Client Background:

A couple and their best friend approached us for help purchasing a property together. Two of the three applicants were self-employed, while the third had a steady but relatively low employed income. They had already spoken to several mortgage brokers, but were told that their income levels and financial circumstances would not allow them to borrow enough to purchase their dream home.

Challenges:

The case presented several complexities:

• Majority of the income was self-employed, hence latest business growth could not be fully accepted

• Requiring 100% of all three applicants’ incomes to be considered.

• One applicant had adverse credit on their record which failed credit scoring for the required borrowing.

• Most high street lenders were not suitable due to strict credit scoring policies and income restrictions.

Our Approach:

1. Searched for mortgage lenders that accepted:

   • All three applicants’ full incomes (including self-employed),

   • Manual credit checks instead of automated credit scoring,

2. Narrowed down to two specialist mortgage lenders who met all the criteria.

3. One of these lenders offered a much better interest rate, but the affordability result of the online calculator available to all the brokers came back significantly lower than expected.

Not settling for the result, we:

• Contacted the lender directly to query the affordability calculation.

• Proved that their official online calculator was incorrect, a fact the lender acknowledged.

• Were allowed to submit the application using their internal affordability calculator, which confirmed the clients qualified—subject to repaying a car loan.

The clients quickly took the required action to reduce their debt, which lead to for full mortgage approval.

Outcome:

• Secured the full mortgage amount they needed.

• Ensured the mortgage was on a more competitive rate and switched it to even better rate after the initial offer was issued.

• Guided them through the legal and surveying process, liaising with solicitors and surveyors to keep the transaction on track.

In clients’ own words:

Google review, June 2025, K, P and N.D

“From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank Maria for everything she has done for us. From day one, she was more than just a broker advisor, she was our guide, our support, and our biggest help. Our case was not an easy one, and with our English not being perfect, things felt even more difficult. But Maria never made us feel less than confident. She was always patient, understanding, and truly went above and beyond to make sure we understood every step.

Thanks to her dedication and care, we now have a home much sooner than we ever imagined. We truly believe that without Maria, this dream would not have come true. She is simply amazing and we will always be grateful for her help and kindness.”

Key Takeaways:

• Applying with friends or family? You can use all incomes with the right lender.

• Minor credit issues? Manual underwriting can help when common sense approach is needed.

• Always seek a mortgage broker who will challenge results, not just accept them.

If you’re self-employed, applying with multiple people, or have credit issues, we’re here to help. Get in touch today for expert, tailored mortgage advice.

Client Background:
A British expat reached out to us in a state of frustration after his previous mortgage broker failed to act in time. As a result, his mortgage rolled onto the standard variable rate (SVR). Although the client was eligible for a product transfer, the lender he was with was no longer competitive.

Challenges:

• The client’s existing broker had missed key deadlines, leading to a costly SVR transition, so we needed to act quickly

• The client had foreign income, making underwriting more complex and requiring extra documents.

• There were multiple international bank accounts and credit profiles to consider.

• Foreign income is always subject to income tax rate ambiguities and foreign exchange risks. 

Our Approach:

Using our deep experience in foreign income and expat mortgages, we:

1. Identified a specialist lender known for supporting expat applicants and have market leading rates.

2. Ensured the mortgage application was fully packaged from day one to avoid unnecessary delays.

3. Advised the client on preparing all necessary documentation, including:

   • Bank statements across all jurisdictions

   • Credit reports from all countries involved

   • Explanatory notes on any transactions that could raise red flags

4.       When the lender applied a marginal tax rate to the foreign income, we disputed the calculation with supporting evidence

• Successfully demonstrated that the actual tax burden was significantly lower

• Secured a revision that almost halved the tax assumption and secured desired affordability.

Outcome:

• The client was able to remortgage within just 1.5 months of contacting us.

• The new mortgage product was far more competitive than the SVR or product transfer would have been.

• The client felt that he was a priority

In client’s own words:

Google review July 2025 B.D.

“Happenstance that I was in dire need of a reliable mortgage broker when my existing broker failed spectacularly at the 11th hour. Happenstance that The SMB was the first result that popped up in my Google search! The 30-minutes initial consultation became a 90-minutes full consultation and we proceeded from there. Within 24 hours, Maria provided step-by-step guidance on the entire process and explanations of why each piece of information was needed. Due to the urgent and complex nature of my case, she requested additional information in anticipation of Lenders' potential requests. No doubt this saved at least a few weeks of back-and-forth communication.

The follow-up service was exemplary, and I often received updates when I wasn't even expecting any! Cannot recommend Maria enough - truly a lifesaver.”

Key Takeaways:

·        If you earn income abroad, you need a broker with specific expat mortgage experience.

·        Don’t settle for a product transfer without comparing wider mortgage solutions.

·        Expert guidance can resolve affordability issues related to foreign income or tax assumptions.

Client Background:

A determined mother of three came to us hoping to buy her own home for her and her three children. While she had a strong income, she assumed that buying a property wouldn’t be possible for another few years due to her childcare costs and a background property which she was paying a mortgage for and would not be able to sell any time soon.

During our initial conversation, she just wanted to understand where she stood.

Challenges:

 ·        The client already owned a background property with the mortgage which was not for sale

·        She had significant monthly childcare expenses, with two young children still in nursery

·        The client wanted to minimise her monthly mortgage payments to maintain financial flexibility

Our Approach:

We created a solution based on long-term flexibility and short-term affordability:

1.  Proposed an interest-only mortgage, which would:

a.        Lower her monthly repayments

b. Provide the option to overpay later when finances improve or the property is sold

2. Used the equity with her existing properties as the repayment vehicle (exit strategy) for the interest-only mortgage

3. Identified a lender willing to:

a.   Accept the planned rental of the background property to remove mortgage costs from affordability.

b.    Not apply a discount to the current market values of the property, therefore maximising the equity that could be used as a repayment vehicle.

c.     Exclude childcare costs from affordability calculations up to 6 months ahead of them starting school.

Outcome:

• The client was approved for an interest-only mortgage

• She moved into her new home within six months of our first meeting

• The client was shocked and delighted that something she thought was “years away” became a reality in just a matter of months

In Client’s Own Words

Google review, Nov 24, V.S.

“I am thrilled to share my experience working with Maria. From the moment I reached out to her, it was clear that I was in capable hands. Maria's professionalism shone through in every interaction, yet what truly set her apart was her incredibly personal and understanding approach.

Navigating the complexities of the mortgage search and application process can be daunting, but Maria made it feel manageable. She took the time to explain each step clearly, ensuring I understood the intricacies involved. Her patience and willingness to address my questions, no matter how small, made all the difference.

Throughout the entire process, Maria was not just a broker - she became a trusted partner. She was by my side every step of the way, providing guidance and support, which ultimately led to a fast and successful application. Her dedication to her clients is evident, and it's clear that she genuinely cares about their needs and goals.

I wholeheartedly recommend Maria to anyone seeking a mortgage broker who combines professionalism with a personal touch. Thank you for your exceptional service and for making what could have been a stressful experience a smooth and positive one!”

Key Takeaways:

• Always speak to a mortgage broker - homeownership may be possible sooner than you think

• Childcare costs don’t always need to block affordability if there’s a clear plan in place

• Interest-only mortgages can offer flexibility if paired with a strong exit strategy