Mortgage Lane

Mortgage Lane was established in 2018 by Joseph Lane, who founded the company at the age of 23. The firm secured direct authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 2020 and subsequently expanded its team to 16 employees. Joseph Lane's engagement in the property industry began earlier, with his first business venture at 16 in 2011, which he later sold in 2013. He pursued accountancy until 2015 before transitioning into self-employment as a mortgage broker in 2016.

8 million, reflecting his interest in real estate investment. The company offers a comprehensive array of property finance solutions, catering to various client needs. These services encompass residential mortgages, including self-build mortgages, second charge mortgages, and right-to-buy mortgages. For property investors, Mortgage Lane provides buy-to-let mortgages, portfolio mortgages, and specialist finance options such as HMO mortgages, expat mortgages, and mortgages for foreign nationals.

The firm also facilitates commercial finance, including commercial buy-to-let mortgages, semi-commercial mortgages, guest house mortgages, social housing mortgages, and hotel mortgages. Additionally, Mortgage Lane offers short-term lending solutions, including bridging finance and development finance, which covers mezzanine finance, development exit finance, and refurbishment loans. Joseph Lane's expertise in real estate has led the firm to specialise in financial services designed for property investors and developers. The director frequently participates in property meetings, where he provides educational sessions for sophisticated investors.

These sessions offer an overview of financial and mortgage strategies specifically tailored for property investors. Mortgage Lane has assisted numerous clients in obtaining mortgages, supporting them in achieving various real estate objectives, from purchasing initial properties to acquiring additional ones through limited companies. While not exclusively focused on purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), Mortgage Lane's expertise in investment property finance extends to areas relevant to student housing. The firm offers HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) mortgages, which are commonly used for properties rented to multiple unrelated tenants, a typical arrangement for student accommodation.

Furthermore, Mortgage Lane provides serviced accommodation mortgages, a product designed for properties rented out on a short-term basis, such as through platforms like Airbnb. These serviced accommodation mortgages typically feature loan-to-value (LTV) ratios ranging from 65% to 75%, with affordability assessments conducted based on serviced accommodation rental figures or market Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) rental income. The company collaborates with lenders who accommodate such rental arrangements and offer flexible criteria to manage the variable income associated with short-term rentals. Mortgage Lane also addresses complex financing requirements for developers and investors.

The company provides mezzanine finance, which serves to bridge the funding gap between senior debt and a developer's equity, particularly when senior debt providers cannot cover the full land purchase or development costs. This type of finance is suitable for construction projects requiring high loan-to-cost or loan-to-gross-development-value ratios. The firm connects developers with lenders who can assess risk for unique architectural builds, listed property renovations, or schemes with unusual materials or layouts, ensuring funding for specialist projects.