Understanding a Complex Mortgage Case
Before making another application, let us understand the whole case.
If your income, credit history, property or circumstances don’t fit standard lender criteria, we can assess the position, identify the potential obstacles and research which types of lenders may be appropriate.
Led by Matthew Pigrome CeMAP · 35+ years’ experience · Established 2009
A structured review process
We take the time to understand the whole picture before recommending a route forward.
Tell us what you want to achieve
Purchase, remortgage, capital raising, investment or another objective.
Tell us what makes the case unusual
Income, credit, property, affordability, residency, borrowing structure or previous decline.
We assess the circumstances
A qualified adviser reviews the overall position.
We research lender criteria
We identify lenders or lender types whose criteria may accommodate the scenario.
We explain the route forward
If the case is viable now, we explain the potential next steps.
If it isn’t ready yet
Where appropriate, we explain what may need to change before a future application.
Complex cases take longer to prepare — not to assess
Where income, credit, property or structure are unusual, the assessment still takes no more than 72 hours once everything is received. The extra time goes on gathering the evidence from accountants, employers, lenders and solicitors — and that is what stops the same problem happening again.
- 1
Matthew contacts you
Usually the same or next working dayA short conversation to understand what you are trying to achieve and what makes the case less straightforward. No credit search is carried out at this stage.
- 2
We confirm exactly what we need
In that same conversationWe agree the specific evidence your case turns on — accounts, tax calculations, lender correspondence, tenancy or property details — rather than asking for everything.
- 3
Documents and third parties are gathered
Usually days rather than weeksComplex cases usually need evidence from accountants, employers, HMRC, lenders or solicitors. Each of those responds in their own time, so this is the stage that varies.
- 4
Assessment and lender criteria research
Within 72 hours of receiving everythingWe assess the whole position and check how individual lenders treat your specific circumstances — not simply whether they lend in general.
- 5
The route forward is explained
With the assessmentWe set out the options open to you, or explain honestly what may need to change before an application would be sensible.
What can make it take longer
- Self-employed, contractor or company director income — accounts, SA302s and tax year overviews usually have to come from an accountant.
- Gifted deposits — a signed gifted deposit letter and the donor’s proof of funds are both needed.
- Non-standard property — construction, tenure or a flat above commercial premises may need confirming with a surveyor or freeholder.
- More than one applicant — every applicant has their own documents to gather.
- Deadlines you are working to — tell us at the start and we will plan the timescale around them.
- Previous declines or applications — understanding what went wrong first, so the same outcome is not repeated.
We would rather take a little longer and approach the right lender first than submit an application that fails. A declined application stays on your credit file, so getting the groundwork right matters.
Different lenders assess the same circumstances differently
That’s the core of how we approach complex cases. Rather than submitting the same application to every lender, we research the criteria first — looking at how each lender treats your income, credit history, property and borrowing structure — to find the ones whose approach genuinely fits your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Complex Case Review guarantee I’ll get a mortgage?+
No. An initial review assesses the position and researches potential lenders, but it does not guarantee lending or mortgage approval. We’ll be honest about viability and what may need to change.
Is the initial review free?+
The initial review and consultation are free and without obligation. Any fees for arranging a mortgage are agreed with you in writing before any work begins.
How quickly can you review my case?+
Once we have everything we need, the assessment and lender research are completed within 72 hours. The stage that varies is gathering the supporting evidence — accounts, tax calculations, lender correspondence or property details — which depends on how quickly those come back from accountants, employers, lenders or solicitors.
Will reviewing my case affect my credit score?+
No. The review is based on the information you provide. We won’t submit a formal application or run a hard credit search until you’ve agreed to proceed with a specific lender.
Based in Colchester. Helping clients across the UK.
Mortgage321 provides advice by phone, video and WhatsApp, so you don’t need to visit an office.
Think your case is complex?
Tell Matthew what you’re trying to achieve and what makes it less straightforward. You don’t need to complete a diagnostic form first — the initial conversation covers that.
An initial Complex Case Review assesses your circumstances and researches potential lenders. It does not constitute a guarantee of lending, a formal mortgage recommendation, or mortgage approval. Personalised mortgage recommendations are provided by qualified, FCA-regulated advisers once your circumstances have been fully assessed. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Mortgage321 is a trading style of Matthew Christopher Pigrome, an appointed representative of Ingard Financial Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 450731.