Is the Traditional Residential Mortgage Market Broken?

A study conducted in June 2022 by Together Money revealed that over half the 7,000 respondents had one or more ‘non-standard’ lending criteria. It went on to predict that the specialist mortgage market would grow by over 300%, from £5bn to £16bn, by the end of the decade to meet demand.

That was in June. The four months since then have transformed the UK economy, and not in a good way. Rising interest rates and disappearing mortgage deals are making it even harder for many to secure the lending they need.

The Perfect Storm

For more than two decades, Chaseblue Loans has been helping mortgage brokers place specialist finance cases that don't fit the standard lending box. By combining experienced people, market-leading technology and strong relationships with the UK's leading specialist lenders, we help advisers secure finance for customers who might otherwise be turned away.

Today, however, the market is changing faster than ever.

Mortgage advisers are seeing an increasing number of customers whose circumstances fall outside mainstream lending criteria. Complex income, historic credit issues, multiple sources of income, debt consolidation, unusual property types, later-life borrowing and self-employed applicants are becoming increasingly common.

At the same time, many mainstream lenders continue to tighten their underwriting policies, relying heavily on automated decision-making and rigid criteria. As a result, customers who are perfectly capable of maintaining mortgage repayments are often declined before their application has been properly considered.

The specialist lending market has never been more important
Specialist lenders exist to help customers whose circumstances require a more individual approach, but identifying the right lender isn't always straightforward.

Every lender has different criteria, underwriting preferences and appetites for risk. Understanding these differences can often mean the difference between a declined application and a successful completion.

That's where Chaseblue Loans adds value.

Our experienced team works closely with specialist lenders every day, understanding not only their published criteria but also how individual cases can be presented to achieve the best possible outcome. We regularly place cases that fall outside standard lending policy by working collaboratively with underwriters and finding practical solutions for complex situations.

More than just packaging

At Chaseblue Loans, we see ourselves as an extension of your business.

From initial enquiry through to completion, you'll have a dedicated specialist managing your case, proactively identifying potential issues, liaising with lenders and keeping you updated throughout the process.

Whether your client requires a second charge mortgage, bridging finance, commercial finance, buy-to-let lending, later-life lending or another specialist solution, our objective is simple: remove complexity and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your client.

Experience backed by innovation

Exceptional service starts with exceptional people, but technology plays an equally important role.

Chaseblue Loans has invested heavily in intelligent technology, automated quality assurance and streamlined case management systems that enable our team to process applications efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of service and compliance.

This combination of specialist knowledge, lender relationships and innovative technology allows us to deliver a fast, reliable and professional service that brokers can depend upon.

Helping you say "yes" more often

The specialist lending market continues to grow as customer circumstances become increasingly diverse.

Working with an experienced specialist partner gives you access to knowledge, lender relationships and expertise that can help more of your clients achieve their property ambitions.

If you have a case that doesn't fit mainstream criteria, speak to Chaseblue Loans before giving up. There's every chance we've seen a similar scenario before—and know exactly where to place it.