West One enhances second charge loan range

By Bridging Loan Directory 5th May 2020

Specialist lender West One Loans, has announced series of positive enhancements to their second charge product range with immediate effect.

The last two months have seen enormous changes sweep the lending market, the industry and borrowers have experienced nearly a 45% reduction in mortgage products available in the market, multiple lenders have paused product lines whilst evaluating their risk and this, coupled with the lack of valuations being carried out has caused a significant impact on completions.

The recent changes to their Second Charge portfolio come as West One is determined to support the market and their customer base through the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, lending is critical to enable customers to access vital funds, to ensure West One support this need they have introduced the following changes:

Reintroduction of Buy-to-Let Second Charge Product Range
Applications from Self Employed Borrowers up to 75%
AVM’s now available up to 65% on Apex 1 plans
Restrictions on acceptable loan purposes removed

These enhancements aim to make lending more accessible and support their broker partners at a time when the market has seen a shift in access to lending and an increased feeling of uncertainty about the future.

Marie Grundy, pictured, Sales Director, West One said:

“I am extremely proud that West One has continued to support the Second Charge Market during turbulent times. This latest set of changes validates our commitment to our broker partners seeking to support those customers who are able to demonstrate long term affordability.

We have always looked for opportunities to provide access to products for underserved borrowers, with our buy to let second charge range being a great example of this, but this takes on increased significance at a time when product options across the sector are in shorter supply.”

To further support this, West One has also taken the opportunity to make some changes to their wider criteria and provide further clarity where appropriate on the current approach to lending. These changes reaffirm their commitment to the Second Charge market and the impact of these changes is proving a welcome relief to brokers and their customers.

Mark Fry, Managing Director, CSC Loans added:

“The changes West One have made are extremely positive which will create more opportunities for homeowners and landlords to access Second Charge finance at a time when product availability is restricted.

It is even more impressive that as a non-bank lender West One have been at the forefront of specialist lending during these exceptional times, and continue to deliver innovative and well-designed products to meet the needs of a wider range of borrowers.”