Specialist Lending

Commercial mortgages, bridging finance and other cases the high street will not touch. Whole of market, FCA regulated, free first conversation.

When a standard mortgage does not fit

Specialist lending covers the cases mainstream lenders decline or price badly. That might be the property, the borrower, the timescale or the way the income is earned. It does not mean the case is a problem. It usually means it needs a lender who understands that type of case.

We work whole of market, including lenders who deal only through intermediaries and cannot be approached directly. If your case has been turned down elsewhere, or you have been told it is too complicated, it is worth a conversation before you assume the answer is no.

Commercial mortgages

Finance for premises you trade from or let out as a business, including shops, guest houses, care homes, kennels and holiday lets. Lenders assess the business as much as the property, so trading history, projections and experience all matter.

Bridging loans

Short term finance used to complete quickly, buy at auction, break a chain or fund a refurbishment before refinancing onto a longer term product. The exit route matters as much as the loan itself, and it is the first thing a lender will ask about.

Other specialist cases we handle

Specialist lending is broader than commercial and bridging. These are the areas that come up most often.

Adverse credit, including defaultsMissed payments on credit accounts, which can affect a borro... More, CCJs, missed payments and discharged bankruptcy
Self employed mortgages, sole traders, contractors and company directors
Non standard residency, including visa holders and applicants with overseas income
Non standard property types, including flats above shops and unusual construction
Buy to let and portfolio lending, including limited company structures

Guides on non-standard construction

Construction type is one of the most common reasons a mainstream lender says no. These guides cover the specific property types that narrow the lender list.

Guides on complex income

How your income is earned matters as much as how much you earn. These guides cover the income types lenders assess differently.

Guides on adverse credit

A mark on your credit file is rarely the end of the conversation. These guides cover the specific situations lenders will still consider.

Guides on family and deposits

Where a deposit comes from affects which lenders will accept it. These guides cover the less standard routes.

Common questions about specialist lending

What counts as specialist lending?

Anything a mainstream lender will not handle on standard terms. That includes commercial premises, bridging finance, adverse credit, complex income, unusual property types and non standard residencyThe borrower's residency status, such as whether they are a ... More.

Is specialist lending more expensive?

It can be, because the lender is taking on a case that needs more assessment. How much difference it makes depends entirely on the case, and comparing the whole market is what keeps the cost down.

I have been declined elsewhere. Is it worth trying again?

Usually yes. Lenders differ a great deal in what they will accept, and a decline from one says very little about what another would do. It is worth understanding why the decline happened first.

Do you charge for advice on specialist cases?

The first conversation is free and there is no obligation. Any fee is explained clearly and in writing before you commit to anything.

Speak to a specialist lending adviser

FCA #938312

About the Author

Damian Youell

Senior Mortgage Broker & Company Director

10+ Years' Experience Whole of Market Complex Cases 560+ Reviews

Damian is the founder of NeedingAdvice.co.uk and the firm’s Senior Mortgage Broker. He specialises in helping clients across the UK with straightforward and complex mortgage cases, including self-employed applications, adverse credit, buy-to-let, remortgages and first-time buyer mortgages.

Alongside mortgage advice, Damian also supports business owners with protection planning, including Relevant Life Policies, Shareholder Protection and Keyperson Cover.

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Direct: 07912 076990 • Office: 0800 612 3367

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Some forms of commercial and bridging finance are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Needing Advice provides independent, FCA regulated mortgage advice. The guidance on this page is general information and not personal advice. Any recommendation is based on your own circumstances.