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Lender review
The Mortgage Lender is a specialist lender for self-employed borrowers and people with complex circumstances who don't fit high-street criteria. Here's an independent look at their products, criteria, and how to apply through a broker.
The Mortgage Lender is a specialist lender best suited to borrowers who don't fit typical high-street lending criteria, including the self-employed and people with a history of credit issues.
Overall, The Mortgage Lender is a strong option if your circumstances are complex, but it's worth comparing against other specialist and high-street lenders before deciding.
The Mortgage Lender is a specialist lender built for borrowers who don't fit typical high-street lending criteria. If you're self-employed, have had credit issues in the past, or your income doesn't fit neatly into standard models, it's worth considering.
Founded in 2014 and acquired by Shawbrook Bank in 2021, The Mortgage Lender combines the backing of an established banking group with a continued focus on what it calls "real life lending". You can't apply directly - you'll need to go through a mortgage broker to access its products.
Unlike high-street banks that rely heavily on automated credit scoring, The Mortgage Lender uses manual underwriting. This means an underwriter assesses your application and can consider your full circumstances, which is useful if your income or credit history doesn't tick standard boxes.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Because The Mortgage Lender underwrites cases manually, it's worth asking your broker to prepare a clear explanation of any credit issues or income complexity upfront. A well-presented case can make a real difference to how quickly an underwriter reaches a decision.
The Mortgage Lender offers a range of residential and buy-to-let products designed around borrowers with non-standard circumstances.
What they offer
Broker only
All applications go through a qualified mortgage broker or advisor. If you don't have one, we can connect you with an advisor who compares a wide range of lenders, including The Mortgage Lender.
The Mortgage Lender's specialist approach means it considers applicants that mainstream lenders might decline.
The Mortgage Lender accepts self-employed applications after just one year of trading. It considers SA302s, certified accounts, or tax calculations as proof of income, and takes a flexible view of complex or variable earnings.
If you have credit issues, including missed payments, defaults, or historic debt, an underwriter assesses your case individually rather than relying solely on your credit score. This doesn't mean every application is accepted, but cases that a high-street lender might automatically decline are given proper consideration.
If you're worried about debt or missed payments, you can get free, impartial guidance from MoneyHelper at moneyhelper.org.uk or by calling 0800 138 7777.
Residential mortgages from The Mortgage Lender are available up to 90% loan-to-value, while buy-to-let mortgages go up to 80% loan-to-value for standard properties and HMOs.
On the buy-to-let side, the maximum loan for first-time landlords has increased to £500,000, alongside new 80% loan-to-value products.
If you're close to a minimum loan threshold, ask your broker whether restructuring the deposit or loan size could open up more options. Small changes in the loan amount can move you into a different lending tier.
The Mortgage Lender scores 4.1 out of 5 on Trustpilot from around 900 reviews. Brokers frequently praise its willingness to find solutions for complex cases that other lenders turn down.
Some reviews mention that processing times can occasionally be slower than expected, so it's worth factoring this into your timeline if you're working to a deadline, such as an exchange date.
The Mortgage Lender is intermediary-only, so you can't apply on its website. We're not a lender - we connect you with brokers who can access The Mortgage Lender's products alongside a wide range of other options.
Why use our service?
How it works
Speak to an advisor
Tell an advisor about your income, credit history, and what you're looking to borrow. They'll assess whether The Mortgage Lender could be a good fit alongside other lenders.
Compare your options
Your advisor compares products from The Mortgage Lender and a wide range of other lenders, explaining the criteria and LTV limits for each.
Your advisor submits the application
Once you've chosen a lender, your advisor submits your application and supporting documents, such as SA302s or certified accounts if you're self-employed.
Underwriting decision
An underwriter manually reviews your case. This can take longer than an automated decision, so build some buffer into your timeline.
Common questions answered
No, The Mortgage Lender is an intermediary-only lender. You'll need to apply through a qualified mortgage broker or advisor who can submit your application on your behalf. This applies to both residential and buy-to-let products.
Yes, The Mortgage Lender specialises in self-employed borrowers. It accepts applications after one year of trading and considers SA302s, certified accounts, or tax calculations as proof of income, taking a flexible view of complex income.
For residential mortgages, The Mortgage Lender offers up to 90% loan-to-value. Buy-to-let products are available up to 80% loan-to-value for standard properties. Eligibility and terms vary based on your loan-to-value and overall circumstances.
Yes, The Mortgage Lender offers a range of buy-to-let products, including options for first-time landlords, portfolio landlords, and those buying HMOs or multi-unit blocks. The maximum loan for first-time landlords has recently increased to £500,000.
Yes, The Mortgage Lender considers applicants with credit issues that high-street lenders would typically decline. Each case is assessed individually by an underwriter rather than relying solely on automated credit scoring. If you're worried about debt, you can also get free, impartial guidance from MoneyHelper at moneyhelper.org.uk or by calling 0800 138 7777.
The standard minimum loan is £25,001 for most residential products. For interest-only and large loans, the minimum is £500,000. For 90% LTV mortgages, the minimum loan is £120,000.
The Mortgage Lender Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for residential mortgages. Buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The company is owned by Shawbrook Bank.
Yes, The Mortgage Lender offers shared ownership products for properties with an EPC rating of A to C. You can borrow up to 95% of the share you're buying, subject to a maximum 75% loan-to-value of the open market value.
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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