Trusted, experienced, expert
With over 4,500 5-star Trustpilot reviews, access to our huge panel of lenders, and great rates and relationships built over more than 25 years, people trust us to find specialist mortgages. And you can, too.
We love something a little different
Buying something with a steel frame? Love the look of a listed building? You may need a specialist lender. Whatever your ideal place looks like, we’ll work with our friends at Aria Finance to find you the right non-standard construction mortgage – at a great price.
Securing second charge mortgages
Need to borrow more? If your current lender says no, there is another way: use an additional lender to cover the extra. Our referral service will match you to the best specialist mortgages.
A wiser way for landlords
There are many ways to organise the financing for your buy-to-let. It’s always best to speak to an expert to help you make sure it’s done right. Whether you’ve got property or are just hatching a plan, we can help.
What Documents Do I Need for a Specialist Mortgage?
Applying for a specialist mortgage requires more extensive documentation than a standard mortgage application. This is because lenders want to ensure that they fully understand your financial situation. Whilst the exact documents you need to provide will depend on the type of specialist mortgage you require and your specific situation, you should be prepared to provide:
Preparing these documents carefully and keeping them organised will help speed up the application process and improve your chances of approval. Mortgage Matters is here to guide you through exactly what you need and how to present it effectively to specialist lenders.
For employed applicants, this usually means payslips and P60s, but for self-employed borrowers, tax returns or accountant-prepared accounts are often needed. Lenders may also request SA302 forms, which are official HMRC documents summarising your tax calculations.
Both personal and business bank statements help lenders verify your income flow and spending patterns. These can demonstrate how money moves in and out of your accounts and confirm that your income is consistent.
Lenders want to know about any outstanding loans, credit cards, or other debts you may have in order to calculate your affordability accurately.
Evidence of savings, investments, or other assets can strengthen your application by demonstrating additional financial security.
Documents like a passport, driver’s license, and utility bills will be required to confirm your identity and address.
Depending on your situation, you may need to provide proof of ongoing contracts, invoices, or letters from clients, especially if your income is irregular or your employment type is non-traditional.
Specialist Mortgage Lenders
Specialist mortgage lenders provide home loans to borrowers who may be declined by mainstream banks. These lenders typically have more flexible criteria, enabling them to consider a broader range of factors when assessing risk. They understand the complexities of self-employment, adverse credit, and non-standard properties, ensuring they often look beyond just credit scores and standard proof of income.
Rather than relying solely on automated checks, many specialist lenders take a manual approach, reviewing each application individually. This allows them to gain a full understanding of your financial situation and make decisions based on this.
FAQs for Specialist Mortgages
Yes, specialist lenders are often willing to work with applicants who have adverse credit histories, such as missed payments, defaults, or even previous bankruptcy. Whilst the interest rates may be higher, these mortgages provide a valuable opportunity for those who might otherwise be unable to secure financing. Lenders will assess your current financial situation and ability to repay the loan, rather than focusing solely on past credit issues.
Generally, yes. Specialist mortgage applications require manual underwriting and more detailed financial information, which means the process can take longer than standard mortgage applications. However, working with experienced brokers like Mortgage Matters can help you prepare your documents correctly and communicate efficiently with lenders to minimise delays.
Yes, specialist mortgages generally require a larger deposit than mainstream loans. Often, deposits start at around 15% to 25% of the property’s value, although this can vary depending on the lender and your specific circumstances. As a larger deposit reduces the risk to the lender, it can improve both your chances of approval, and the mortgage terms offered.
Income proof depends on your employment status. Employed borrowers usually provide payslips and P60s, whilst self-employed applicants may need two to three years of tax returns and accountant-prepared accounts. Some lenders accept alternative proof, such as bank statements or contracts, especially if your income is irregular. Mortgage Matters will advise you on the best documentation to submit based on your situation.
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