Navigating a Volatile and Competitive Mortgage Market with Viable Mortgages

In the face of rising mortgage rates working in tandem with the cost-of-living crisis, it is arguably harder than ever to put together a compelling mortgage application. With the addition of mortgage lenders tightening their criteria in recent years, navigating the mortgage landscape with all its unknowns – especially for a first-time buyer – can be difficult. In turn, the time-consuming and often tedious process of checking credit scores alongside the copious amounts of statements can be overwhelming.
 
This is where Viable Mortgages can help. Operating in the Scottish Central Belt, Viable Mortgages help their clients to achieve the secure the most cost-effective mortgage and protection products available on the market. We spoke with their founding director, Alan Kent, to find out more.
 
Can you tell us what makes Viable Mortgages different from other mortgage brokers?
 
At Viable Mortgages, we differentiate ourselves through a unique blend of traditional mortgage financing expertise and a strong commitment to sustainability. While we excel in helping clients secure competitive mortgage rates and terms, we also provide added value in our ability to raise awareness of energy efficient home improvements. We guide homeowners not only in financing their properties but also in making them more energy efficient. This dual approach helps our clients save on energy costs and potentially reduce their mortgage payments over time.
 
Additionally, our emphasis on creating healthier living environments sets us apart. We provide insights and resources to help homeowners implement improvements that enhance indoor air quality and overall home health. By integrating these elements into our services, we offer a holistic approach to homeownership that supports financial savings, environmental responsibility, and personal wellbeing. This commitment to sustainability and health is what truly makes Viable Mortgages stand out in the crowded mortgage brokerage industry.
 
What is the core component of the services you offer?
 
The core feature of Viable Mortgages services is our unwavering commitment to securing the best outcomes for our clients’ needs and preferences. We pride ourselves on providing top-tier traditional mortgage brokerage services, ensuring our clients receive the most favourable rates and terms suited to their unique financial situations.
 
What truly distinguishes us is our dedication to sustainability. We educate and support clients in implementing energy-efficient home improvements, which not only reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills but also enhance property value and potentially qualify homeowners for better mortgage rates.
 
By focusing on both financial and environmental aspects of homeownership, we help our clients achieve long-term savings while contributing to a healthier planet. This dual focus on meeting client needs and promoting sustainable living is the cornerstone of our services, reflecting our deep commitment to client satisfaction and environmental stewardship.
 
What are the challenges when creating bespoke and tailored services for your clients?
 
One primary challenge is staying up to date with the ever-changing landscape of mortgage products and energy efficient technologies. To provide personalised solutions, we have partnered with some of the UK top retrofit companies.
 
Another challenge is understanding and aligning with the diverse needs and preferences of our clients. Each client's financial situation, sustainability goals, and home improvement aspirations are different, requiring us to invest significant time and effort in thorough consultations and personalised planning. Although the uptake of retrofit services seems to be mainly among affluent homeowners, we believe that all budgets can benefit from making some changes – big or small.
 
Moreover, integrating energy efficient improvements with traditional mortgage services can be complex, necessitating a deep understanding of both fields. Navigating regulatory requirements, incentives, options for green home finance and determining suitable upgrades can be intricate and time consuming.
 
What advice do you have for prospective clients looking for a mortgage?
 
The first part is understanding your financial position. Review spending, check credit score, identify how much has been saved for a deposit and how much more can be saved. Additionally, speak with a mortgage and protection adviser as early as possible. Making sure you have all the essential questions answered and a plan in place to enable you to either buy the property or remortgage to a new provider.
 
Consider the benefits of incorporating energy efficient home improvements into your mortgage plan. These upgrades can reduce your long-term utility costs and potentially qualify you for better mortgage rates or government incentives. Whether you have a large budget or limited funds, there are energy efficient solutions that can add value to your home and savings.
 
Finally, be sure to budget for additional costs associated with homeownership, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. By planning ahead and seeking professional guidance, you can secure a mortgage that not only meets your immediate needs but also supports your financial and sustainability goals in the long run.
 
