Compare Mortgage Rates from Central Trust Against the Market starting at 2.2%

About Central Trust

Based in Watford, Central Trust has over 35 years of experience in the secured lending market. Their core philosophy is "manual underwriting." They do not use automated credit scoring to make decisions ("computer says no"). Instead, every application is assessed by a human underwriter who looks at the applicant's overall story.

This approach makes them a vital option for "mortgage prisoners" or those who have been declined elsewhere due to historical financial hiccups.

Mortgage & Loan Products

Central Trust’s product range is heavily focused on Second Charge Mortgages rather than standard home purchase mortgages.

• Secured Loans (Second Charge):

  • What is it? A loan secured against your home that sits behind your current mortgage. It allows you to borrow money (e.g., for home improvements or debt consolidation) without remortgaging your main deal.

  • Loan Sizes: Typically from £10,000 to £250,000.

  • LTV: They can lend up to 75% LTV (Loan to Value), meaning you need at least 25% equity in your home (including your first mortgage).

• Consumer Buy-to-Let (CBTL):

  • Designed for "accidental landlords" (e.g., you inherited a property or moved in with a partner and rented out your old flat) rather than professional investors.

  • They are flexible on credit history for these applicants.

• Family Let & Let-to-Buy:

  • Specialist products for renting a property to a family member or converting your current home into a rental to buy a new one.

• Northern Ireland Lending:

  • Unusually for a specialist lender, Central Trust is active in Northern Ireland, as well as England, Wales, and Scotland (including the Isles).

Pros and Cons of Central Trust

Here is a balanced overview of choosing Central Trust for your finance.

Pros:

• Manual Underwriting (No Credit Score): They do not use a credit scorecard. They manually assess every case, which is ideal for self-employed people with complex accounts or those with adverse credit.

• Adverse Credit Specialists: They accept applicants with CCJs, defaults, and missed payments (even recent ones), provided there is a plausible explanation and the loan is affordable.

• Keep Your Low Rate: If you have a cheap fixed rate on your main mortgage (e.g., 2%), a Secured Loan allows you to borrow more money without losing that rate, which would happen if you remortgaged the whole amount.

• Direct Access: Unlike many specialist lenders who are "intermediary only," Central Trust allows you to enquire directly, as well as through brokers.

Cons:

• Higher Rates: Because they are a specialist/sub-prime lender taking on higher risk, their interest rates are significantly higher than standard high-street mortgage rates.

• Second Charge Risk: As with any secured loan, your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments. It is just as serious as your main mortgage.

• Not for Standard Purchases: If you are a first-time buyer looking for a standard mortgage to buy a house, Central Trust is likely not the right lender for you.

Customer Service and Reviews

Central Trust has a strong reputation for customer service, often highlighting their "human" approach.

• Trustpilot: They generally hold a high rating (often 4.5+ out of 5), with customers frequently praising specific staff members for being "non-judgmental," "supportive," and "efficient."

• Speed: They are known for being relatively fast compared to some competitors, with funds often released within weeks of application.

How to Apply

You have flexibility in how you approach Central Trust:

1. Direct Application: You can contact them directly via their website or by calling their team. They have qualified advisors who can guide you through the process.

2. Through a Broker: Many borrowers go through a specialist finance broker (like Fluent Money or Loans Warehouse). Brokers can compare Central Trust’s offer against other secured loan lenders (like Pepper Money or United Trust Bank) to ensure you are getting the cheapest rate.

Get started here to begin a free, no-obligation chat with a mortgage broker who specialises in Central Trust's product range, can compare it against the market for you and offer independent advice about which option to choose.