Example client scenarios

Illustrative, anonymised examples to show how different circumstances can be assessed. These are not guarantees of acceptance or outcomes.

Important information: These examples are for information only. Mortgage Bridge acts as a mortgage introducer and does not provide mortgage advice or make lender recommendations. Where appropriate, we can introduce you to an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser.
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All Adverse credit Self-employed and income Visa or foreign national Debt consolidation First-time buyer
Adverse credit • FTB
Example: “Amit” — recent default and thin credit file

“We’d been told ‘computer says no’. We needed to understand what mattered and what to do next.”

Scenario

  • £180 default from 10 months ago
  • 2 active credit cards, low limits
  • 5% deposit saved

Possible approach

  • Focus on lender criteria that may allow small, recent defaults (subject to checks)
  • Consider a higher deposit if available
  • Prepare supporting evidence of improved conduct
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In scenarios like this, an FCA-regulated adviser may focus on whether the default was isolated, how recent conduct looks, and which lender criteria may be relevant given the deposit and affordability. Outcomes depend on individual checks, underwriting and valuation.
Self-employed
Example: “Sarah” — one year trading, Ltd company director

“I wanted to know what documents I’d need and what lenders typically look for.”

Scenario

  • 1 year trading, strong pipeline
  • Salary plus modest dividends
  • Previous employed role in same field

Possible approach

  • Use lender criteria that may accept 1 year accounts (subject to checks)
  • Provide supporting evidence (accounts, tax docs, accountant letter)
  • Be clear on stability and affordability
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For one-year trading scenarios, an FCA-regulated adviser may look at sector continuity, income evidence and how lenders calculate affordability. Acceptance depends on underwriting and the lender’s current policy.
Visa or foreign national • FTB
Example: “Nadia & Bilal” — Skilled Worker visa, short UK credit history

“We wanted a clear list of documents and to understand how visa status is viewed.”

Scenario

  • 12 months in UK
  • Skilled Worker visas
  • Limited credit footprint

Possible approach

  • Focus on lenders that may consider the visa type (subject to checks)
  • Provide strong evidence of income and employment stability
  • Support the profile with clean bank conduct
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In scenarios with shorter UK credit history, an FCA-regulated adviser may prioritise stable income evidence and lender criteria around residency and visa status. Outcomes depend on checks and underwriting.
Debt consolidation
Example: “James” — multiple cards, heavy monthly commitments

“I needed to understand whether reducing monthly outgoings could improve affordability.”

Scenario

  • £22k across cards and loans
  • High minimum payments
  • Missed payment 18 months ago

Possible approach

  • Explore products that may permit consolidation (subject to checks)
  • Document the rationale and affordability impact
  • Evidence improved conduct and budgeting
Read more
Some lenders may allow consolidation in specific circumstances, but criteria and affordability checks vary. An FCA-regulated adviser would confirm what is suitable based on the full case details.
Contractor
Example: “Elliot” — day-rate contractor, short gap between roles

“I wanted to understand how day-rate income is assessed and how to explain a short gap.”

Scenario

  • Day-rate contracting
  • 4-week gap last quarter
  • Fixed-term extension pending

Possible approach

  • Provide contract history and evidence of continuity
  • Evidence the gap with documents and bank statements
  • Use lender criteria that may assess day-rate income (subject to checks)
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Contractor assessments vary by lender. An FCA-regulated adviser may review contract history and calculate income using the lender’s approach, subject to underwriting.
Adverse credit
Example: “Leah” — two late payments last year

“I wanted to know how late payments are viewed when everything else is stable.”

Scenario

  • 2 x late payments (12 to 14 months)
  • Clean since with good conduct
  • 7.5% deposit

Possible approach

  • Focus on lenders that may ignore older, low-severity late payments (subject to checks)
  • Provide context and evidence of improved conduct
  • Confirm affordability under lender stress tests
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Late payment tolerance varies by lender and can depend on severity, timing and the wider profile. An FCA-regulated adviser would confirm options based on the full case.

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As a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments.