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Borrow £10,000 to £1,000,000 against your property with this specialist lender, even if you have complex income or a less than perfect credit history.
West One is a specialist secured loan lender that lets you borrow £10,000 to £1,000,000 against your property, up to a maximum loan-to-value of 85%, over terms of 5 to 40 years.
West One manually underwrites every application rather than relying purely on automated credit scoring, which makes it a strong option if you have:
You can't apply to West One directly - its secured loans are only available through a mortgage broker, who can assess whether it's the right fit for your circumstances and compare it against other lenders.
West One secured loans let you borrow against the equity in your home without disturbing your existing mortgage. West One is a specialist lender established in 2002, offering second charge mortgages and secured loans across England, Scotland, and Wales, and has provided over £10 billion in finance since launching.
Technically called second charge mortgages, secured loans sit behind your main mortgage rather than replacing it. This can be useful if you're on a good rate and want to avoid early repayment charges or losing your current mortgage deal.
What sets West One apart from many high street lenders is how it assesses applications. Rather than running your details through an automated credit scoring system, West One manually underwrites each case. This means a real person reviews your circumstances, which can make a significant difference if your situation doesn't fit neatly into standard lending criteria - and it's part of why West One is known for accepting borrowers that high street lenders often decline.
Manual underwriting can work in your favour if an automated system would decline you outright, but it also means the process can take a little longer than fully automated lenders. Build this into your timeline if you're working to a deadline.
What West One offers
West One may be worth considering if you:
West One isn't directly accessible to borrowers - you'll need to apply through a mortgage broker. It also doesn't offer the highest loan-to-value ratios in the market - some lenders go up to 90% or even 95% - so if you have limited equity in your property, other options might suit you better.
A secured loan puts your home at risk. If you can't keep up with repayments, the lender could repossess your property. Make sure you're confident you can afford the monthly payments before you go ahead, and consider what would happen if your circumstances changed.
If you're worried about debt or unsure where to turn, MoneyHelper offers free, independent guidance backed by the government. Call 0800 138 7777 or visit moneyhelper.org.uk.
Not sure where to start?
Speak to an advisor about your circumstances. We compare a wide range of secured loan lenders, including specialists like West One, to find options that could suit you.
West One is part of Enra Specialist Finance, a group that includes several specialist lending brands. West One is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for residential secured lending, and you can check its authorisation on the Financial Conduct Authority's register.
Check the basic requirements before applying. You'll need to be a homeowner with enough equity in your property and provable income to cover the repayments.
We compare a wide range of secured loan lenders
West One only accepts applications through mortgage intermediaries and its panel of master broker partners - you can't apply to West One directly. Timescales vary by case, but West One uses automated valuation models for eligible properties up to 80% loan-to-value, which can speed up the process. Most applications complete within a few weeks of submitting full documentation.
How it works
Speak to a broker
West One only accepts applications through mortgage brokers and its panel of master broker partners. Speak to an advisor who can assess whether West One suits your circumstances.
Initial assessment
Your broker gathers details about your property, income, and how much you want to borrow, then checks your eligibility against West One's criteria and other lenders.
Full application and valuation
If West One looks suitable, you'll submit full documentation. For eligible properties up to 80% loan-to-value, West One can use an automated valuation model to speed things up.
Underwriting and offer
A West One underwriter manually reviews your application and circumstances before confirming a formal loan offer.
Legal work and completion
A solicitor registers the second charge against your property. Once this completes, your funds are released.
Common questions about West One
West One offers secured loans from £10,000 up to £1,000,000 for residential second charges. The amount you can borrow depends on your property's value, existing mortgage, and ability to afford the repayments.
West One's maximum loan-to-value ratio is 85% for secured loans. This means you'll need at least 15% equity remaining in your property after combining your existing mortgage and the new loan.
Yes, West One has products for borrowers with less than perfect credit histories. It manually underwrites each application rather than relying on credit scores, and can consider applicants with satisfied defaults or those looking to clear debt management plans.
Yes, West One accepts self-employed applicants with as little as one year's trading history. You'll need to provide accounts or tax documents to verify your income.
Timescales vary by case, but West One uses automated valuation models for eligible properties up to 80% loan-to-value, which can speed up the process. Most applications complete within a few weeks of submitting full documentation.
No, West One only accepts applications through mortgage intermediaries and its panel of master broker partners. A broker can assess whether West One is right for your circumstances and handle the application for you.
What our clients say
Shortly after I spoke with Anna, she was also very helpful and made it effortless and a nice experience.
Had a really good experience regarding arranging a secured loan. They introduced me to a great advisor. Thanks for the help.
For once a loan transaction without stress and complications. Very impressed and highly recommended.
Thrilled to share my exceptional experience with Money Saving Advisors. The website made it incredibly simple and easy to connect with an advisor. They helped me find the best deal on my remortgage and secured a very competitive interest rate!
Great advice and money saved on mortgage.
I have previously declined a loan of the value I needed from various brokers, but this website found me a reputable broker with surprisingly decent rates.
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