Kent Reliance is a specialist mortgage lender in the UK, offering flexible and bespoke mortgage solutions for borrowers with non-standard financial situations. Whether you’re self-employed, a contractor, or a landlord expanding your buy-to-let portfolio, Kent Reliance provides mortgage options that traditional lenders often overlook.
At Kerr & Watson, we work with Kent Reliance to bring our clients access to these specialist products, ensuring that you secure the right mortgage to meet your financial goals.
Why Choose Kent Reliance with Kerr & Watson?
Specialist Lending Expertise
Kent Reliance is ideal for clients who may not fit the rigid criteria of mainstream lenders. This includes individuals with complex incomes, contractors, and landlords with diverse property portfolios. Their tailored products are designed to offer solutions to a wide range of borrowers.
Flexible Lending Criteria
Kent Reliance offers flexible lending criteria, including mortgages for self-employed borrowers with only one year of accounts, HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), and limited company landlords. Their approach ensures that even more challenging financial cases are considered.
Buy-to-Let Expertise
Kent Reliance is especially well-regarded for its expertise in the buy-to-let market. They offer a variety of buy-to-let products designed to support landlords with different property portfolios, including multi-unit freehold blocks and HMO properties.
Support with Kerr & Watson
Kent Reliance works exclusively with intermediaries, ensuring that every borrower receives professional advice and support. At Kerr & Watson, we are proud to work with Kent Reliance and other leading lenders to help our clients access the best products in the market. We guide you through the mortgage process from start to finish, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.
Switching Your Rate with Kent Reliance: What You Need to Know
Kent Reliance offers a straightforward process for switching your mortgage rate. If your current mortgage product is nearing its end, switching your rate early can help protect you from potential interest rate increases or market fluctuations. Kent Reliance makes this process simple, with no valuation, legal, or application fees when switching rates, ensuring that the process is cost-effective and efficient.
By working with Kerr & Watson, you gain access to expert advice, helping you navigate the rate switch process and ensuring you secure the best option available for your situation.
Flexible solutions for homebuyers, including those with complex income streams, such as the self-employed.
Specialist Products
Kent Reliance offers bespoke mortgage products for clients with non-standard financial situations, including contractors and first-time landlords.
Why Contact Kerr & Watson?
Navigating the mortgage market can be challenging, especially if you have a non-standard financial profile. At Kerr & Watson, we simplify the process by providing expert advice and connecting you to specialist lenders like Kent Reliance. Our team works closely with all major lenders to ensure you have access to the best products tailored to your needs.
Get in Touch
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to benefit from Kent Reliance’s specialist mortgage products.
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
Contact Us
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kent Reliance
▸ ▾Is Kent Reliance still accepting new mortgage applications?
Kent Reliance is no longer accepting new residential or buy-to-let mortgage applications through its intermediary channel. If you were hoping to apply to Kent Reliance, you may need to consider alternative lenders instead.
Kerr & Watson can review your circumstances and explain which lenders may be suitable now. This is especially useful if you were looking at Kent Reliance because of self-employed income, complex circumstances, buy-to-let lending or previous credit issues.
▸ ▾Can Kerr & Watson still help if I was looking for a Kent Reliance mortgage?
Yes, Kerr & Watson can still help. Even if Kent Reliance is not currently available for new applications, we can look at why you were considering them and compare suitable alternatives across the market.
This could include specialist lenders for self-employed applicants, landlords, complex income, adverse credit, shared ownership, remortgages or larger borrowing needs.
▸ ▾What are the alternatives to Kent Reliance mortgages?
The best alternative to Kent Reliance depends on your situation. Some borrowers may need a specialist residential lender, while landlords may need a buy-to-let lender that accepts limited company structures, portfolio landlords, HMOs, MUFBs or complex rental income.
Kerr & Watson can compare lenders based on your income, deposit, credit history, property type and mortgage goals. This helps you avoid guessing which lender to approach.
▸ ▾Was Kent Reliance a specialist mortgage lender?
Yes, Kent Reliance was known as a specialist mortgage lender and was often considered for cases that did not fit standard high street criteria.
This included borrowers with complex income, self-employed applicants, contractors, landlords, buy-to-let investors and people with more unusual mortgage circumstances. If that sounds like your situation, mortgage advice is still available through other suitable lenders.
▸ ▾Can I get a mortgage if Kent Reliance would have suited my circumstances?
Possibly, yes. Just because Kent Reliance is not currently taking new applications does not mean you cannot get a mortgage.
There may be other lenders that can consider similar types of cases, depending on the details. Kerr & Watson can review your circumstances and help identify lenders that may be able to support your application.
▸ ▾I have bad credit. Are there alternatives to Kent Reliance?
Yes, there may be alternative lenders if you have bad credit or previous credit issues. The right option will depend on what happened, when it happened, whether the issue has been satisfied and how strong the rest of your application is.
Missed payments, defaults, CCJs, debt management plans and other credit issues can all affect lender choice. It is best to get advice before applying, as the wrong application could waste time and reduce your chances of success.
▸ ▾I am self-employed. Are there alternatives to Kent Reliance?
Yes, there are lenders that may consider self-employed applicants, including sole traders, limited company directors, contractors and applicants with more complex income.
The right lender will depend on your accounts, tax calculations, tax year overviews, bank statements, trading history and affordability. Kerr & Watson can review your documents and advise which lenders are most suitable.
▸ ▾Can landlords still get buy-to-let mortgage advice if Kent Reliance is not available?
Yes, landlords can still get buy-to-let mortgage advice. There are a number of lenders that may consider buy-to-let, limited company buy-to-let, portfolio landlords, HMOs, MUFBs and other specialist property types.
Kerr & Watson can review the property, rental income, deposit, ownership structure and wider portfolio before recommending a suitable lender.
▸ ▾What happens if I already have a Kent Reliance mortgage?
If you already have a Kent Reliance mortgage, you may still have options when your current deal ends. Existing customers may be able to consider a product transfer, depending on the lender’s current rules and the details of your mortgage.
It is also worth comparing the wider market before making a decision. Staying with your current lender may be suitable, but another lender could offer a better option depending on your circumstances.
▸ ▾Should I get mortgage advice if I was searching for Kent Reliance?
Yes, getting mortgage advice is sensible if you were searching for Kent Reliance because your case may need a more specialist lender.
Kerr & Watson can review your situation, explain whether Kent Reliance is currently available, compare suitable alternatives and help you approach the right lender from the start. This can save time, reduce uncertainty and improve your chances of finding a suitable mortgage.
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.
