Official guidance to check alongside this comparison: FCA: checking authorisation, permissions and firm identity
How to use this comparison
The entries below were selected because their official pages describe a service relevant to this guide. They are listed alphabetically, with sources for scope and coverage. This is a starting point for provider research, not a performance ranking or an exhaustive market list. Fees and availability must be confirmed directly.
Pearl Lemon Properties publishes this guide and offers the acquisition services linked below. We have a commercial interest in enquiries. The provider list does not imply a partnership or endorsement.
Provider services at a glance
Compare the role and coverage first, then check fees and exclusions in the provider details below. On a small screen, swipe the table sideways.
| Provider | Role | Published scope | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Trust | Landlord and specialist property mortgage intermediary | Advertises HMO mortgage brokerage alongside specialist landlord finance | UK property finance enquiries; confirm case and location restrictions |
| WeFinance HMOs | Specialist HMO finance brokerage | Advertises HMO purchase, remortgage, portfolio and conversion finance services | UK HMO finance enquiries; confirm property location and case eligibility |
What to check with each provider
Commercial Trust
Commercial Trust publishes an HMO mortgage service and broker-fee information. Its site distinguishes the firm's regulatory status from the advice it describes as not FCA regulated. Ask how the actual proposed transaction and service are classified; do not infer consumer protections from a company name or registration alone.
Ask before instructing: What regulatory status and protections apply to this specific appointment and mortgage?
Fees: Confirm directly against the published fee terms: request booking and completion fees, triggers, VAT where applicable and charges if an accepted offer is not taken up.
WeFinance HMOs
The website separates purchase, refinance and project-finance routes and identifies WeFinance HMOs as a Roxton Wealth brand. Ask for the contracting firm's identity, applicable permissions and the named adviser. Its advertised case types do not establish that your borrowing will be accepted.
Ask before instructing: Which firm will advise me and which lender access and case restrictions apply?
Fees: Confirm directly: request current fees, VAT, exclusions, third-party charges and payment terms in writing.
Prepare a factual case brief before comparing rates
Tell the broker whether you are purchasing, refinancing or assessing works finance. Provide the property type, location, intended use, current documents, ownership structure and available funding information through a suitable secure process. Let the broker specify what evidence it needs; do not send sensitive financial records to an unverified contact.
Ask which facts may change the proposed route and what remains unconfirmed. Separate property appraisal, lender valuation and borrower assessment. Your solicitor and other advisers should address their own transaction questions. Do not commit to a purchase solely on an informal finance indication.
- Which documents are needed to assess my case?
- Is the proposed product appropriate for the actual use?
- What needs verification before I rely on an indicative figure?
Check the firm, service and lender access
Use the FCA's official checks to investigate the firm's identity and permissions relevant to the offered service, and use verified contact details. Ask whether the adviser acts through an appointed representative or another contracting entity. This guide has not independently verified either provider's register record or your transaction's regulatory classification.
Ask the broker to explain its lender access, exclusions and fee or commission arrangements. A broad market-access claim does not guarantee every lender or product is considered. Confirm who provides the advice and what written explanation you receive, including limitations and any relevant protection.
- Who is the contracting firm and named adviser?
- What products or lenders are excluded from the search?
- How are remuneration and applicable protections explained?
Compare total costs and conditions with the broker
Request a case-specific written breakdown of broker charges, lender charges, valuation and legal costs. Identify when payments become due and which remain payable if the transaction does not complete. Compare illustrations on a consistent basis with professional advice, not just the displayed interest rate.
Ask the adviser to explain product conditions, changes to indicative terms, any early-repayment charges and the evidence needed for an offer. If temporary finance is discussed, obtain professional assessment of the proposed exit and its risks. Pearl Lemon does not recommend a mortgage, promise approval or provide regulated mortgage advice.
- What is an estimate and what is contractually confirmed?
- Which conditions must be met before funds can be released?
- What happens if timing or the intended finance route changes?
Acquisition support from Pearl Lemon Properties
Share only your broad acquisition criteria and funding readiness. Mortgage-only enquiries should go directly to a suitable broker; do not send financial documents through this acquisition form.
- HMO acquisition support
Discuss a buying brief with Pearl Lemon; appoint management, construction, compliance and finance professionals separately.
Looking for an HMO to buy, rather than mortgage advice?
Share only your broad acquisition criteria and funding readiness. Mortgage-only enquiries should go directly to a suitable broker; do not send financial documents through this acquisition form.
Property acquisition support only; not management, building work or regulated financial advice.