Foundation

Everyone in the market is great when things are going smoothly — but you only truly see the strengths of a lender when something goes wrong. That’s when you learn who you really want to build a working relationship with. I’ve always said (with full admitted bias) that Foundation is the best off high street lender. After yesterday, I can now say with full confidence that you are not just the best — you set the standard. To give you an idea of how serious that statement is: the only way I would ever betray my beloved Manchester City is if Foundation Mortgage Solutions launched a football team. If that day comes, I’ll be switching sides — and I never imagined I’d love anything more than Man City! 😄 We encountered a fairly complex issue yesterday — completely unique and one that I honestly expected would take weeks to resolve (if at all). Instead, it was handled and fully resolved within 24 hours. For a moment, I genuinely felt like I was your only introducer. I want to call out a few exceptional individuals: Patrick Ogrigri – An outstanding BDM. True business development is not about saying “we’re great”, but proving it when something goes wrong. Patrick immediately took action, kept momentum with multiple calls, took full ownership, and went above and beyond to get this over the line. Nathan Goodridge – Stepped in to explain everything clearly and took responsibility, even though I’m sure he had far more pressing tasks. His care and time were genuinely appreciated. Alison Sant (Underwriting Manager) – My absolute hero on this case. I don’t think I’ll ever find the words to express how impressed I am. Alison called me outside working hours, escalated matters personally, and drove the resolution with unbelievable speed. I have never seen that level of involvement from an underwriting manager. Emma Bailey – One of my favourite underwriters at Foundation. Professional, pragmatic and always brilliant to work with. Andrew Cooper – Went above and beyond, even sacrificing his lunch break to help get this sorted. Amrit Saundh – Quickly got everything logged, stayed proactive, and helped steer the process exactly where it needed to go. This is what I call common sense lending. Positive attitude, taking ownership, no blame-shifting, just solution-driven conversations and action. That’s what I need from a lending partner, and Foundation proved — once again — that you are exactly that. Not only was the lending team exceptional, but the wider customer support team also deserves recognition. (See attached photo from a client of mine whose mortgage completed a few weeks ago, it says everything.) To summarise: A major issue that should have taken weeks was resolved in 24 hours. Every single person involved genuinely cared about getting this over the line. This confirms Foundation as the absolute best off–high street lender in my view. If I am taking a client off high street and into a higher rate, Foundation is the lender I will back and strongly support every single time. Foundation, you officially own my heart, and you will be getting all of my off high street lending going forward (As if i am not already trying to get everything to you hahah) . My new business target is simple: get every £million possible placed with you. Thank you all, genuinely.

Absolute scammers. Paid them £400 for a valuation and product fee. The valuation expected c£7k of work to be undertaken BEFORE they would consider lending. 99% of other lenders may put a retention on the monies once completed, but surely anyone with common sense knows you can’t expect a buyer to pay for work on a house THEY DONT OWN. Absolute absurd business strategy and this is not working with the customer. As expected, the seller was not prepared to take such risks and I lost the house. Foundation Home Loans also would not refund me the monies paid. If you’re a serious investor looking for capital, don’t bother with this firm, they have no desire to think outside the box or logically.

I had a really tricky case to place and other lenders could not get their head around sole trader expenses, causing huge delays for the applicant who had a deadline. Lots of back and forth, false promises, additional documents requested, and they even made him go through 3 months credit card statement confirming business and personal expenditure, to advise it all had to be included as business anyway! I spoke with Fiona, who used to be my BDM when based with another firm, and discussed the case. She struggled to see the issue as it seemed straight forward based on FHL criteria. A breath of fresh air! Patrick, my new BDM supported the application along with Fiona and the case was passed to Emma, the underwriter. Emma viewed the case exactly the same way as Fiona and Patrick and called (yes called!) to run through a few queries which were answered easily. My initial enquiry was on the 19th Sept, the full application was submitted 23rd Sept, underwritten 25th Sept, valuation instructed 26th Sept and offered 1st Oct! Absolutely amazing service and other lenders should take a leaf out of FHL book. I have a very happy applicant who will now save thousands as he no longer has to opt for equity release thanks to FHL. Solution literally found! I look forward to placing more applications with you.

Very straightforward application process, followed up within 24 hours by a phone call from the underwriter on the case Liz Henderson. Liz talked through the application and what supporting documents she wanted which was all followed up by a confirmation e-mail on the 23rd July. The clients were then on holiday for 10 days and on their return the valuation was carried out, some additional supporting documents were requested and the case went to Offer on the 19th August...not bad for a relatively complex case! Would I use Foundation Homeloans again? Absolutely! A lender that looks for solutions not problems!

I had never applied for a holiday let product before nor had I ever used Foundation before either. I called on my BDM, Cheryl Power and wow, what a service and support she was. She guided me through the process, always answered my calls and emails (with speed and accuracy but also with professionalism and friendliness). What a great asset you have in this lady, I could not have achieved the result I did for my client without her support. Brilliant service from you all, thank you!