Foundation has highlighted how enhancements to its Property Plus proposition helped a broker secure funding for a landlord purchasing a high-yield flat above commercial premises in Glasgow.

The lender said the case demonstrates how changes to its specialist lending criteria can help brokers place applications that fall outside mainstream buy-to-let requirements but remain suitable investment opportunities.

The case involved the purchase of a one-bedroom flat in Glasgow with a purchase price of £110,000. The property generated rental income of £725 per month, equating to a yield of 7.9%, but initially encountered difficulties because it was located above commercial premises, including a pub on the ground floor.

The application was initially unable to proceed under Foundation’s standard criteria following the valuation process. However, after enhancements to the lender’s Property Plus proposition, developed with valuation partners Connells and e.surv, the case was reassessed under the updated approach.

Foundation said its revised criteria allow valuers to take a broader view of specialist properties that may not meet conventional high street lending requirements but can still offer strong investment potential.

The application was transferred to the Property Plus product without the need for the case to be restarted. Connells subsequently valued the property at the agreed purchase price, allowing the experienced portfolio landlord to complete the purchase.

Foundation said the changes reflect feedback from brokers and are intended to enable more specialist cases with clear investment merit to progress.

Reagan Hamilton, mortgage and protection consultant at Clear Vision Mortgages, said: “Foundation was the only lender that met all the requirements, so when the case was initially declined on a standard product because the property was above commercial premises, I panicked as I had nowhere else to place it.

“Thankfully, the underwriter suggested switching to Foundation’s Property Plus range, and the application was accepted without any issues. The deal then went through smoothly.”

Fiona Roberson, regional account manager at Foundation, said: “Thanks to our enhancements to our Property Plus proposition, we were able to revisit this case and help the broker get it over the line for her client who was struggling to find an alternative home for it.”

Ben Leroy, client services director at Connells, said: “Working closely with Foundation, and seeking to support them achieving their lending goals, we were able to get this case over the line by taking a holistic and robust approach to properties that remain in strong demand among landlords.

“I believe it was Foundation’s Property Plus proposition that ultimately made the difference, which enabled them to say yes where other lenders might have declined.”

Nathan Goodridge, head of sales at Foundation, added: “This case demonstrates the value of taking a specialist view on property.

“Assets like this can deliver higher yields than standard buy-to-let properties, making them an attractive option for landlords looking to strengthen portfolio performance when assessed appropriately.”