The Situation
Our clients had originally arranged their mortgage while living in the UK but had since relocated to the United States.
With their existing mortgage deal approaching its end, they needed to refinance their UK property from overseas.
They had already been speaking with another broker but remained unclear about the options available to them as expatriate borrowers.
By the time they approached Henry Dannell, the deadline was becoming increasingly important. Their existing deal was nearing expiry and the mortgage was due to move onto the lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR).
The Challenge
The clients needed clarity quickly.
Their move to the US meant that a conventional UK remortgage was no longer appropriate, and the case needed to be considered within the expatriate lending market.
There was also limited time available to complete the refinance before the existing mortgage moved onto the SVR.
The challenge was therefore twofold: identify an appropriate route for the clients’ new circumstances and progress the transaction efficiently enough to minimise the period spent on the higher variable rate.
The Solution
Within 48 hours of speaking with the clients, we were able to establish a clear path forward through an expat mortgage.
From the outset, we focused on ensuring the application was fully packaged. We identified the documentation the lender would require and worked with the clients to provide the relevant information upfront, reducing the potential for unnecessary questions or delays once the application reached underwriting.
This helped us secure the mortgage offer quickly.
Our involvement continued beyond the offer.
With the SVR deadline approaching, we worked through the legal requirements with the clients and helped expedite the process where possible. We maintained dialogue with the lender throughout, including asking them to take a pragmatic view on certain aspects of the case where appropriate.
We also worked to expedite the release of funds once the legal requirements had been satisfied.
The Outcome
The clients successfully completed their expat remortgage despite approaching Henry Dannell relatively late in the process.
By establishing the appropriate lending route quickly, packaging the application correctly from the outset and remaining closely involved through underwriting, legals and completion, we were able to reduce delays at each stage.
Most importantly, expediting the final release of funds helped minimise the amount of time the clients spent on their existing lender’s Standard Variable Rate.
This case demonstrates that with international clients, identifying the right lender is only one part of the process.
Understanding what will be required before an application is submitted, presenting a complete case and remaining actively involved through to completion can be equally important — particularly when timing has financial consequences for the client.
Client details have been anonymised. Mortgage availability and lending are subject to individual circumstances, affordability, status and lender criteria. Standard Variable Rates and other mortgage costs vary by lender.
A mortgage is secured against property. The property may be repossessed if repayments are not maintained.
