When it comes to securing the best possible mortgage for our clients, having access to exclusive products, flexible lending criteria, and dedicated broker support can make all the difference. That’s where Santander for Intermediaries comes in, one of the UK’s leading lender platforms designed specifically for mortgage brokers. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what Santander for Intermediaries is, how it works, and, most importantly, how it can help clients like ours access better mortgage deals, smoother applications, and improved affordability assessments.
What Is Santander for Intermediaries?
Santander for Intermediaries is the dedicated broker and adviser arm of Santander UK, one of the UK’s largest mortgage lenders. The service provides mortgage intermediaries (like us at Oportfolio Mortgages) with access to Santander’s full range of residential, buy-to-let, and remortgage products, along with tools and guidance that aren’t directly available to the public.
Through Santander for Intermediaries, mortgage brokers can:
- Submit mortgage applications on behalf of clients
- Access exclusive products and rates not listed on public comparison sites
- Receive regular updates on Santander for Intermediaries criteria and affordability rules
- Manage client applications and product transfers efficiently
- Communicate directly with Santander’s broker support team
The service allows professional advisers to match clients with the most suitable Santander mortgages, often giving them a better outcome than if they approached the bank directly.
Why Santander for Intermediaries Matters to Our Clients
From the client’s perspective, Santander for Intermediaries provides a number of clear advantages, especially when compared to going directly to the bank as a customer. Let’s explore how this intermediary-specific approach benefits you.
1) Access to Exclusive Mortgage Products and Rates
Some mortgage deals are available only through Santander mortgage intermediaries. These exclusive products may offer lower interest rates, reduced arrangement fees, higher loan-to-value (LTV) limits for certain borrower profiles, and flexible criteria for self-employed or complex income applicants.
Because these products are reserved for brokers, our clients can often access deals that simply aren’t available through Santander’s public mortgage channels or the high street. This exclusivity is one of the biggest reasons why using a mortgage adviser can result in significant savings, both upfront and over the lifetime of the loan.
2) Improved Affordability Through Broker Guidance
Santander for Intermediaries affordability rules are updated regularly to reflect the economic environment and regulatory changes. These rules determine how much someone can borrow based on income, outgoings, and personal circumstances.
As mortgage experts, we understand exactly how Santander’s affordability model works, including how it treats:
- Basic salary versus variable income (such as bonuses or overtime)
- Self-employed income
- Rental income (for buy-to-let applications)
- Existing credit commitments
Because we work with Santander for Intermediaries daily, we know how to structure an application so it’s assessed fairly and favourably under their model. That often means our clients can borrow more, more affordably, or with greater flexibility than they might if applying without advice.
3) Faster and Smoother Applications
Santander’s intermediary portal is designed to make the application process as efficient as possible for both brokers and clients.
We can get instant Decision in Principle (DIP) results, upload documentation securely, track application progress in real time and communicate directly with underwriters
Because Santander for Intermediaries is streamlined for professional use, our applications are typically processed faster and with fewer errors than direct consumer submissions. This speed and efficiency can be crucial in competitive property markets, particularly in London and the South East, where acting quickly often makes the difference between securing a dream home or losing out.
4) Flexible Criteria for Modern Borrowers
Another key benefit is the range of Santander for Intermediaries criteria updates that help more borrowers qualify for mortgages.
For example, Santander has recently enhanced its approach to:
- Self-employed applicants, allowing income from multiple sources or company structures
- Remortgagers looking to consolidate debt or raise capital for home improvements
- Joint Borrower, Sole Proprietor (JBSP) mortgages, helping family members support each other’s property purchases
- New build buyers, with products specifically designed for developers’ timescales
These flexible policies reflect how people actually live and earn today, and working through an intermediary ensures your application is aligned perfectly with Santander’s lending appetite.
5) Seamless Product Transfers
If you already have a Santander mortgage and your fixed rate is ending, Santander for Intermediaries product transfer options make it easy to switch to a new deal, often without a full application or property revaluation.
As your broker, we can review your current Santander mortgage terms and compare all available product transfer deals. We can also advise whether staying with Santander or remortgaging elsewhere offers better value, and manage the transfer process on your behalf.
How Santander for Intermediaries Works With Oportfolio Mortgages
At Oportfolio Mortgages, we use Santander for Intermediaries as part of our daily lending panel. When you approach us for mortgage advice, we compare a range of lenders, including Santander, to identify the best deal for your circumstances.
Santander Mortgages for Intermediaries: Who They Suit Best
Santander is one of the most popular lenders among intermediaries for a reason, it offers a broad product range that caters to diverse borrower types, including:
- First-time buyers: competitive fixed and tracker rates, high LTV options
- Home movers: flexible affordability models and strong service levels
- Remortgagers: attractive product transfer deals and free valuations
- Buy-to-let investors: specialist lending products for individual and portfolio landlords
- Professionals with variable income: generous treatment of bonus, overtime, and commission
Santander for Intermediaries FAQs
Q: What is Santander for Intermediaries?
A: Santander for Intermediaries is Santander UK’s platform for mortgage brokers and financial advisers. It gives professionals access to Santander mortgage products, tools, and support to arrange mortgages for clients.
Q: Can I access Santander for Intermediaries directly as a customer?
A: No, it’s exclusively for registered mortgage brokers. Clients can’t apply through Santander for Intermediaries themselves, but brokers can submit and manage applications on their behalf.
Q: Does Santander offer better rates through intermediaries?
A: Sometimes, yes. Santander for Intermediaries often provides exclusive rates and criteria flexibility that aren’t available through direct channels, meaning clients working with a broker can access a wider choice of products.
Q: What is Santander for Intermediaries affordability?
A: It’s Santander’s internal model for assessing how much a borrower can afford to borrow. Mortgage intermediaries use this tool to calculate affordability based on salary, variable income, and outgoings, ensuring applications are realistic and compliant.
Q: Can my broker help with a Santander product transfer?
A: Yes. Brokers using Santander for Intermediaries can manage your product transfer, review your rate options, and help you switch to a new deal at the end of your fixed rate.
Looking for a Santander Mortgage Through an Intermediary?
At Oportfolio Mortgages, we’re authorised intermediaries with full access to Santander for Intermediaries. Our team can assess your affordability, match you with the best product, and handle every detail of your application from start to finish. Get in touch with us today to discuss your Santander mortgage options or book a free consultation with one of our experienced advisers.
