Kensington Finance: A Look at a Specialist Mortgage Lender
Kensington Finance is a specialist mortgage lender operating primarily in the United Kingdom. Unlike mainstream high street banks, Kensington focuses on serving borrowers who may be underserved by traditional lenders. This often includes individuals with complex financial situations, such as those who are self-employed, have a history of credit impairments, or require unconventional mortgage structures.
The company’s niche lies in providing flexible and tailored mortgage solutions. They assess each application based on its individual merits, taking a more holistic view of the borrower’s circumstances rather than relying solely on automated credit scoring models. This approach allows them to cater to a wider range of applicants, including those with variable incomes, limited credit history, or previous County Court Judgments (CCJs).
Kensington Finance offers a variety of mortgage products, including residential mortgages, buy-to-let mortgages, and mortgages for the self-employed. Their product range is typically structured with varying loan-to-value (LTV) ratios and interest rate options to accommodate different risk profiles. Due to the higher risk associated with their target market, Kensington’s interest rates are generally higher than those offered by mainstream lenders. This reflects the increased risk of default that the company undertakes.
A key element of Kensington’s business model is its reliance on mortgage brokers. They primarily distribute their products through intermediaries who are experienced in dealing with complex cases and can guide borrowers through the application process. This allows Kensington to focus on underwriting and servicing loans, while leveraging the expertise of brokers to source and manage client relationships.
Like all mortgage lenders, Kensington Finance is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. This regulation ensures that the company operates responsibly and treats its customers fairly. They are required to adhere to strict lending criteria and affordability assessments to protect borrowers from taking on unsustainable levels of debt.
In recent years, Kensington Finance has experienced changes in ownership. While the brand name remains, the underlying financial structure has evolved, with ownership passing through different investment firms. These changes can impact the company’s strategy and product offerings. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay informed about the current ownership and financial standing of Kensington Finance before considering them as a mortgage provider.
In conclusion, Kensington Finance plays an important role in the UK mortgage market by providing access to finance for borrowers who may be excluded by mainstream lenders. Their specialist approach and flexible product range cater to complex financial situations, albeit typically at a higher cost. Borrowers considering Kensington should carefully evaluate their options and ensure they understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage before committing.