There are certain themes that appear time and again in our blogs, and one of them – quite intentionally – is our unique approach to lending. After all, it is central to our whole identity, having been founded to make it easier for non-UK residents to access mortgages to buy UK properties.
But what’s the actual process behind how we evaluate applications and deliver mortgages? This blog will explain, step by step.
Step 1: Enquiry
It all starts with an enquiry to our London-based Mortgage Sales team, either by phone or email. Our team is known for being approachable and responsive, and for key accounts, dedicated account managers are always on hand for direct support.
At this early stage, we’re happy to provide indicative terms and advice on how best to present an application. That means you’ll know straight away whether a deal is likely to fit our criteria, saving valuable time later in the process.
Step 2: Application
Once an application is submitted, it’s handled by our Guernsey-based New Business team. The completer and more accurate your application, the quicker we can move.
Once complete, applications are reviewed by our Credit Committee. They meet twice daily so we’re not left waiting days on end for decisions. We often provide an Approval in Principle, which outlines the key terms of the proposed, within 24 hours.
Our team prides itself on combining efficiency with a personal touch. Every case is reviewed individually, allowing us to remain flexible and find solutions for a wide range of client scenarios at pace.
Case study: £1.3m BTL mortgage delivered in 10 days
A good example of how our first two steps of the process can support brokers who need an urgent case placed came earlier this year. A London-based broker approached us for a BTL mortgage after another lender’s loan fell through.
The borrower, based in the Far East, needed a £1.3m mortgage urgently so they could complete on the purchase of two London properties.
The process began when the broker messaged RAW via WhatsApp at 6pm on a Tuesday evening. Our team agreed to review the case immediately, and it was approved by the RAW Capital Partners Credit Committee at 8:45am the following morning.
Valuations were carried out the next day, and formal documentation was swiftly issued to the borrower’s solicitor.
The mortgage was delivered the following week. It allowed the client to complete within the required 10-day period and avoid losing out on significant fees already paid during the purchase process.
Step 3: Loan completion
Once we receive a signed Approval in Principle and a valuation fee, we begin working towards completion immediately. Our aim is to move from agreement to drawdown as seamlessly as possible, keeping all stakeholders informed at each step.
Within 48 hours, we:
- Instruct solicitors and surveyors to begin work
- Conduct an initial review of the applicant’s due diligence
- Set clear timelines with all parties so that everyone is aligned and working towards completion
From here, our Guernsey-based team coordinates closely with you, the mortgage broker, and legal representatives to ensure all requirements are met without delay.
We maintain regular communication so that no question goes unanswered and no document goes missing, helping to avoid the challenges that can often slow down completions.
Once we’ve received the valuation report, the solicitor’s report on title, and all due diligence checks are complete, we’re ready to fund. Because all reviews and approvals are handled internally, there’s no waiting for third-party sign offs, so we can complete as soon as the borrower is ready.
The RAW difference
As this blog has outlined, every part of our lending process – from that first enquiry to final completion – is designed around our core principles of speed, clarity and flexibility.
In an ever-changing property and mortgage market, our approach means that we can provide brokers and borrowers with a rare commodity: certainty. If you’d like to find out more about how we can support your next case, get in touch with our team today: