Turning Challenges into Completions with Molo
Background:
At Fiducia Commercial Network, we work closely with lenders who can deliver solutions for clients whose circumstances don’t fit the standard mortgage mould. Molo’s flexible approach to underwriting, combined with their specialist products for both domestic and international investors, makes them a valuable partner for brokers.
The following case studies showcase how Molo’s criteria and service can help overcome common barriers – from complex ownership structures and first-time investor status to the challenges of securing finance without a UK credit history. Each example highlights the importance of lender flexibility, tailored solutions, and broker expertise in turning challenging scenarios into successful completions.
The lender:
Molo Finance
Molo is a specialist mortgage lender, partnering with brokers to provide flexible, technology-driven solutions for UK residents, expats, and overseas investors, covering everything from first-time buyers to complex property investments.
From Renter to Holiday-Let Owner in Manchester
A London-based doctor earning £60,000 a year wanted to take their first step into property investment, not just as a landlord, but as a holiday let owner. Having rented in the capital for years, the applicant was ready to invest in a property of their own, but not in the traditional way. Instead of buying a home to live in, they were focused on generating income from a short-term let in Manchester.
The chosen structure for the purchase was an SPV limited company, with the applicant as the majority shareholder and their parents each holding a 10% share. Despite having permanent residency, the doctor was not a UK citizen. This, combined with their first-time buyer status and the unique ownership structure, added layers of complexity to the mortgage process. Many lenders would likely hesitate at the combination of holiday let usage, non-UK citizenship and no landlord history.
The broker turned to Molo, confident that the flexible lending criteria and experience with non-traditional applicants could make the deal work. Molo’s assessment focused on the applicant’s strong professional standing, reliable income and the simplicity of the SPV structure. Rather than dismiss the case due to the applicant’s residency or lack of landlord experience, Molo evaluated the opportunity based on overall merit.
The property, a £200,000 flat in Manchester, met Molo’s lending criteria, and the applicant was putting down a substantial 25% deposit (£50,000). The remaining £150,000 was arranged through a Molo holiday let mortgage, underwritten against projected rental income and the SPV’s structure.
Thanks to the funding, the client is now a property owner and holiday let landlord. The successful outcome demonstrates how flexible underwriting, paired with the right network support, can help first-time investors break into the market, even when their background doesn’t fit traditional lending moulds.
International Investor Secures First UK Property Support from Molo
A Chinese national was ready to make their first UK property investment, a £600,000 flat in London, purchased as a long-term buy-to-let. With a clear strategy and the necessary deposit in place, they were well-positioned on paper. However, a major hurdle stood in the way: they had no UK banking history.
For most lenders, the absence of a UK credit footprint would have made the application difficult to place. The investor had strong financials in their home country and a plan to expand their property holdings in the UK, but traditional high street banks weren’t equipped to look beyond domestic credit data.
The broker brought the case to Molo, knowing they had experience supporting overseas investors. Molo’s international offering is specifically designed for non-resident buyers, and they were able to assess the client’s overseas income, financial background and long-term investment plans without relying on UK credit data.
What made the case viable was not just the applicant’s financial standing, but also the strength of the property itself, a high-quality flat in a prime London location with excellent long-term rental potential. Molo considered the overall risk profile and offered two tailored mortgage options: a standard repayment product and an interest-only alternative, both fixed for five years. This gave the client flexibility to choose a repayment style that aligned with their investment plan.
The entire process, from ID verification to document submission, was handled remotely, making it seamless for the client despite being based overseas.
With a £450,000 mortgage secured at 75% LTV, the investor was able to complete the purchase and officially enter the UK buy-to-let market.
The case highlights the value of working with lenders and networks that understand the realities of cross-border finance. Where many providers rely solely on UK-based data, Molo’s flexibility enabled a successful outcome that met both the investor’s goals and regulatory requirements. It’s a strong example of how the right partnership can help overseas clients overcome barriers and confidently invest in UK property.
About Fiducia Commercial Network
Fiducia Commercial Network is a commercial finance ‘Appointed Representative’ network created to allow independent firms to provide commercial property finance and trading business finance options to their existing client base and network.
Joining the network provides opportunities for professional brokers to offer a full range of commercial finance solutions by acting as an Appointed Representative (AR) with the full support of the Fiducia Commercial Network team.
The Fiducia Commercial Network membership includes FCA authorisation and reporting, PI insurance, and NACFB membership, plus business, compliance, finance, system, and admin support from a company with over 20 years’ experience in commercial finance.
If you’d like to discuss joining Fiducia Commercial Network or you’d like to apply to become an Appointed Representative…
For all media and marketing enquiries email Michelle at PR@fiduciagroup.co.uk
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