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What lenders occupy the "common sense space"?

ended 19. November 2025

We're looking for brokers to identify the lenders they think occupy what one of our Editors has referred to as “the common sense space”. In short, lenders that apply common sense with their underwriting decisions. Apparently, building societies often outperform in this area but we're keen to hear from you and any recent examples where common sense has prevailed. Our broker News Reporters (who have their own press cards and operate under the Newspage banner) will then be interviewing those lenders.

3 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Michelle Lawson
Director at Lawson Financial
Loughborugh, Chorley BS, Teachers
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Editor
Mike Staton
Director at Staton Mortgages
I have recently carried out a mortgage application which includes a considerable amount of debt consolidation, the applicant is currently being strangled by debt which has been accrued due to a legal battle with his ex partner which he has won, the lender accepted this on the DIP with full knowledge of the volume of debt but have declined this at full application as they now have concerns over the "level of debt", this shows a complete lack of common sense which piles on the financial misery of the client. Luckily we have replaced this with another lender who has listened to the story and have show compassion, common sense and a true wish to want to help this customer out.
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Editor
Dariusz Karpowicz
Director at Albion Financial Advice
Smaller building societies still employ actual humans who read applications rather than feeding them through algorithms. They'll stretch policies when your case makes sense overall and actually ask for explanations; impossible with larger lenders who process mortgages like factory production lines.
The difference is stark. Big lenders tick boxes and decline automatically. Building societies listen to the story, understand temporary financial pressure, and show genuine willingness to help. When underwriters engage their brains instead of following rigid criteria, clients get proper support and lenders gain loyal customers for life.