What types of loans do you offer?

We provide a range of specialist property finance solutions including First and Second Charge Buy to Let Mortgages , First and Second Charge Bridging loans and Second Charge Homeowner Business loans . We also offer Equitable Charges in some scenarios.

What is your minimum and maximum loan size?

Our loans start from £10,000 for Buy to Let Mortgages and £25,000 for Bridging Loans up to £500,000.

Do you accept applicants with adverse credit?

1. Yes. We apply common-sense underwriting and can often help borrowers with historic credit issues, CCJs, or arrears.

Do you lend to limited companies and SPVs?

1. Yes, we accept applications from both individual landlords and limited company/SPV structures .

Do you accept non-standard property types?

Yes, we can consider a wide variety of property constructions, subject to valuation.

How quickly will you respond to a referral?

We respond to referrals within 2 hours if received by 5pm.

What is the turnaround for new case submissions?

Cases received by 3pm will be reviewed the same day , with an update provided.

What’s your average completion time?

1. Most cases complete within 2–3 weeks , though faster completions are possible where title insurance is used.

Do you offer free legals?

Yes. For loans up to £100,000 on unencumbered properties or second charges in England, Wales, and Scotland , we offer free legal work. We also accept title insurance for our first charges , which helps speed up completion .

Can you meet auction finance deadlines?

Yes. With the use of title insurance and responsive underwriting, we can complete within tight timescales.

Do you charge early repayment charges?

ERCs may apply depending on the product, but we also offer options with no early repayment charge.

What are your arrangement and valuation fees?

1. Arrangement and valuation fees vary by product and property type. Your BDM can provide a tailored breakdown.

Do you require proof of personal income?

Not always. If the application meets our minimum rental cover, proof is usually not required.

Do you work with portfolio landlords?

1. Yes, we welcome all types of landlords—from first-time landlords with one property to experienced portfolio landlords.

What documents do you need upfront?

1 . We usually require basic ID, proof of address, property details, and proof of rental income. Additional documents may be requested during underwriting.

Do you assess cases manually or by computer?

1. Every application is assessed by an underwriter , not a computer. We take a case-by-case view to support brokers with clients who may not fit high street criteria.

Can you be flexible if a case doesn’t fit criteria exactly?

Yes. We pride ourselves on applying practical , common-sense lending. Speak to your BDM to discuss exceptions.

Do you provide dedicated BDM support?

Yes, every broker has access to a dedicated BDM and our underwriting team for case updates.

Can I speak directly with an underwriter?

1. Absolutely. We encourage direct conversations with underwriters to help move cases forward quickly.

When are broker fees paid?

We pay procuration fees on completion, usually within 24 hours.

BTL & Bridging Loans for Intermediaries

Intermediary Portal

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Register with us

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Criteria and Calculators

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Broker Guide

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What we can offer your clients

Bridging Loans

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Buy to Let Mortgages

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Business Loans

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Common-sense lending

At Mercantile Trust, we work hand-in-hand with brokers every step of the way. We don’t rely on automated decisions—every application is reviewed by a real person who understands the value of looking beyond the numbers.

We take the time to understand your client’s full story. Whether they’ve had past credit issues or non-standard income, our flexible approach means we may still be able to help. It’s about practical lending, guided by experience—not tick-box criteria.

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Meet your BDMs

Vicky O'Sullivan

Office Based BDM

Nina Kainth

BDM

From our brokers

I have worked with the team at Mercantile for 5 years, the underwriting team are extremely knowledgeable and make the process as straightforward as possible. They ensure that updates are succinct and that client journey is steam lined and straightforward. Approachable and helpful and a breath of fresh air.

Sarah Gaffney

Operations Director

I have worked with Mercantile Trust for several years and have consistently found them to be a reliable and professional lender who deliver on their commitments. The sales support team, particularly Nina, provides exceptional assistance and is always available to help navigate more complex cases. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mercantile Trust.

Alexander Hamilton

Head of Later Life Lending & Bridging Finance

Mercantile Trust were fantastic – from submission to completion in just 2 working days. With internal legals making the process seamless and on an 18-month term, they offered the most cost-effective option for a second charge bridge. Quick, efficient, and highly useful for fast funding.

Robert Corry-Earnshaw

Bridging Adviser

Very easy lender to work with its very easy to get referral/terms back and a smooth process from start to finish.

Underwriters are very responsive and take a common sense approach to underwriting.

Certainly a lender we look at for speed.

Kyle Manton

Bridging Adviser

Mercantile Trust have maintained an excellent level of service from start to finish. At Credco.co.uk, we have found the Underwriting Team to be consistently friendly, responsive, and helpful throughout the process. We have always felt kept in the loop and well-informed at every stage, which makes the experience smooth and stress-free not only for us, but also for our clients.

Kam Bains

Lending Manager

Always prompt working of new packs, flexible approach, nothing seems too much trouble whether you’re calling or emailing, a range of affordability options to fit different scenarios

Dale Cavin

Senior Team Leader

Nina at Mercantile is a great point of contact to ensure our referrals are agreed day 1 correctly. Then supported by her team who give clear updates and work our replies right away. We particularly like the LTD Co process in that they do not have one with solicitors. This allows the quickest completions in our market!

Dilan Evans

Sales Director

The products are a valuable addition to our panel – without them on our second charge panel we would not be able to help as many customers as we do, this is due to them covering some niche areas. The service the team provide is also fantastic from the sales team through to the underwriters. We are very happy!

Steve Nobbs

Relationships Director, TLE Bridging & Commercial Team

Broker FAQs – Your Questions Answered

At Mercantile Trust, we believe our partners need quick, straightforward and clear answers to place cases with confidence. We’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions our BDMs receive from brokers.

If you have a question that isn’t mentioned here, simply contact one of our BDMs — they’re always here to help you!

Intermediaries Hub

What we can offer your clients

Common-sense lending

Let's work together

Meet your BDMs

From our brokers

Broker FAQs – Your Questions Answered

Loan Criteria & Eligibility

Process & Speed

Fees & Costs

Borrower Situations

Documentation & Underwriting

Broker Support

Read what our customers say about us!