Norton Home Loans has completed its first case with Mortgage Advice Bureau since joining the network’s lender panel late last year, supporting the purchase of a flat above commercial premises bought at auction.

The specialist lender said the case involved a Mortgage Advice Bureau appointed representative’s client buying a two-storey flat above a funeral directors for £52,000.

The property required a lender willing to take a flexible view because of both its location above commercial premises and the valuation considerations attached to that. Norton Home Loans agreed a mortgage at 50% loan-to-value, reflecting the nature of the security and the circumstances of the purchase.

The borrower had a clean credit profile and, according to the lender, showed strong affordability on a relatively small mortgage, supported by earned income of £28,000. The deposit came from a mix of personal savings and a gifted contribution from an uncle.

Given the unusual property type and the fact the home had been bought at auction, the broker needed a lender able to assess the application on its individual merits and move quickly. Norton Home Loans received the submission on 16 January 2026 and completed the mortgage on 10 February 2026.

David Binney (main picture), head of sales at Norton Home Loans, said: “This case highlights the value of taking a flexible, common-sense approach to lending, particularly where properties fall outside the scope of many mainstream lenders.

“Flats above commercial premises can present challenges, especially when they are purchased at auction and timescales are tight.

“However, with a clean borrower and strong affordability, we were able to assess the case on its merits and deliver a successful outcome.

“It’s also great to see our partnership with Mortgage Advice Bureau already delivering results, and we look forward to supporting more of their advisers with specialist cases.”

Rachel Geddes, strategic lender relationship director at Mortgage Advice Bureau, added: “It’s encouraging to see another lender stepping in to support brokers in cases where solutions aren’t always readily available.

“In the current market, this level of flexibility is more important than ever.

“The support from Norton Home Loans on this case, alongside their willingness to take a pragmatic, common-sense approach to specialist lending, has been extremely valuable.

“We look forward to delivering more positive outcomes for clients together, strengthening what is already proving to be a strong and effective partnership.”