Secured Loan Application Process

Loan Process

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A Guide to the Secured Loan Process

When you apply for a secured loan, the lender will secure the loan against your property in the same way your mortgage provider does, as this reduces their risk. In return, you may benefit from better rates and terms compared to an unsecured loan, including larger loan amounts and longer repayment periods.

Whilst each lender has their own application process, they generally tend to be quite similar, below we answer some of the most common questions when applying for a secured loan.  

How do I apply for a secured loan?

We make the application process for a secured loan as easy and hassle-free as possible. There are two main ways you can get started:

  • Online: Complete a simple online form that requires you to provide some basic details. This will go directly to our team who can get things underway.
  • Phone: If you believe your situation is more complex, you can speak with a member of our team who can answer your questions and help you start your application.

Once you have completed the initial short form, you will then  Complete a quick fact-finding section that only takes a couple of minutes to complete but allows us to provide tailored quotes.

How long does it take to apply for a secured loan?

On average, you can expect the secured loan application process to be completed in about two weeks. This typically a lot faster than it would take to  remortgage, which can take anywhere up to 6 weeks+

Of course, some applications are more complex than others, so there are instances where it can take a little longer. On the other hand, we have processed and completed some applications in a matter of days, so it all comes down to the individual’s circumstances.  

What documents will I need to provide?

Lenders will usually request documents related to your identity and income, so you can expect to be asked for things like:

  • Photo ID: You can use an in-date passport or driver’s licence to verify your identity.
  • Proof of income: If employed, your last 3 months’ worth of payslips. Self employed applicants will be asked to provide a tax calculation/accountant certificate.

If you have any questions about the documents or type of information you’ll need to supply with your application, you can speak with a member of the Willows team at any time.

Will I need to complete a property valuation?

This is a standard part of the process, which helps the lender to understand how much equity you have in your property. The three types of valuations use are:

  • Electronic valuation: This is the fastest method as it can be completed without visiting the property. It draws on data from comparable property sales in your area and details about your property to generate an instant valuation.
  • Drive-by valuation: A surveyor will physically drive past your property to assess its external condition. This can be used in addition to data that has been taken from other sources, You will not need to be present at the property for this.
  • Full valuation: If a full valuation is required, a surveyor will visit your property and carry out an internal inspection. This is not always a requirement and usually needed for older properties or residences that have undergone significant structural changes.

If you need more clarity, get in touch and we can give you more details about how the valuation process works, how long it takes and answer any other questions you may have.

Do I need to use a solicitor for a secured loan?

Most people will not need to pay for a solicitor when applying for a secured loan. Whilst there are legal elements related to the use of property as security for the loan, lenders tend to use their own legal teams to manage this.

 

In very few instances, you may be asked to seek independent legal advice by the lender, for examples case where an applicant is over the age of 70.  

What happens after I apply?

Once you have completed the  fact-find parts process, we can then verify your eligibility for a secured loan.

This will only take an hour, after which a member of the Willows team can search our panel of lenders to find the most suitable option for you.

There are occasions where we may need more information to ensure we match you with the best possible deal. Our advisors will let you know right away if this is a requirement.

Loan Process

How long does it take to get a decision?

We aim to get back to you within an hour of receiving your completed fact-find form and proof of income. A member of our team may then come back to you with a decision in principle, which will give you an indication of the terms being offered by the lender based on the information provided.

What happens after I get a Decision in Principle?

Once you’ve got your Decision in Principle, we’ll move on to submitting your full application to the lender. This will include providing thinks like proof of income, a property valuation, and any other bits to support the application

It’s often the case that the lender may have one or two extra questions, so keep any eye out for any messages from our team, as this will help prevent any unnecessary delays.

How quickly will I receive the funds?

Once the application has been underwritten, the lender will issue a binding offer. Once you complete and sign this offer, funds are typically released within 24 hours. Increasingly, lenders are using e-signature technology, which has significantly sped up the process. We have seen the entire journey—from initial online application to funds being deposited into a client’s account—completed in as little as two days.

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Hassle-free secured loan applications

With Willows Finance, the application process is simple and straightforward and we’re always here to offer support and guidance.

To get started with your application, or to see if this is the right option for you, speak with a member of our team today by calling 01656 766 158.

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If you have a question – we’d be happy to talk to you – simply call us…

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Privacy & Cookie Policy

At Willows Finance we ensure your personal information is kept secure and confidential.


PRIVACY OF YOUR INFORMATION


At Willows Finance Ltd, we appreciate that your privacy is extremely important to you. With this in mind, we have put in place a number of measures to ensure that any personal details we obtain from you as a result of visiting this website is processed and maintained in accordance with accepted principles of good information handling and also in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1988.

 

This statement provides you with details of the type of information we may hold about you, how we obtain and use information and how we protect your privacy.

Clients Agreement

Information About the Services We Provide

Client Agreement and Initial Disclosure Document

Willows Finance Limited
Brocastle, Bridgend, CF35 5AS

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Firm Reference Number: 670052
Company Number: 6678545 (Registered in England and Wales)

This document outlines the services we provide. If you need clarification, please contact us at 01656 766158.

 

Which Products Do We Offer

We offer first and second charge regulated mortgage contracts for business or personal use.

Other finance options may include:

  • Remortgage
  • Further advance with your first charge lender
  • Unsecured loan

Regulatory Status:

  • Residential mortgages are regulated by the FCA
  • Buy-to-let and business use mortgages are not usually regulated
  • Some buy-to-let mortgages may qualify as “consumer buy-to-let”

 

Whose Products Will Be Offered

  • We use a representative panel of lenders for second charge mortgages.
  • We use a limited number of lenders for first charge mortgages (list available on request).

 

Which Service Will Be Provided

We offer an advised mortgage broking service and provide enough information for you to make an informed decision.

We are not independent financial advisers. Free debt advice is available from the Money Advice Service.

 

Privacy Policy

You can view our privacy policy at: https://willowsfinance.co.uk/privacy-cookie-policy/.

Lenders may also have their own privacy policies which will be provided to you.

 

The Cost of Our Services

We charge a broker fee upon loan completion. The average fee is approximately 5%, depending on your situation.

 

Fee details:

  • Maximum fee: 12.5%
  • Typical range: £0 to £3,500
  • Example: £100,000 first charge = £2,500 (2.5%)
  • Example: £100,000 second charge = £3,500 (3.5%)

No refund is offered after completion. You may pay upfront or add the fee to your mortgage. Fees and commission will be detailed in your ESIS and Mortgage Agreement.

 

The Mortgage Offer

You will receive a Mortgage Agreement and an ESIS document detailing:

  • Interest rate
  • Repayment schedule
  • Total amount payable
  • Lender details

 

Cancellation Rights

You may cancel your application anytime before completion without any charge. Mortgages cannot be cancelled after completion.

 

Arrears / Missing Payments

Missing payments can lead to charges, repossession, and negative impacts on your credit rating.

 

Risk Warnings

Consolidating debt may result in higher long-term interest. Securing debt against your home increases risk.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loan secured on it.

 

Complaints

If you wish to complain, contact us at:

Willows Finance Limited
Brocastle, Bridgend, CF35 5AS
Tel: 01656 766158

You may be able to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

 

Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

We are covered by the FSCS. You may be eligible for compensation of up to £85,000 per person per firm for mortgage advice and arranging.

More info: www.fscs.org.uk

 

Next Steps

After processing your application, you’ll receive a Mortgage Agreement and have a 7-day reflection period.

Contact us during this period with any questions. To proceed, sign and return the agreement.

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