For IFAs, brokers and introducers
Adviser guides.
Plain answers to the questions advisers ask about second charge and specialist lending: permissions, debt consolidation, comparing routes and what to keep on file.
Guides
6 minute readFirst-charge lender consent for a second charge: where it comes from and how to handle itConsent is a term of the client's existing mortgage, enforced through a restriction on the title. Check both early and a refusal won't surprise anyone at the end.8 minute readRepaying a Help to Buy equity loan with a second charge: England and WalesThe equity loan is already a second charge. Repaying it in full needs no permission. Part repayment with extra borrowing does, and both schemes set tight limits.7 minute readBusiness-purpose second charges: when they are regulated and when they are notBusiness purpose alone does not take a loan on the home out of regulation. The article 61A exclusion needs credit over £25,000, a second-ranking charge and a genuine business purpose.7 minute readA second charge for a tax bill, or HMRC Time to Pay? What to weighTime to Pay is usually cheaper over a short period. A second charge can make sense for a larger bill or a longer horizon, but the file needs to show the client considered both.7 minute readAccountants and mortgage introductions: can you take a fee?An accountant can introduce a client to an FCA authorised broker and be paid for it. The FCA rules turn on disclosure before the introduction. The ICAEW and ACCA rules turn on the client's written consent to keep the fee.7 minute readSolicitor referral fees for mortgages and bridging: what the SRA rules allowThe LASPO referral fee ban covers personal injury, not mortgage referrals. The SRA Code still requires disclosure, informed consent and accounting to the client for any financial benefit.6 minute readMortgage terms past retirement: what advisers should evidenceLong consolidation terms often run past the client’s retirement. The rules expect evidence of retirement income, scaled to how close retirement is.6 minute readMaster broker or packager: what each does and costsThe terms get used loosely. What matters is who advises the client, who keeps the relationship, and how the fees are charged.6 minute readEquity release referrals for IFAs: how to refer a later-life clientEquity release needs specialist advice. Referring well means passing on the right facts, involving family where the client wants it, and disclosing what you’re paid.7 minute readReferring second charge cases: what your permissions allowSecond charges are regulated mortgages. Whether you advise, package or simply introduce depends on your permissions, and each route has its own responsibilities.8 minute readSecond charge, further advance or remortgage: the adviser’s comparisonThree ways to raise money against a home. The right one depends on the existing mortgage, the client’s circumstances and the total cost, not the monthly payment.9 minute readDebt consolidation and second charge advice: what the FCA review means for advisersThe FCA wants debt consolidation advice to show the total-cost trade-off, the alternatives considered and a clear record of why. Here is what that means in practice.