Guide

A Broker’s Guide to Busting Mortgage Barriers for Homeowners

Many homeowners are stuck on expensive rates or rejected for remortgages. Most of the time it’s not because they can’t afford it, but because they don’t know how lenders actually judge affordability in 2025. This guide breaks down the main reasons applications get blocked, and how a broker helps you get unstuck fast.

Will Sharman

Nov 12, 2025

The Remortgage Problem No One Talks About

A few years ago, you could walk into your bank, show your payslip, and walk out with a new deal.
That world’s gone.

Now, lenders have tightened up checks, property values have shifted, and many people’s budgets are squeezed by higher costs of living. You might be earning more but still fail affordability. Or your property might have dropped in value just enough to push your loan-to-value (LTV) into a higher bracket.

It’s frustrating, but not hopeless.

Barrier 1: Falling Property Values

If your home has lost value since you bought it, your loan-to-value ratio goes up.
For example, if you bought a £300,000 home with a £30,000 deposit, your LTV was 90%. If that home is now worth £270,000, your LTV jumps to 93%.

That small change could stop you qualifying for the best rates.

What a broker does:
We check the real value before applying. Sometimes we can use a different lender’s valuation model, or find one that offers a better band for your new LTV.

Barrier 2: Strict Affordability Rules

Lenders no longer just look at your income. They dig into spending, debts, subscriptions, childcare, and even savings habits.

Someone earning £50,000 with two kids and a car loan might qualify for less than someone earning £40,000 with no dependants.

What a broker does:
We calculate your affordability using each lender’s method before submitting an application. That means fewer surprises and fewer rejections.

“Getting the right deal isn’t luck. It’s preparation. The more you know before you apply, the smoother the process becomes.” - Will Sharman, Founder, MBNM

Barrier 3: Complex Income

If you’re self-employed, work freelance, or earn bonuses or overtime, lenders may treat your income differently.
One bank might average your last two years. Another might take your latest year if it’s higher.

What a broker does:
We match your income type to the lenders that understand it. For company directors, we can even show lenders how to consider retained profits as income, not just salary.

Barrier 4: Credit Score Confusion

A single missed payment or high credit utilisation can knock your options down fast.
Even something like a new phone contract can tip a borderline application into decline if the lender’s system flags it.

What a broker does:
We review your credit report before you apply and tell you what to fix first. That’s often worth more than any rate cut.

Barrier 5: Out-of-Date Documents

Sounds basic, but this catches people every day.
If your ID doesn’t match your address, or your payslips don’t show bonuses clearly, the lender can reject your case outright.

What a broker does:
We double-check every document before it hits a lender’s system. It’s boring work, but it stops delays and declined applications.

Barrier 6: Not Starting Early Enough

Most people wait until their current mortgage deal is about to expire before looking at new options. By then, it’s too late to fix issues like LTV or credit utilisation.

What a broker does:
We start six months before your deal ends. That gives time to correct anything that could hurt your application and secure a new deal before you roll onto the lender’s higher variable rate.

When Should You Review Your Mortgage?

If your fixed rate ends within six months
If your income or job has changed
If your property value has gone up or down
If you’ve had a child or taken new credit

Even small changes can shift what you qualify for. Don’t wait until renewal letters arrive.

For more help, read:

The MBNM Approach: Fix the Barriers, Not Just the Rate

At MBNM, we don’t just compare numbers. We dig into what’s blocking your deal and fix it.
Sometimes that means finding a new lender. Sometimes it’s helping you clear a small debt or change how income is presented.

We know how each bank thinks, and we use that knowledge to put your case in the best light from day one.

FAQs

Can I remortgage if my property value has fallen?
Yes, but your rate might be higher. A broker can find lenders with flexible LTV brackets or options for under-valued properties.

Do I need to wait for my current deal to end before remortgaging?
No. You can lock in a new rate up to six months early to avoid your lender’s standard variable rate.

Will remortgaging affect my credit score?
Each application creates a soft or hard check depending on the lender. A broker helps limit how many checks you get.

Can I switch lenders if I’m self-employed?
Yes, but you’ll need solid accounts and tax returns. Some lenders specialise in complex income cases.

‍

Final Word

Most remortgage problems aren’t really problems they’re just mismatched information.
With the right broker, you can move past “computer says no” and secure a deal that works for you.

At MBNM, we help you fix the issues before you apply, not after.
That’s how we keep our clients moving, even when the market slows down.

Speak to a Mortgage Expert Today