Specialist Second Charge | Some clients require solutions that fall outside traditional first charge lending. A second charge mortgage can often be the right option. However, not every mortgage adviser is authorised to advise on them or has the time to manage the full process.
Connect Brokers offers a second charge referral service designed for busy mortgage brokers. It allows you to meet your client’s needs without compromising compliance or service quality.
How the Second Charge Referral Service Works
Our expert second charge team handles the full advice process for you, including research, compliance, and lender communication. You retain full control of your client relationship while we manage the regulated advice and case handling.
You receive real-time updates throughout, and a referral fee is paid upon successful completion.
Key Benefits for Mortgage Brokers
Direct access to a specialist team experienced in second charge and secured loan cases
Full case management from first contact through to completion
A documented, FCA-compliant advice process for peace of mind
Live case tracking so you always know what stage your client has reached
Secure, easy-to-use referral form with fast case assessment
Competitive referral fee paid on completion
No impact on your brand or client relationship
When to Consider a Second Charge Referral
Our panel includes lenders offering solutions for:
Clients with complex income
Higher loan-to-value requests
Poor or missed credit histories
Debt consolidation needs
Capital raising for property improvements or investment
By using this service, you can still provide a valuable outcome without handling the regulated advice yourself.
Common Client Scenarios Suitable for Second Charge Mortgages
Second charge loans are often suitable when clients:
Want to retain an existing low rate first mortgage
Need to raise capital but face early repayment charges
Have complex income, adverse credit or non standard circumstances
Want to consolidate debt at a lower monthly payment
Are self-employed and require flexible underwriting
Need fast turnaround funding for business or personal use
Our advisers review every case individually to ensure suitability and compliance.
How Our Second Charge Service Supports Your Business
Our service has been built for mortgage brokers who want to provide more solutions without taking on additional compliance or administration. By referring your second charge cases to Connect Brokers, you can:
Serve more clients without turning away opportunities
Protect your business from compliance risk
Increase revenue through referral income
Strengthen your position as a full-service mortgage adviser
Save significant time on research, suitability reports and lender follow up
Keep clients on your panel instead of sending them elsewhere
If you are part of the Connect Network, you also benefit from access to our technology platform and case management tools. These are designed to help advisers save time, reduce administration and streamline all client interactions. You can learn more about these tools on the Technology Platform page.
Who Should Use Our Second Charge Referral Service
This service is ideal for:
Mortgage brokers who are not second charge accredited
Firms that prefer to outsource specialist cases for compliance protection
Advisers who want to offer secured loan options without doing the advice
Brokers who want to increase revenue through compliant referrals
Network members who want expert support for clients with complex borrowing needs
You can learn more by reading our Specialist Mortgage Packagers for DA Brokers page.
If you are considering becoming a member, visit the Join Our Network page to see how our wider support, training and technology can help you grow your business.
FAQ: Second Charge Referral Service for Mortgage Brokers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a second charge referral service? | It is a compliant process where you refer your client to our specialist second charge team. We complete the advice, research and lender communication on your behalf while keeping you fully updated. |
| Can I refer clients if I am not second charge qualified? | Yes. Our advisers are fully qualified, and you can refer safely knowing the advice and documentation meet FCA standards. |
| Do I still get paid if I refer my client? | Yes. You receive a referral fee once the lender releases funds and the case completes. |
| Will my client remain my client? | Yes. We only provide advice on the second charge mortgage. Your client always remains under your care for all future mortgage needs. |
| How quickly can a second charge complete? | Timescales vary, but second charges are often faster than remortgages. Our team and lender partners work to progress cases as efficiently as possible. |
| Do I need to provide documents before referring a case? | No. You simply complete the referral form. Our specialist adviser will gather all required documents directly from your client. |
| Can second charge mortgages help clients avoid early repayment charges? | Yes. Many clients use second charges to keep an existing low rate first mortgage without paying early repayment charges. |
| Are second charge mortgages suitable for clients with adverse credit? | Potentially. Second charge lenders often offer flexible criteria that can help clients with historic credit issues or complex income. |
| Do you provide updates during the case? | Yes. You receive real-time progress updates, so you always know the status of your client’s application. |
| What lenders do you work with? | We work with a wide panel of specialist second charge lenders to ensure clients receive suitable options tailored to their circumstances. |
| Is the referral process branded as Connect or my firm? | We communicate as Connect, but the client relationship always remains with you. You retain control of future advice. |
| Can I refer clients who are self-employed? | Yes. Second charge lenders often support complex income and self-employed applicants with flexible underwriting. |
| What happens if the second charge is not suitable? | If no suitable second charge option exists, we notify you and explain alternative considerations so you can support your client appropriately. |
| Do you handle all compliance and suitability reporting? | Yes. We complete the regulated advice, suitability letters and lender justification, ensuring full FCA compliance. |