Due to the associated risk, you can’t get an ‘unregulated’ buy-to-let mortgage anywhere in the UK. In these circumstances, a family buy-to-let mortgage, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, is required - however most lenders steer clear of this type of mortgage altogether.

When the time came for Lynn to renew her mortgage deal on a flat she owns in Glasgow, she was surprised at how difficult it was to find a lender that would allow her two grown-up sons to move in.

“Unfortunately for me, one of these doesn’t lend in Scotland, which only gave me two options to work with.

“I tried the bigger high-street brand first and they said they would be able to consider the application but as I was 60, they required an enormous amount of information - including detailed pension forecasts. It all felt completely overwhelming.

“Thankfully, it was third time lucky with Furness Building Society. I felt instant relief when I spoke to Fern on the applications team and was very impressed that a smaller lender based in Cumbria could help me when no-one else could.”

At Furness Building Society, our flexible lending criteria allows us to assess mortgage applications on a case-by-case basis and in this instance, our experienced underwriters were able to review Lynn’s eligibility on the basis that the loan represented 60% loan-to-value (LTV). As a result, Lynn secured the mortgage she needed, without having to gather the extremely detailed documents the other provider required.

Lynn continues: “Everybody I have dealt with at Furness has been excellent but Fern was on hand to guide me from the start. She made a point of understanding my situation inside and out - I didn’t have to repeat myself once - and she explained everything so clearly, whilst keeping me updated throughout the various stages.

“If I’d known to go to Furness in the first instance, it would have saved me quite a headache. Now, whenever I see social media posts asking for people to recommend a good mortgage company, I always say Furness.”