Masthaven Bank secured loans review

Masthaven Bank does not offer secured loans directly to its customers, so you will need to apply through one of its trusted brokers. Please be aware that the broker will receive a fee for its services. Always compare lenders before deciding on a loan to ensure you are getting the best deal for your circumstances.

Previously known as Masthaven Finance, Masthaven Bank began life as a private lender in 2004. In 2016 it became the first new bank to be granted a banking licence. The lender says its modern digital infrastructure combined with excellent customer service is what sets it apart from its competitors.

Whether you’re improving your home, paying for a wedding or consolidating debt, Masthaven Bank could help with a secured loan of up to £750,000. It’s easy to apply online through one of Masthaven Bank’s registered brokers.

What is a second-charge mortgage?

Like your existing (first-charge) mortgage, a second-charge mortgage is a type of loan that is secured against your home or property. You must think carefully before taking out a second-charge mortgage, as your property will be at risk if you don’t keep up repayments.

Masthaven Bank offers second-charge mortgages on both residential homes and buy-to-let investment properties.

Key features of an Masthaven Bank loan at a glance

• Borrow £10,000 to £750,000. Masthaven Bank will lend up to 75% of the value of your property, less your outstanding mortgage.
• Repay over terms of up to 35 years. Choose a repayment plan to suit your budget.
• Variable or fixed rates. You can choose to fix your interest rate for a set term to help you budget.
• Interest-only option. If you are a buy-to-let owner you can choose for your repayments to pay off only the interest of your loan. The full loan will be repaid using profits from the sale of your investment, or you must have another method of repayment.
• Variable and fixed rates. You can choose to fix your interest rate for a set term to help you budget for the monthly repayments.
• Security. Your property will be used as security on your loan. Missing repayments will put your property at risk, so always ensure that you can afford the loan you are asking for before you apply.
• Self-employed, contractors, and short work histories considered. Masthaven Bank will primarily consider your ability to afford the repayments for the length of the term.
• Poor credit histories considered. You may still be accepted for a loan if you have a less than perfect credit score. You will, however, have to prove you can comfortably afford the repayments.

Am I eligible for a Masthaven Bank secured loan?

You should only apply for a Masthaven Bank secured loan if you are certain you can meet the repayment terms. You must also meet the following criteria:

How do I apply?

1. Masthaven Bank does not sell its second-charge mortgages directly to customers. They are only available through a number of mortgage brokers, or “intermediaries”, who specialise in this market. You can contact Masthaven Bank to find a suitable company to apply through.
2. The broker will ask you about your circumstances and finances and about your requirements. They will then recommend a loan that is most suitable for your circumstances. They will also be responsible for arranging your loan.
3. Your intermediary should explain the terms and conditions of the loan, as well as what the various documents mean. You should always ask for an explanation if you don’t understand any part of your second-charge mortgage agreement, including the terms and conditions.
4. Once you have understood and signed your loan agreement, Masthaven Bank will transfer the funds to your bank account.

Alternatives

Before taking out a homeowner loan, you should consider all of your options carefully. Other ways of gaining funds secured against your home or an asset include:

• Car loans. These secured loans can be for new or used cars. You can find car loans from most banks and credit unions, as well as dealerships and standalone car loan lenders. You can usually repay the loan at any time by returning the car.
• Line of credit loans. If you’re looking to renovate, invest in property, go on a holiday or buy a new car, you can consider this type of loan. Also called a “home equity” loan, it can be drawn on continually based on the equity held in your property. This is a flexible way to access funds, which could suit you if the amount of credit you need is going to change over time.
• Personal asset secured loans. High-priced assets such as boats, motorbikes and jewellery are accepted by some lenders as a guarantee. Your item or collection of items is valued and then used as security, allowing you to take out the loan you need. You generally won’t find these loans at major banks.

Frequently asked questions

• What if my circumstances change and I am no longer able to make the repayments?

  If you find yourself in this position you must contact Masthaven Bank as soon as possible. They may be able to help you come to an arrangement that is more manageable for you. Please be aware that missing payments, or paying late, can affect your credit rating and make it more difficult for you to borrow money in the future.

• I am self-employed with a complex income, will I still be considered for a loan?

  Yes. Masthaven Bank specialises in providing second-charge mortgages to people in this position. Whether you’re employed or self-employed, its underwriters will review your income for stability and consistency. They will take time to verify that the repayments for the loan are affordable in your circumstances. Masthaven Bank believes that having a clear understanding of the financial accounts of the borrower is crucial. That’s why all of its underwriters are accountant-trained. It also has specialist accountants with lending mandates, who are ideally placed to deal with more complex cases.

• How do I make the repayments?

  Monthly repayments are taken on the agreed dates directly from your bank account as a direct debit.

• Can I repay my loan early?

  Masthaven Bank does allow you to settle your loan early, but you will be charged a fee for doing this.

• Is Masthaven Bank safe?

  Yes. Masthaven Bank is covered fully by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), meaning that eligible deposits up to £85,000 are protected. Deposits exceeding this amount are unlikely to be covered, however.

• Is the Masthaven Bank site secure?

  Yes, pretty secure. Masthaven Bank uses TLS/SSL to serve its webpages and a secure cryptographic algorithm to hash passwords to ensure data is protected.