Case Study: Taking a Different Approach to a £1.2m Later Life Loan

Large loan cases don’t always follow a standard path — and in today’s market, that’s increasingly the reality.

This £1.2m case presented a combination of factors that would fall outside the criteria of many lenders. But by taking a more flexible, case-by-case approach, it was possible to look beyond the initial complexity and assess the client’s full financial position.

The Scenario

The client was a 79-year-old legal professional with a requirement for a £1.2m interest-only mortgage.

Several aspects made the case more complex than usual. Income was paid in Euros, the proposed term extended beyond age 85, and affordability relied on a combination of earned income continuing beyond age 75 and non-earned income in later years.

Individually, each of these factors can present challenges. Combined, they required a more nuanced approach.

The Challenge

From an underwriting perspective, the case introduced multiple considerations.

Age limits alone would have restricted the available term with many lenders. The use of foreign currency income required careful assessment, while the interest-only structure increased the importance of a clearly understood repayment strategy.

In addition, assessing affordability beyond typical retirement assumptions meant looking at how income would evolve over time, rather than applying a single, static view.

For many lenders, these combined factors would be outside standard policy.

The Approach

Instead of relying solely on headline criteria, the case was assessed in full.

Working closely with the broker, the focus was on understanding the complete financial picture — including the strength and sustainability of income, the structure of the loan, and the long-term repayment plan.

This case-by-case approach allowed for a more balanced view of risk, rather than a binary decision based on individual criteria points.

The Outcome

The result was a tailored £1.2m lending solution designed around the client’s full circumstances.

By taking a pragmatic view of income, term and repayment strategy, and balancing both earned and non-earned income streams, it was possible to structure a solution that met the client’s needs.

It’s an example of how flexibility and a willingness to look beyond standard limits can support more complex cases — particularly as larger loans and later life lending become increasingly nuanced.

Supporting More Complex Cases

As the lending landscape continues to evolve, brokers are seeing more cases that don’t fit neatly into traditional criteria.

Working with a lender who can take a more considered, case-by-case approach can make a significant difference — particularly when it comes to larger loans or later life scenarios.

If you have a complex case to place, our team is always happy to have a conversation.

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