Kensington Mortgages is a specialist lender in the UK, renowned for offering flexible mortgage solutions tailored to the needs of borrowers with unique financial situations. Whether you are self-employed, have multiple income streams, or face other complexities that make securing a mortgage challenging, Kensington Mortgages is committed to providing options that fit your circumstances.
At Kerr & Watson, we work closely with Kensington Mortgages along with other lenders to provide our clients with access to these specialised products, ensuring that you secure the right mortgage for your financial goals.
Why do people consider Kensington Mortgages?
Expertise in Specialist Lending
Kensington Mortgages is well-known for its expertise in offering mortgages to clients who might not fit the traditional lending mold. Whether you are self-employed, have a less-than-perfect credit history, or have complex income structures, Kensington Mortgages provides tailored products that support your specific needs. Their approach ensures that even more complex cases are given full consideration, offering opportunities to a wide range of borrowers.
Flexible Lending Criteria
Kensington Mortgages recognises that every borrower is different, which is why they offer flexible lending criteria to accommodate various financial situations. This includes products designed for contractors, those with fluctuating incomes, and other non-standard scenarios. Kerr & Watson can help you navigate these options, ensuring you get the best possible terms for your mortgage.
Dedicated Intermediary Support
Kensington Mortgages operates exclusively through intermediaries, meaning that you will receive expert advice and support throughout the mortgage process. By working with Kerr & Watson, you benefit from our comprehensive knowledge of Kensington’s products and our ability to provide personalised advice tailored to your financial strategy.
Efficient Service
Kensington Mortgages is dedicated to providing a streamlined and efficient service, with a focus on quick decision-making and clear communication. This ensures that your mortgage application is processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays, helping you secure your property with confidence.
Switching Your Rate with Kensington Mortgages: What You Need to Know
Kensington Mortgages product switch service is available exclusively through mortgage brokers.
By working with Kerr & Watson, you can take advantage of Kensington Mortgages’ competitive rate switch options without the hassle of complex paperwork or additional fees.
What Does This Mean for You as a Kensington Mortgages Borrower?
If your current Kensington Mortgages product is approaching its end, it’s crucial to consider switching your rate. Locking in a new rate early can protect you from potential increases in interest rates or changes in market conditions. With Kensington Mortgages, you benefit from no application fees, no valuation fees, and no legal fees when switching your rate, making the process both cost-effective and efficient.
For those with complex financial circumstances, securing the right rate is vital for managing your finances effectively. Kensington Mortgages offers tailored options that align with your financial goals, whether you’re looking to refinance an existing property or adjust your mortgage to better suit your current situation.
Kensington offers flexible solutions for a variety of borrowers, including self-employed individuals, contractors, and those with complex income streams.
Designed for landlords and property investors, with options that accommodate various types of properties and borrower circumstances.
Specialist Products
Kensington provides bespoke mortgage solutions for borrowers with unique financial situations, including those with credit history issues or non-standard income.
Why Contact Kerr & Watson?
Navigating the mortgage market can be challenging, particularly when dealing with specialist products like those offered by Kensington Mortgages. At Kerr & Watson, we simplify the process by providing expert advice and personalised service. Our team will work with you to understand your financial goals and match you with the best mortgage products available, ensuring that you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Get in Touch
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to benefit from Kensington Mortgages’ specialist lending solutions.
Contact Kerr & Watson today to speak with an adviser and explore how we can help you secure the right mortgage for your needs.
The information on this page is not tailored to any individual readers and should not be considered financial advice under any circumstances.
If you are seeking advice about a mortgage, you should speak with a qualified advisor.
Your Mortgage In 3 Easy Steps…
Conversation
Schedule a call to talk to a mortgage advisor about your goals, challenges and vision for your mortgage.
We will take the information gained on the call and carry out some research before sending you a bespoke recommendation.
If you would like an agreement in principle, we’ll also arrange this for you.
Application
We will submit the full application to the mortgage lender, sending them the documents and liaising with the underwriters until the mortgage has been fully offered on the new interest rate.
We will also communicate with you at every stage, from application to completion.
Marie Kitchen was absolutely fabulous. We had an incredibly complicated case due to living abroad and a few hiccups along the way. Marie was persistent and helped us to resolve these efficiently. Highly recommend.
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Michelle
8 June 2026
My 2nd time dealing with Kerr & Watson and they didn't disappoint, great service, professional and patient - big shout out to Andreea & Stephen
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Sean Turner
2 June 2026
I had an excellent experience with Kerr and Watson and would happily recommend them.
