Mortgage application lender asking unusual question?

ElsieMonkey

Hi all

I'm applying for a mortgage with my partner, needing 50k loan, for a 187,500k property. LTV is 26%.

We are going through a broker and thought it would be a very simple process since we have such a decent sized deposit. Our broker said we shouldn't get any problems for this reason.

Today the lender is asking for an explanation of sick pay on my May payslip and confirmation I am now back to work on normal terms. I was signed off by the doctor with Repetitive Strain Injury as they advised full rest to aid recovery. I returned to work last week. I have replied and been honest about this. But now I'm concerned that this is going to have an impact - what do you think? Has anyone had any experience of this?

Last year we applied for a mortgage, with a different lender (didn't take it up in the end as our sale/purchase fell through), and we weren't asked any questions at all and were accepted in 1 week! Financial position now is the same as last year.

kingstreet

Some lenders ask more questions than others.

I've been asked if applicants have returned to work several times over the thirty-two years I've been doing this.

ElsieMonkey

kingstreet wrote: »

Some lenders ask more questions than others.

I've been asked if applicants have returned to work several times over the thirty-two years I've been doing this.

Thank you. So the information I have given isn't likely to be seen as a problem?

It feels horrible to be scrutinised so much! I've never had it before when applying for a mortgage, but I can understand why they ask.

westernpromise

I've no special knowledge in this area but it sounds to me like a tick-box in their approval process, because a history of sickness could point to later inability to repay. Even if trivial they don't know it's trivial without asking so they ask.

If it were your 50 grand and you were lending it to someone who had had time off work sick, would you want to know that whatever it was, was now all done and sorted? Probably.

Miss_Samantha

How is this unusual?

I think quite normal to enquire if anything suggests that an applicant might have a long-term illness that impacts her ability to work.
As long as they are satisfied that any health problem has been resolved and will not affect your job or income they should be no problem.

ElsieMonkey

Miss_Samantha wrote: »

How is this unusual?

I think quite normal to enquire if anything suggests that an applicant might have a long-term illness that impacts her ability to work.
As long as they are satisfied that any health problem has been resolved and will not affect your job or income they should be no problem.

I said unusual question mark. As I didn't know how to take it. I'd never been asked this before. I didn't wan to worry unnecessarily about it that's all. I feel bad enough as it is that I was signed off from work for a few weeks, I'm back now. I didn't want this to add more worry and stress and make me feel even more terrible about having hd the time off for the injury, if it's just a usual question and nothing for me to be concerned about.

Miss_Samantha

ElsieMonkey wrote: »

I'd never been asked this before.

Well, are you often applying for a mortgage soon after being on sick leave?

ElsieMonkey

Miss_Samantha wrote: »

Well, are you often applying for a mortgage soon after being on sick leave?

Blimey.

Thought these forums were about advice, support and sharing knowledge...

ElsieMonkey

The MSE Forum guide:

"Please be nice to all MoneySavers. That’s the forum motto. Remember, the prime aim is to help provide info and resources. If you don’t like someone, their situation, their question or feel they’re intruding on ‘your board’ then please bite the bullet and think of the bigger issue."

Miss_Samantha

Hmm, you've stated that you've never been asked that question before so a reasonable question for you is whether you have been in the same situation before.

It is not judgmental, and I fail to see how it is 'not nice'.

ElsieMonkey

Miss_Samantha wrote: »

Hmm, you've stated that you've never been asked that question before so a reasonable question for you is whether you have been in the same situation before.

It is not judgmental, and I fail to see how it is 'not nice'.

I'm not in the habit of being signed off sick or applying for mortgages regularly, no.

I thank you for your efforts but I do feel your tone is quite judgemental and questioning rather than adding value by answering the question posed.

Think I'll bow out of this thread. Thanks to those who gave sound advice and support.