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Stuck with your bank?

Feel stuck with your bank? You may have more options than you think.

If another lender has turned you down, or your bank won't budge, you're not alone. We'll help you understand why, what may still be possible, and the steps to get your mortgage back on track.

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Reviewing mortgage options

At a glance

No judgement

just a clear look at your situation

Banks + more

including non-bank lenders

A plan back

to a mainstream bank where possible

Why it happens

Why people get stuck

Stricter lending tests. A loan you took out years ago may not pass a new lender's criteria today.

Your income has changed. Reduced hours, a new business, parental leave or retirement may make switching harder.

Other debts have built up. Credit cards, car loans or buy now, pay later may reduce how much a new lender will offer.

Credit history issues. Missed payments or defaults may put some lenders off.

Your property's value has dropped, leaving you with less equity than you need to switch.

Your interest-only period is ending, and the jump to principal and interest repayments feels too big.

What may help

Options that may help

Renegotiate with your bank

Your current lender may offer a better rate, a longer term or a new structure to keep you. We'll help you ask with the full picture.

Restructure your loan

Extending your term, splitting your loan or consolidating debts may lower your repayments while you get back on track.

Consider a non-bank lender

Non-bank lenders assess applications differently and may help where banks won't, often as a short-term step with a plan to move back to a main bank later.

Ask about hardship support

If you're struggling to make repayments, you can ask your lender for a hardship variation. Lenders must consider these requests.

How we help

Getting your mortgage back on track

  1. 1

    Understand your situation

    We look at your loan, income, debts and credit history, without judgement.

  2. 2

    Find the real blocker

    We work out what's stopping you from switching and whether it can be fixed.

  3. 3

    Map out your options

    Staying, restructuring or moving lenders, with the costs of each laid out clearly.

  4. 4

    Plan your way back

    If a short-term solution is needed, we plan the steps to get you back to a mainstream bank.

Need help?

Example

A way out of mortgage prison.

Illustrative only. Every situation is different, and consolidating debt into your mortgage may cost more in interest over time if it's not paid off sooner.

Get personalised adviceCall 0800 PUNDIT

Mere and Tom took out their mortgage 6 years ago. Since then, Tom started his own business and his income has been uneven, and they’ve built up $25,000 on credit cards. Their fixed rate is ending, and other banks have said no.

An option might look like this:

  1. 1Use a lender that accepts shorter business trading history, and consolidate the credit cards into the mortgage to lower their monthly outgoings.
  2. 2Close the credit cards once they're paid off.
  3. 3Review again in 12 to 24 months, once Tom's business has a stronger track record, with the aim of moving back to a mainstream bank.

Struggling with repayments right now?

Talk to your lender early. It’s much easier to agree on a solution before you miss a payment. You can also get free, confidential budgeting help from MoneyTalks on 0800 345 123.

Talk to Mortgage Pundit

Questions we hear often

Stuck with your bank questions

Still have a question?

Call us or book a time. There’s no obligation.

Call 0800 PUNDIT
Why will my bank keep lending to me when other banks won't?

Your current bank already has your loan, so it may not need to reassess it in the same way. A new lender has to apply today's lending criteria in full.

Are non-bank lenders safe?

Many are well-established finance companies. Their rates and fees are usually higher than a bank's, so we'll explain the full costs and help you plan a way back to a bank.

Will asking for hardship support hurt my credit history?

A hardship variation may be noted on your credit file, but it's usually far less damaging than missing payments.

Can I switch if I have a default on my credit file?

Possibly. Some lenders may consider your application depending on the size, age and reason for the default.

How long might I need to stay with a non-bank lender?

Often 1 to 2 years, while you rebuild your position, though it depends on your situation.

Do I pay for your advice?

For home loans, usually not, including home loans with non-bank lenders. In most cases the lender pays us when your loan settles.

You don't have to work this out alone

A free, confidential chat may be the first step to getting your mortgage back on track.

Want to chat?Call 0800 PUNDIT