A special mention has to go to James, who provided exceptional service throughout. He was professional, approachable, clear in his communication and always willing to help. His support made a huge difference, and we genuinely couldn’t have done it without him.
I would not hesitate in recommending K&W to any family or friends.
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Jackie
15 May 2026
Brad was quick with getting me the right mortgage insurance prior to a move abroad. Polite and professional. Also liked that he would call to remind me take any actions if I hadn't responded to emails
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Ade Kunle
1 May 2026
I will always recommend Kerr & Watson to friend and family.
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Minzel 33
23 April 2026
This is my second product with Matthew, securing a BTL for my LTD with the best rate on the market. Once again great support, guidance and smooth process. Highly recommended, knowledgeable team. Reliable service.
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Freya B
14 April 2026
The team at Kerr & Watson were brilliant end to end. Daniel explained everything clearly, was always available to answer questions and helped us secure a great mortgage rate. The mortgage broking service they offer is worth every penny and I'd not hesitate to use them again. Thank you!
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Dean Langton
7 April 2026
Excellent service and very nice people.
Would highly recommend using them.
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Sat Jakhu
2 April 2026
Great service , efficient and proactive to ensure solutions were right for each property. Always prompt with information and any communication required. Definitely recommended as an organisation who can provide tailored solutions for individual needs.
Awards & Recognition
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kensington Mortgages
▸ ▾Is Kensington Mortgages a good lender?
Kensington Mortgages can be a good lender for borrowers who do not fit standard high street criteria. They may be considered for self-employed applicants, contractors, people with complex income, borrowers with previous credit issues or cases that need a more flexible underwriting approach.
That does not mean Kensington will be the best lender for everyone. The right mortgage depends on your income, deposit, credit history, property type and overall affordability. Kerr & Watson can compare Kensington with other lenders and explain which option is most suitable.
▸ ▾Do I need a mortgage broker to apply to Kensington Mortgages?
Kensington Mortgages usually works through mortgage advisers and intermediaries, so most applicants will apply through a broker rather than directly with the lender.
Using a broker can be helpful because Kensington often deals with more specialist cases. Kerr & Watson can check the lender’s criteria, review your documents and help prepare the application before it is submitted.
▸ ▾Can Kerr & Watson help me apply to Kensington Mortgages?
Yes, Kerr & Watson can help with Kensington mortgage applications. We can review your income, deposit, credit profile, bank statements, property details and mortgage goals before deciding whether Kensington is the right lender to approach.
If Kensington is suitable, we can prepare and submit the application for you. If another lender may be a better fit, we will explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
▸ ▾Can I get a Kensington mortgage if I am self-employed?
Kensington Mortgages may consider self-employed applicants, including sole traders, limited company directors, contractors and freelancers, subject to criteria and affordability.
Self-employed mortgage applications often need careful preparation. Kerr & Watson can review your accounts, tax calculations, tax year overviews, contracts and bank statements before advising whether Kensington is likely to be suitable.
▸ ▾Does Kensington Mortgages accept applicants with bad credit?
Kensington Mortgages may consider applicants with previous credit issues, depending on the type of issue, when it happened, the amount involved and the overall strength of the application.
This could include missed payments, defaults, CCJs, debt management plans or other credit problems. If you have bad credit, it is best to get mortgage advice before applying so your case is matched with the right lender from the start.
▸ ▾Can I get a Kensington mortgage if I have been declined elsewhere?
You may still be able to get a mortgage with Kensington if you have been declined elsewhere, but this depends on why the previous application failed.
Mortgage applications can be declined because of affordability, credit history, income evidence, bank statement activity, property type or information that does not meet the lender’s criteria. Kerr & Watson can review what happened and advise whether Kensington or another specialist lender may be suitable.
▸ ▾How much can I borrow with Kensington Mortgages?
How much you can borrow with Kensington Mortgages depends on your income, financial commitments, deposit, credit profile, property and overall affordability.
Borrowing amounts can vary significantly between lenders, especially where income is complex or there has been previous credit trouble. Kerr & Watson can check Kensington’s affordability and compare it with other lenders to see what may be possible.
▸ ▾What deposit do I need for a Kensington mortgage?
The deposit needed for a Kensington mortgage depends on the product, your credit profile, property type, loan amount and affordability. Some applicants may need a larger deposit if their case is more complex or there has been recent adverse credit.
Before applying, it is worth checking whether your deposit level fits Kensington’s criteria and whether another lender may offer a more suitable option.
