Written by Rachael Hunnisett, Director of Mortgage Distribution at April Mortgages
I first entered the mortgage industry as a broker, and very quickly fell in love with the industry. There’s something so compelling about helping people navigate what can be one of the most stressful financial decisions of their lives—finding the right mortgage.
It’s all about understanding people’s needs, both from a number’s perspective and a personal one. For me, the appeal was the blend of human interaction and the analytical puzzle-solving that mortgages often require.
I recently joined April Mortgages to lead the distribution strategy. After learning about April’s proposition and culture of the organisation, it was a very natural fit for me. April’s proposition offers 5-15 year fixed mortgage products, which combine a unique level of flexibility and certainty though uncapped overpayments, no ERC’s if moving home or repaying from own funds and rates which reduce with LTV. We’re all about simplicity—straightforward processes that make things easier for brokers and customers alike.
Why Fix Your Rate for 10 or 15 Years?
For me, this is a question about borrower’s risk profile. Rate speculation remains rife following the latest inflation announcement, however if the past has taught us anything, it’s that when it comes to mortgage interest rate volatility, but there are a lot of variables at play.
Homeowners coming to the end of fixed-rate mortgage who fixed during a historically low market, could be subject to significant rate shock. By considering longer-term fixed deals, borrowers protect themselves from market volatility and rate shock over a longer period and guarantee that their mortgage payment will not change.
At April, we recognise that consumers need peace of mind over their mortgage so they can plan for the future, our proposition not only helps people to buy homes, but also to keep their homes for the long term too.
Why a Higher Loan-to-Income Ratio?
Recently, April Mortgages, increased the maximum loan-to-income (LTI) ratio to six times income. It’s a significant shift, but it reflects how the housing market has evolved. If you think back to the 1980s, it was common for houses to cost three times the average household salary, but the world has changed dramatically since then. Property prices have soared, and affordability looks very different today than it did 40 years ago.
People need more flexibility when it comes to borrowing, and we want to make sure we’re giving them the tools to secure their dream home. It’s about adapting to the times and providing products that reflect current market realities.
From Broker to Lender: Bridging the Gap
Having been a broker myself, I always try to stay true to that perspective. At April, our entire proposition was built on broker feedback. We took everything we heard—from
frustrations with clunky submission processes to the need for direct access to underwriters—and used it to create a smoother, more efficient system. Whether it’s submitting a Decision in Principle (DIP) or working closely with our underwriting team, we’ve ensured that brokers have the tools they need to provide excellent service to their clients. We’re partners in this journey, and that collaboration is core to how we work.
What’s next for April Mortgages?
Looking ahead, I’m incredibly excited about what’s next for April Mortgages. We’ve got ambitious growth plans, and expanding our distribution network is a big part of that. We’re committed to bringing more brokers on board, giving them access to our innovative products and smooth processes. But growth for us isn’t just about numbers—it’s about continuing to develop our proposition and making sure we’re always ahead of the curve in terms of what our customers and brokers need.
The mortgage market is always evolving, and so are we. I can’t wait to share more about our big plans over the coming months!
