Real results for real people

First-Time Buyer in Allestree Saves £180/month

Allestree, Derby

The challenge

A young couple in Allestree had been rejected by their bank due to one partner being on a fixed-term employment contract. They had a solid deposit but were told they didn't meet standard lending criteria, leaving them worried they'd miss out on their dream home.

Our solution

We identified a lender who accepts fixed-term contracts with just 3 months' employment history. By presenting the case properly and highlighting the couple's strong deposit and clean credit history, we secured a competitive 5-year fixed deal.

First-Time Buyer with 5% Deposit Gets on the Ladder

Spondon, Derby

The challenge

A single professional in Spondon wanted to stop renting but only had a 5% deposit saved. Multiple online brokers had steered her towards expensive high-LTV products with arrangement fees over £1,000, making the move barely affordable.

Our solution

We sourced a 95% LTV mortgage with a competitive rate and zero arrangement fee from a building society not available through comparison websites. We also arranged a cashback deal that covered her solicitor fees.

Remortgage Saves Family £320/month After SVR Shock

Mickleover, Derby

The challenge

A family in Mickleover had let their 2-year fixed rate expire and been moved onto their lender's standard variable rate (SVR) at 7.99%. Their monthly payments had jumped by over £400, putting serious pressure on the household budget.

Our solution

We acted quickly to remortgage them onto a new 5-year fixed deal, locking in a much lower rate. The new lender also offered a free valuation and free legal work, meaning no out-of-pocket costs for the switch.

Remortgage to Consolidate Debts and Reduce Outgoings

Chellaston, Derby

The challenge

A couple in Chellaston had accumulated £28,000 in unsecured debts across credit cards and a car loan, with combined monthly repayments of £780. Their existing mortgage deal was also ending, and they needed to reduce their total outgoings to stay afloat.

Our solution

We arranged a remortgage that consolidated the unsecured debts into the new mortgage at a significantly lower interest rate. While this extended the repayment term, it dramatically reduced monthly outgoings and we set up an overpayment plan to clear the debt faster.

Buy-to-Let Investor Expands Portfolio to 4 Properties

Normanton, Derby

The challenge

An experienced landlord in Derby wanted to purchase their fourth buy-to-let property but was finding it increasingly difficult to secure finance. Several lenders had declined due to portfolio landlord rules requiring detailed financial analysis of all existing properties.

Our solution

We worked with a specialist portfolio landlord lender who took a pragmatic view of the overall portfolio performance. We prepared a comprehensive portfolio schedule and business plan that satisfied the lender's underwriting criteria.

First Buy-to-Let for Accidental Landlord

Littleover, Derby

The challenge

A homeowner in Littleover had inherited a property and wanted to rent it out rather than sell. However, they had no landlord experience and their existing residential lender refused to grant consent to let, insisting on a full buy-to-let remortgage.

Our solution

We found a lender who offers buy-to-let mortgages to first-time landlords with favourable terms. We guided the client through the entire process including rental assessments and arranged landlord insurance through our protection partners.

Self-Employed Contractor Secures Dream Home

Duffield, Derbyshire

The challenge

A freelance IT contractor in Duffield had been self-employed for just 18 months with only one year of accounts filed. High street banks required a minimum of 2-3 years' trading history, and he'd been declined twice already.

Our solution

We approached a specialist lender who accepts just one year of self-employed accounts when supported by a strong contract history. By providing the client's current contract, accountant's projection letter, and bank statements, we built a compelling case.

Company Director Uses Retained Profits for Higher Borrowing

Darley Abbey, Derby

The challenge

A company director in Darley Abbey was drawing a low salary and dividends for tax efficiency, which meant most lenders would only offer a small mortgage based on her declared income. She needed to borrow £320,000 but was being offered a maximum of £220,000.

Our solution

We placed the case with a lender who assesses company directors on salary plus net profit share, rather than just dividends drawn. This approach recognised the true earnings of the business and unlocked significantly higher borrowing.

Adverse Credit Mortgage After IVA Completion

Chaddesden, Derby

The challenge

A single parent in Chaddesden had completed an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) two years ago and was desperate to get on the property ladder for the sake of her children. She'd been told by multiple brokers that she needed to wait 6 years after an IVA to get a mortgage.

Our solution

We knew that certain specialist lenders will consider applicants just 1 year after IVA satisfaction, provided the credit file is clean since. We prepared a detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to the IVA and demonstrated the client's improved financial position.

Mortgage Approved Despite Missed Payments and Default

Alvaston, Derby

The challenge

A couple in Alvaston had a default and three missed payments on a credit card from 3 years ago, following a period of illness. They had since rebuilt their credit but were being declined by mainstream lenders who applied automated credit scoring.

Our solution

We used a lender with manual underwriting who reviewed the application on its individual merits. We provided a medical evidence letter explaining the circumstances and showed that all financial commitments had been met for the past 2 years.

Commercial Mortgage for New Dental Practice

Derby City Centre

The challenge

A dentist was purchasing a commercial premises in Derby city centre to open her own practice. The property needed significant refurbishment and she required a loan that covered both the purchase and fit-out costs, but commercial lenders were wary of a new business with no trading history.

Our solution

We sourced a commercial mortgage from a specialist healthcare lender who understood the dental industry. They offered a combined purchase and refurbishment facility with interest-only payments during the 6-month fit-out period, then converting to a standard repayment mortgage.

Semi-Commercial Mortgage for Shop with Flat Above

Belper, Derbyshire

The challenge

An investor wanted to purchase a mixed-use property in Belper — a retail unit on the ground floor with a 2-bed flat above. Most buy-to-let lenders wouldn't touch it because of the commercial element, and pure commercial lenders required a 40% deposit.

Our solution

We placed the case with a specialist semi-commercial lender who offers better terms for mixed-use properties where the residential element forms a significant portion. We secured a 75% LTV deal with a competitive rate for this property type.