling.

Minimum Income £30,000 (GBP Sterling or equivalent)

Contract of employment for working abroad is needed

Must have a UK credit profile.

Not available for Holiday Lets

Expatriate applicants (personal or shareholders of Ltd Co) can be resident in any country with the exception of:


Buy to Let: Consumer Buy to Let

Acceptable.


Buy to Let: First Time Landlords

Acceptable.


Buy to Let: Full Time Landlords

Acceptable.


Buy to Let: Minimum Income Requirement

No minimum


Buy to Let: Minimum Length of time employed

No minimum requirement.


Buy to Let: HMO First Time Landlord

Acceptable.


Buy to Let: Returning to UK

Acceptable if going straight into employment.


Buy to Let: Limited Company SPV

Acceptable if the SPV is registered in England & Wales for owning the purpose of owning property.

No minimum trading period.


Buy to Let: Trading Companies

Unable to consider.


Buy to Let: Portfolio Landlord

Acceptable. 
No minimum income requirement or experience required.


Buy to Let: Limited Company Max Age of Director

Maximum age of 75.


Buy to Let: HMO Minimum Experience

Minimum experience of 24 months


Buy to Let: Property Developers

Acceptable.


Buy to Let: Multi Unit Freehold Block

Acceptable.


Buy to Let: Holiday Let

Acceptable.


Buy to Let: Holiday Let Permission to Self Occupy

Acceptable to use own property on occasion.


Buy to Let: Top Slicing

Acceptable.


Buy to Let: Rental income higher than valuers estimate

Acceptable for affordability.


Buy to Let: Valuers estimate higher than actual rental income

Acceptable for affordability.


Buy to Let: Affordability Assessment

ICR based assessment. Varies between products, refer to our Buy to Let Stress Rates guide for details.


Buy to Let: Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor

Unable to consider.


Buy to Let: Let to Rent

Acceptable.


Buy to Let: Maximum LTV

75% Maximum.


Buy to Let: Regulated Buy to Let

Acceptable. All affordability based on personal income.


Buy to Let: Source of deposit

Source of deposit cannot come from another of the applicant's companies.


Buy to Let: Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

ASTs must be a minimum 6 months.

Maximum of 2 tenants on any AST.

Student ASTs are unable to be considered.


Self-Build: All applicants are First time buyers

Acceptable


Self-Build: applicants own savings required?

Applicant must have own savings for all applications. 


Self-Build: Custom build schemes

Unable to consider.


Self-Build: Eco property allowed

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Maximum number of multi-plot or group development allowed

Maximum of 2 plots.


Self-Build: Multi-plot or group developments allowed? (where applicant is purchasing one plot of many)

Acceptable if applicant is only purchasing one plot of the development.


Self-Build: Property Type: Semi-detached property

Unable to consider.


Self-Build: Property Usage: Holiday/Second Home

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Shared access allowed?

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Maximum loan amount

Max loan of £1,800,000.


Self-Build: Maximum LTV against valuation at point of stage release

Max 75% LTV.


Self-Build: Maximum amount of stage payments

Max of 5 stage payments.


Self-Build: Minimum amount of stage payments

No minimum stage payments.


Self-Build: Product fees added to the loan

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Retention product offered upon completion of build

Yes, retention product will be offered.


Self-Build: Stage payment frequency

Flexible payment schedule acceptable.


Self-Build: Stage payment release schedule

Funds will be released in arrears of each stage completed.


Self-Build: Stage release fees

A reinspection fee of £65 will be charged with completion of each stage. 


Self-Build: Maximum term

Max term of 40 years.


Self-Build: Additional borrowing considered during the build

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Affordability - Can applicants savings be used to cover monthly rental or mortgage payments?

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Affordability - Dual affordability assessment required? (During and after build)

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Affordability - Ongoing rent or mortgage payments included in affordability assessment?

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Back to Back (Remortgage waiting period)

Day one remortgages acceptable.


Self-Build: Build type - Barn conversion

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Build type - Conversion (commercial to residential)

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Build type - Knock down and rebuild

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Build type - Renovation

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Build type - Unfinished/mid-build projects

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Building Regulations approval required prior to completion

We require building regulations to be approved prior to completion.


Self-Build: Can use own Conveyancer?

Acceptable but the conveyancer must have a minimum of 2 partners and hold law society permissions for dual representation.


Self-Build: Concessionary Land Purchase

Unable to consider.


Self-Build: Contiguous land owned by the applicant

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Contiguous land owned by family

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Direct to Lender or Packager

Can accept direct or via packager. 


Self-Build: Gifted land/plot (gifted by a NON family member)

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Gifted land/plot (gifted by family member)

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Lending against land

Acceptable but must have approved planning permission.


Self-Build: Length of time before works must commence (months)

Must start within 3 month timeframe.


Self-Build: Maximum LTV of estimated final value

Maximum 80% end value LTV.


Self-Build: Maximum LTV on land/plot value or purchase price

Maximum 75% LTV.


Self-Build: Maximum plot size (acres)

No maximum acreage.


Self-Build: Minimum number of months remaining on planning permission

No minimum.


Self-Build: Minimum plot size

No minimum acreage.


Self-Build: More than one pending self-build application

Unable to consider.


Self-Build: Outline or full planning permission required

Full planning permission required.


Self-Build: Preferential terms for eco build

Unable to consider.


Self-Build: Pure Interest only acceptable during the build?

Acceptable.


Self-Build: Required build completion time (months)

No maximum.


Self-Build: Retention retained until sign off following build completion

Will be held until completion and final sign off of the works.


Self-Build: Standard retention for project

No retention will be held.


Self-Build: Valuation fee based on the estimated final value or land value

Estimated Final Value.


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