Beverley Building Society has published details of a specialist mixed‑use mortgage after helping the owners of a luxury cattery refinance a property that combines a family home, commercial cattery facilities, a swimming pool and two building plots.
Local lender says personal underwriting makes the difference
The society said it took a hands‑on approach to the case, carrying out a detailed assessment rather than relying solely on automated underwriting systems. The refinancing package was designed to protect both the family residence and the ongoing business, the lender said, in a sector where mainstream lenders can be wary of properties with combined residential and commercial uses.
In describing his experience, the cattery owner, named in the society’s statement as Douglas, said the mortgage process was straightforward and contrasted it with experiences people sometimes have with larger lenders. He told the society:
“It was really easy to work with Beverley’s mortgage team right from the start and the first thing that struck me was the ‘can do’ attitude… There wasn’t that dreadful sense of ‘computer says no’… finally common‑sense reigns.”
In its publicity, Beverley Building Society said the case typifies the mixed‑use lending scenarios it is targeting through the specialist proposition, particularly where standard high‑street products may be unsuitable.
Product details and eligibility
The society has set out headline terms for the mixed‑use mortgage that will be of interest to owner‑occupiers running small businesses from their homes. Key features published by Beverley include:
- Lending of up to 75% loan‑to‑value (LTV) on a capital and interest basis.
- Up to 65% LTV on an interest‑only basis, where applicable.
- A maximum loan size of £750,000.
- Properties must remain at least 40% the applicant’s main residence to qualify.
The society gave examples of eligible property types aimed at those who operate small enterprises from home. These include kennels, catteries, equestrian centres, cafés, tea rooms and hairdressers, provided the main‑residence condition is met.
| Feature | Headline term |
|---|---|
| Maximum LTV (capital & interest) | 75% |
| Maximum LTV (interest‑only) | 65% |
| Maximum loan | £750,000 |
| Main residence requirement | At least 40% retained as main home |
Why it matters locally
Many small business owners who run operations from home – such as those in the rural and suburban parts of Yorkshire and the Humber – face difficulty refinancing or obtaining purchase finance because their properties are perceived as commercially risky. Beverley Building Society’s proposition is aimed at filling that gap by assessing each case on its facts rather than declining applications on the basis of automated criteria alone.
In its statement, the society’s head of new business, Stu Bryce, underlined that many kennel and cattery owners have invested years building successful businesses from their homes and can struggle to find suitable mortgage finance because of the mixed‑use nature of their properties. He said the society takes time to understand each case and combines personal underwriting with what it described as a common‑sense approach to affordability.
For homeowners and small business operators in Beverley and the surrounding area, the product offers an alternative route to funding where conventional lenders might decline or offer less favourable terms. As local planning and land‑use patterns continue to evolve, the availability of tailored mortgage solutions could influence decisions about extending businesses, selling, or releasing capital from properties that serve both domestic and commercial roles.
Prospective borrowers should note that the society’s published terms are indicative. Applications are subject to eligibility checks and underwriting in line with the society’s lending criteria.
