firstDirect, discrimination?

JohnJack81

Hi All
Had an evening trying to apply for re-mortgage with firstDirect (they are one of Martin's favorites so thought would talk to them) with the idea of reducing our mortgage payment by about £200 a month and get onto a fixed rate before next year (we are currently on a tracker after our deal finished with Nationwide)

After going through most of the application it turns out that because my partner is 26 weeks pregnant that none of her income (even what would be stat mat pay, after 6 weeks full pay once the little one is here) could not be taken into account which obviously seems to make us fail the affordability (well that was the explanation I was given)

I am feeling a bit mythed by this. Surely there is no difference in the fact that my partner is pregnant is surely no different to any female of child bearing age. If we had applied 7 months ago why would it have been different. For example remortgaging could have been part of the planning for children.

Could this be construed as discrimination?

Thrugelmir

JohnJack81 wrote: »

Could this be construed as discrimination?

No is the simple answer. At this point in time there are too many uncertainties for the lender. Lenders set their policies according to a wide range of factors. Not least that they are a business and can lend to who they wish. There's no right to a mortgage.

JohnJack81

Thrugelmir wrote: »

No is the simple answer. At this point in time there are too many uncertainties for the lender. Lenders set their policies according to a wide range of factors. Not least that they are a business and can lend to who they wish. There's no right to a mortgage.

Whats the difference between this and asking of all women of child bearing age whether or not they are planning a family? (which I am sure there would be an outrage if that happened)

GoldenShadow

JohnJack81 wrote: »

Whats the difference between this and asking of all women of child bearing age whether or not they are planning a family? (which I am sure there would be an outrage if that happened)

The difference is they aren't actually having a family within the next few months. Just because a woman is of childbearing age and/or might be considering children at some point doesn't mean she will have children. Being 26 weeks pregnant however, does suggest that your OH will.

Thrugelmir

JohnJack81 wrote: »

Whats the difference between this and asking of all women of child bearing age whether or not they are planning a family? (which I am sure there would be an outrage if that happened)

Lenders can only base their decision on the facts at the point of application. Not on the what if's of the roller coaster of life.

alchemist.1

No,

They are discriminating against you as couple having child.
Not your partner alone.

Keith

Considered taking her off the application? That is what I did when I was told it would decrease the offer as we had no intention of my wife returning to work.

JohnJack81

@Ampersand --> Mythed is an acceptable spelling a kin to a true and genuine loss of words and or understanding about an action, place, event or even a name, miffed is also acceptable but where do you think the phrase came from? Try looking it up...

JohnJack81

@Keith the thought has crossed my mind, however I believe she would technically become a dependent living in the property as we are soon to be married. However out of principle I dont believe I should have to.
What erks me is there is no difference, yes agree that Companies can only go on the facts presented, however unlike you partner she is returning to work once mat leave has finished. If we had done this 6 months ago, then my OH pay would have been taken into account. I just think this is very wrong.

getmore4less

FD have told you to look somewhere else or wait.

What can nationwide offer as a retention deal?

A quick look 65% LTV 5 year fix no fee and followon
FD 2.74% 3.69%
NW 2.64% 3.99%

NW probably just a phone call or switch on-line no checks.

They also have a 4y fix customer speciel 2.49% no fee

marksoton

JohnJack81 wrote: »

Whats the difference between this and asking of all women of child bearing age whether or not they are planning a family? (which I am sure there would be an outrage if that happened)

Then every person who's filled out a mortgage agreement in the last few years must be outraged because it's certainly something that's asked.