What methods do you have to keep on trend and to continue to innovate and grow?
 
We have developed a marketing strategy which will start to build a greater online presence and help any of our prospective clients learn more about the changes we will start to see in the coming months and years.
 
I continue to develop my knowledge on sustainability and retrofit services. This ensures the business, and all internal and external stakeholders have a solid understanding of how we can help clients prepare for the future with both mortgage finance and energy efficiency adaptations.
 
One of the services you offer is retrofitting homes for lower environmental impact, how much emphasis is there on sustainable values in the workplace?
 
At Viable Mortgages, sustainable values are deeply ingrained in our workplace culture and operations. We partner with specialist firms to provide retrofit services, ensuring our clients have access to top tier expertise in making their homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just offering these services; it is reflected in our everyday practices and business ethos.
 
We actively promote the implementation of sustainable practices within our office, such as minimising waste, reducing energy consumption, and encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials. Our team is regularly trained on the latest developments in green technologies and sustainable living, enabling us to provide informed advice and support to our clients.
 
Moreover, we emphasise the importance of sustainability in our mortgage products. We help clients access unique green and retrofit mortgage products that support their environmental goals, offering financial incentives for energy efficient home improvements.
 
By integrating sustainability into our services and workplace practices, we strive to lead by example and inspire our clients to adopt more eco-friendly lifestyles. Our dedication to sustainable values is not just a business strategy but a core principle that guides all our actions and decisions.
 
What are you most proud of as a business over the past 12 months?
 
We are most proud of the positive feedback we’ve received from sustainability professionals, politicians, retrofit groups, and renewable installers. This endorsement highlights our commitment to advancing sustainable homeownership and integrating green practices into our mortgage services.
 
Our efforts to collaborate with specialist firms for retrofit services and our focus on offering unique green mortgage products have been well-received by industry experts. This recognition underscores the value we bring in promoting energy-efficient home improvements and making sustainable living more accessible.
 
Additionally, the support and appreciation from various stakeholders validate our approach and reinforce our dedication to creating healthier, more environmentally friendly homes. This feedback not only affirms our business model but also motivates us to continue innovating and advocating for sustainable practices in the mortgage and home improvement sectors.
 
Have you got any exciting plans for the future?
 
Yes, we have some exciting plans which we believe could revolutionise the way finance and home improvements are connected. We are working on integrating our mortgage services more closely with retrofit solutions to create a seamless, holistic approach to home financing and energy efficiency.
 
Our goal is to develop innovative solutions that make it easier for homeowners to fund retrofit projects as part of their mortgage plans. This integration will enable us to offer tailored solutions that not only cover traditional mortgage needs but also incorporate financing for energy efficient upgrades from the outset. By aligning these two aspects, we aim to simplify the process and provide comprehensive support for creating sustainable, cost-effective homes.
 
This forward-thinking approach could transform how people view and manage home improvements, making it easier to invest in both financial stability and environmental sustainability. We’re excited about the potential to lead this shift and help homeowners achieve their goals with greater ease and efficiency.
 
Is there anything else you would like to share?
 
Absolutely. We are open for business and ready to assist with all types of mortgage finance, regardless of your stance on sustainability, net-zero goals, or retrofit initiatives. Whether you're looking for a traditional mortgage or exploring specific green financing options, we are here to support your needs with our expertise and dedication.
 
What sets us apart is our commitment to our strong core values, including giving back to the planet. While we provide comprehensive mortgage solutions for all clients, our clients can feel confident that they’re working with a firm that prioritises environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. Our mission is to deliver exceptional service while also contributing positively to the environment, reflecting our dedication to creating a better future for everyone.
 
For more information or to arrange a free no obligation mortgage consultancy with the team at Viable Mortgages, please visit www.viablemortgages.co.uk or contact Alan on +44 07503 142 577.