7 things you might not know about CHL Mortgages

1. We take a blended approach to ICR calculations for joint applications

We know that not every joint application is straightforward. When two borrowers apply together, they won’t always share the same tax position – one may be a basic-rate taxpayer, while the other falls into a higher-rate band.

That’s why we take a blended ICR approach for joint applications when the applicants are in different bands, subject to criteria. By taking account of each borrower’s tax position and sharing the division, for example 99%/1% in favour of the basic rate taxpayer, we’re able to build a more balanced view of the case and assess the application in a way that better reflects the borrowers behind it.

I must mention here that landlords should always seek professional tax advice before restructuring their property holdings to ensure it’s a suitable course of action for their individual circumstances.

2. We’re experts in limited company buy-to-let

We know that today’s professional landlords and property investors often structure their portfolios for operational, tax or succession planning reasons, and that these arrangements don’t always fit a standard lending approach. That’s why we take a pragmatic view of each case, looking beyond straightforward company structures to understand the wider picture and the investor’s objectives.

As well as supporting applications from newly formed limited companies, established trading companies and limited liability partnerships, we’ve also got extensive experience of assessing and lending to more complex borrowing structures. This includes layered and multi-tiered company arrangements where ownership may sit across several interconnected entities or involve multiple shareholders and directors.

3. Our HMO and MUFB expertise goes beyond the basics

By recognising how the investor market is evolving, we’ve built a proposition that enables brokers to support ambitious landlords pursuing more sophisticated property strategies with confidence.

Not only can we support larger HMOs and MUFBs with up to 10 bedrooms or units, we can also help with so much more.

We can help investors looking beyond traditional investment models to maximise their income and meet evolving tenant demand. We’ll consider hybrid properties which combine elements of traditional HMOs, self-contained units and mixed-use accommodation within a single asset. We’ll even consider properties with rooms let out on a serviced accommodation basis.

4. We cater for the growing short-term lets market

We understand that the rise in popularity of short-term lets is creating new opportunities for landlords seeking alternative income streams and portfolio diversification.

We can help investors looking to purchase holiday lets to capitalise on the UK’s thriving domestic tourism market. Properties in established holiday destinations can offer strong seasonal appeal, while allowing landlords to adapt pricing and availability throughout the year to reflect market conditions.

We can also support those looking to invest in serviced accommodation, particularly in towns and cities where demand is driven by contractors and professionals seeking an alternative to hotels. These type of clients often don’t want to be tied down to a long-term contract but do want somewhere with a fixed price that includes utilities and some basic housekeeping services, such as cleaning and fresh laundry.

Our dedicated short-term let products are suitable for borrowers who intend to let a property for a short period of time, helping brokers to support clients who want to invest in properties that may not fit traditional assured shorthold tenancy models.

5. We now offer bridging finance…

With growing numbers of borrowers looking for a quick, short-term finance solution, our regulated and non-regulated bridging proposition could be suitable for those wanting to undertake a range of property transactions and refurbishment projects.

Whether they’re a homeowner looking to prevent a property chain from collapsing or a landlord looking to secure an auction purchase or refinance, we’ve got products designed to help.

And for those undertaking refurbishment projects, our range can support everything from light works such as kitchen, bathroom or internal upgrades, through to larger-scale structural projects requiring planning permission and full building regulations approval.

6. … as well as a dedicated refurbishment buy-to-let range

Our refurbishment buy-to-let range offers an alternative way to fund the purchase and improvement of a property, without the need for bridging.

If your client prefers the ease of combining the purchase, renovation funds and long-term product in a single solution, refurbishment buy-to-let may be appropriate. It’s designed for projects such as replacing bathrooms and kitchens, painting and decorating, full rewiring, and garage and loft conversions.

Whether a borrower requires the speed and flexibility of bridging finance or the simplicity of a refurbishment buy-to-let mortgage, our range is designed to support a broad spectrum of property investment strategies, helping brokers find the right solution for each client’s individual circumstances.

7. We’re with you every step of the way

We believe if you’ve got a complex case to work through, the quickest way to move it forward is being able to talk to real people who make real decisions.

When you deal with us, you’ll get direct access to experienced underwriters who assess each application on its own merits, helping you place cases with confidence. Our people-led approach to underwriting means you’ll be able to have a conversation which allows them to understand the details, apply their expertise and reach outcomes that reflect the reality of a scenario, not just what’s written on a form. And if something needs clarifying, they’ll pick up the phone and talk it through with you. It’s that direct access that helps resolve questions quickly, avoids unnecessary back and forth and keeps cases moving when they might otherwise stall.