At Hayes Finance, we specialise in thinking beyond the standard tick-box approach. Our clients often come to us when they have been told no, or when their situation does not quite fit the high street mould. In this case, we were referred a couple who needed help arranging a residential mortgage while navigating recent employment changes and existing lending commitments.
It was clear from the outset that this case would need a lender with flexibility, strong service levels, and a realistic approach to affordability. With the right advice, we were able to secure a competitive mortgage offer and help the clients move forward with confidence.
The Client’s Situation
This was a joint application from a married couple purchasing a residential property for £750,000. They were referred to us for advice and support after finding that their situation limited access to most mainstream lenders.
The key challenges were:
- The wife had recently started working for the husband’s limited company. This meant her income had not been established long enough for most lenders to consider it, particularly where PAYE and ownership relationships overlap.
- The husband already had an existing mortgage in place, which impacted affordability calculations and limited the number of lenders willing to take a more generous view.
- The clients also had a clear preference for a five year fixed rate. With such a significant investment, they wanted predictable monthly payments and the reassurance that their mortgage costs would remain stable for the foreseeable future.
While each of these factors can be managed in isolation, the combination of all three meant we needed to think carefully about how to present the case and which lenders would be the best fit.
The Challenge
Many lenders have strict internal policies that automatically decline applicants who have only recently started new employment, particularly if the employer is a family member. This is often flagged as a conflict of interest and raises questions around income sustainability and validation.
On top of that, factoring in the husband’s existing mortgage added further pressure on affordability. It was important to find a lender that looked at the bigger picture, assessed the case fairly, and offered strong customer service to ensure a smooth experience throughout.
We also had to be mindful of product choice. While some lenders offered slightly lower rates, their service levels were not as strong, and their criteria around employment history would have created unnecessary delays or risks. Our focus was on getting this deal done efficiently, correctly, and with confidence.
Our Solution
We began by reviewing the full financial picture. This included the husband’s income and mortgage commitments, the wife’s employment terms, and the couple’s overall outgoings. We then mapped this against lenders known for their flexibility and consistency when it comes to affordability.
After reviewing several options, we recommended HSBC for their balanced approach. They offered a competitive five year fixed rate product, realistic affordability criteria, and a track record of consistent service.
We arranged:
- A mortgage of £600,000 on a purchase price of £750,000
- Loan to value of 80%
- Five year fixed rate at 4.35%
- Repayment term of 26 years, ensuring full repayment within retirement age
This structure provided everything the clients were looking for. The fixed rate gave them peace of mind for the first five years of their new mortgage, while the 26 year term struck the right balance between monthly affordability and long-term planning.
It is worth noting that there were cheaper rates available with smaller lenders. However, after reviewing the fine print and assessing the service standards, we shared all the options clearly with the clients and helped them weigh up the pros and cons. In the end, they chose to prioritise certainty and a smooth process over a small monthly saving. With HSBC, they felt confident the case would be handled efficiently, with clear communication and minimal disruption.
How We Delivered It
From day one, the team made sure this case was handled with care and precision. Kieran led on strategy and lender selection, while Ed and Nicola managed the day-to-day process, staying in close contact with the clients and keeping everything moving behind the scenes.
Ed worked directly with HSBC’s underwriting team to ensure the wife’s new employment was presented properly and accepted as part of the affordability calculation. Meanwhile, Nicola made sure all documents were submitted in good time and that nothing slipped the net.
We kept the clients updated every step of the way. This was a high-value purchase, and we understood how important it was for them to feel confident in the process and to trust that we were protecting their best interests.
The Outcome
✅ The application was approved with HSBC at a strong, competitive rate
✅ The five year fixed rate gave the clients long-term stability and predictable repayments
✅ The mortgage term was structured to suit their income, lifestyle, and retirement goals
✅ The clients felt fully supported from start to finish by a knowledgeable and responsive team
“He did not give up and achieved a great outcome”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highly recommended. Ed did an amazing job of securing us a mortgage despite very complicated circumstances. Despite a few setbacks, he did not give up and achieved a great outcome.
Thank you, Ed, for everything you did for us!
Residential Mortgage Client
This case is a clear example of how expert knowledge, thoughtful planning and lender relationships can make all the difference. Where other brokers struggled, we were able to deliver a solution that worked — not just on paper, but in real life.
Planning Your Own Next Step?
If you are applying for a mortgage while starting a new job, dealing with existing commitments, or facing a situation that seems just outside the ordinary, you do not have to navigate it alone.
At Hayes Finance, we specialise in joining the dots and structuring cases that other lenders may overlook. With the right guidance, your mortgage options are often wider than you think.
We do this every day. We live and breathe this stuff.
When the computer says no, give us a go.
Are Your Mortgage Applications Being Declined?
If your personal circumstances are making it difficult to secure a mortgage, speak to us today for a complimentary consultation.
We specialise in helping clients who’ve been turned away by mainstream lenders, finding solutions where others can’t.
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