▸ ▾Can I remortgage to Kensington Mortgages?
Yes, Kensington Mortgages may be an option if you want to remortgage. This could be useful if your current deal is ending, your circumstances have changed, you want to borrow more or your case no longer fits a mainstream lender.
Before remortgaging, it is worth reviewing the interest rate, product fees, early repayment charges, affordability, property value and your future plans. Kerr & Watson can compare Kensington with other lenders and recommend the most suitable route.
▸ ▾Should I use Kensington or a high street mortgage lender?
A high street lender may be suitable if your income, credit history and property are straightforward. Kensington may be worth considering if your case involves self-employed income, contractor income, previous credit issues, complex income or a recent mortgage decline.
The best choice depends on your full circumstances, not just the interest rate. Kerr & Watson can compare high street and specialist mortgage lenders to help you apply with confidence.
Common Mortgage Lender Questions
▸ ▾How do I know which mortgage lender is right for me?
The right mortgage lender will depend on your income, deposit, credit history, property type, borrowing amount and long-term plans. Some lenders are better suited to straightforward residential mortgages, while others specialise in buy-to-let, complex income, adverse credit, commercial property or larger loans. A mortgage adviser can compare lenders and help identify which option may be most suitable for your circumstances.
▸ ▾Do all mortgage lenders use the same criteria?
No. Every mortgage lender has its own lending criteria, affordability model, credit scoring system, property requirements and risk appetite. This means one lender may decline an application that another lender is comfortable considering. Lender selection is an important part of the mortgage process.
▸ ▾Why use a mortgage broker instead of applying directly to a lender?
A mortgage broker can help compare lenders, check criteria before you apply and explain which options may be suitable for your circumstances. This can be especially useful if you are self-employed, have complex income, need a buy-to-let mortgage, have previous credit issues or are unsure which lender is likely to accept your application.
▸ ▾Can a whole-of-market mortgage broker access more lenders?
A whole-of-market mortgage broker can review a wide range of lenders and products, including high street banks, building societies, specialist lenders and intermediary-only lenders. This can give you a broader view of your options than approaching one lender directly.
▸ ▾What is an intermediary-only mortgage lender?
An intermediary-only lender is a lender that usually accepts applications through mortgage brokers rather than directly from customers. These lenders may offer products or criteria that are not available by applying directly online or through a branch. A mortgage broker can check whether an intermediary-only lender may be suitable for your case.
▸ ▾Does the lowest mortgage rate always mean the best lender?
Not always. The lowest rate may look attractive, but it is not automatically the best option. You also need to consider lender fees, affordability, criteria, product terms, early repayment charges, valuation requirements, service levels and whether the lender is likely to approve your application.
Yes. Mortgage lenders use different affordability calculators and assumptions. They may treat income, bonuses, commission, overtime, self-employed income, pension income, benefits, debts and childcare costs differently. This means the amount you can borrow may vary significantly from one lender to another.
▸ ▾Can a mortgage lender decline me even if I can afford the mortgage?
Yes. Mortgage lenders do not assess affordability alone. They may also review your credit history, employment type, income structure, deposit source, property type, loan-to-value, age, commitments and overall risk profile. Even if the monthly payment seems affordable, a lender may still decline the case if it does not meet their criteria.
▸ ▾If one lender declines me, can another lender still approve me?
Yes. A decline from one lender does not necessarily mean you cannot get a mortgage. Lenders assess applications differently, so another lender may take a more suitable view of your income, credit history, property or deposit. It is important to understand why the application was declined before approaching another lender.
▸ ▾Do lenders treat self-employed income differently?
Yes. Some lenders use the latest year’s income, while others average the last two years or assess salary and dividends for limited company directors. Some lenders may also consider retained profit, contractor income or more complex trading structures. Choosing the right lender can make a significant difference for self-employed applicants.
▸ ▾Do mortgage lenders accept bad credit?
Some lenders may consider applicants with bad credit, depending on the type, age and severity of the credit issue. Missed payments, defaults, CCJs, debt management plans, IVAs and previous arrears are all assessed differently by different lenders. A specialist lender may be more suitable if you have historic credit problems.
▸ ▾Can Kerr & Watson help me choose between mortgage lenders?
Yes. Kerr & Watson can review your circumstances, compare suitable lenders and explain which options may be available. We can help with residential mortgages, buy-to-let mortgages, specialist lending, complex income, adverse credit, bridging, commercial finance and later life lending, depending on your needs.
