Second Charge lending service is the envy of the finance industry

14 May 2026

The second charge mortgage market continues to outperform expectations, with the latest Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) figures showing new business volumes increased by 20% year-on-year in March 2026. The figures, reported by The FLA this week, revealed that 4,129 new agreements were completed during the month, while the value of new business rose by 36% to £228m, further evidence that the sector’s growth shows little sign of slowing despite ongoing economic uncertainty and wider global pressures.

Much of the industry discussion surrounding this sustained growth has focused on borrowers remaining tied into historically low long-term fixed rates, homeowners choosing quick product transfers before later realising they still need to raise capital, and the growing use of second charge lending within Buy-to-Let and property investment strategies.

However, one of the biggest drivers behind the rise of the sector still does not receive enough attention: speed of service.

For years, bridging finance has been marketed as the fastest route to capital. In reality, the involvement of solicitors and legal processes on many cases means bridging often cannot compete with the speed now available within the second charge market. Remortgages remain heavily process-driven and largely outside of broker control once submitted, with lenders dictating timelines, valuations, underwriting queues and third-party requirements. Even product transfers, while relatively quick, are limited to like-for-like borrowing and lack the flexibility many customers now require.

The second charge sector has quietly changed the game.

Advancements in lender technology, automated underwriting, AVMs, integrated broker systems and streamlined processes mean experienced second charge brokers can now deliver funding in a matter of days — and increasingly, within 24 hours.

Loans Warehouse recently demonstrated exactly that in partnership with Admiral Money, completing a £190,000 secured loan in less than 6 hours from submission to lender to funds released. The application was submitted to the lender at before 9pm on 30th April 2026, with the case fully completed by 3.06pm that day.

The case involved debt consolidation and capital raising for a family wedding, with the Loans Warehouse team working closely alongside Admiral Money to proactively manage outstanding requirements, ID verification, underwriting queries and customer communication throughout the process.

Mike Walters, Commercial Director of Admiral Money added:

‘Technology is undoubtedly a key enabler and essential for ensuring the market continues to move forward. When great technology is supported by experienced firms such as Loans Warehouse, who truly understand our processes and requirements, results such as this are unsurprising. It’s a fantastic achievement and a clear demonstration of what’s possible, delivering a positive outcome for everyone across the value chain’.

Matt Tristram, co-founder of Loans Warehouse, commented:

“Consumers increasingly expect financial solutions to move at the speed the rest of their lives now operate. The second charge market has evolved dramatically over recent years and now offers a level of speed, flexibility and control that no other lending sector can consistently replicate.

“Brokers are no longer viewing second charges as an alternative solution, they are increasingly the first choice when customers need to raise capital quickly without disturbing their existing mortgage arrangements. For service and turnaround times, the wider finance industry is now looking at second charges as the benchmark rather than the backup option.”