CASE STUDY
Overview
Referred to Henry Dannell by a trusted private client adviser in Switzerland, the client needed swift action, delivered with absolute discretion. The self-employed composer faced a hard three-week deadline to complete on a £1.5 million property in South London, but their mortgage application had previously been declined by a high street lender due to a historic credit blip.
The client’s income was variable, tied to project-based work, and their repayment strategy included offshore assets held in a Swiss private bank.
From reassessing the case through to offer and completion, we collaborated with the private client adviser to secure the required £1.1 million mortgage within the required timescale. By presenting the case clearly and tailoring the approach to fit the lender’s appetite, the team delivered a high-stakes result where others had failed.
Case Profile
| PROFESSION | Composer / Musician (Self-Employed) |
| RESIDENCY & DOMICILITY | UK domiciled; spouse holds ILR, Italian national |
| PROPERTY VALUE | £1,500,000 |
| LOAN AMOUNT | £1,100,000 |
| LOAN TO VALUE | 73 percent |
The Challenge
This case presented multiple complexities under acute time pressure:
- The client had previously been declined due to a missed credit payment.
- They were self-employed, with fluctuating income and a significant uplift in their latest financial year, driven by the success of a recent project.
- The client’s repayment strategy involved offshore assets held in a Swiss private bank, requiring a lender with the appetite and capability to take a broader view.
There were just three weeks to secure the mortgage offer and complete, an unusually tight window driven by the seller’s conditions.
Tailored Solution
From the moment the enquiry came in, the team moved quickly. Recognising the limitations of the previous submission, we:
- Reframed the income profile to highlight continuity and long-term viability.
- Worked with the client’s accountant to provide projections that substantiated the recent income uplift.
- Positioned the offshore assets clearly within the repayment strategy, accounting for both sources of wealth and liquidity.
- Identified a lender willing to take a pragmatic, case-by-case view of the credit profile and wider application.
By maintaining consistent communication and managing every moving part, from lender engagement to documentation and solicitor coordination, the team ensured the application progressed at pace, resulting in a mortgage offer and completion within the tight timeframe.
The Outcome
- Product: 2-Year Fixed
- Amount: £1,100,000
- Term: Structured to meet affordability and repayment goals
- Result: Completion within 3 weeks, despite previous decline and complex financials
This result showcased the value of working with a broker who not only understands lender policy but also knows how to reshape a case, reframe a story, and align it with the right decision-maker.
What Made This Case Different
This case exemplified the value of specialist, relationship-led advice under pressure. It wasn’t just about moving fast; it was about knowing where to pivot and how to present a nuanced profile in the right light.
It involved:
- Repositioning a recently declined application
- Articulating a complex, creative-industry income profile
- Integrating offshore wealth into a compliant and credible repayment strategy
- Securing agreement from a high street lender known for being conservative on credit issues
More than anything, it showcased the strength of collaboration by collaborating with the private client adviser to act decisively and discreetly in the client’s best interest.