How a self-employed plumber in Birmingham got a mortgage while still in an active IVA.
Mark, a 41-year-old self-employed plumber from Birmingham, entered an IVA in 2023 after his business hit serious cash flow problems during a difficult period. By 2025 his business had recovered strongly — he was earning £48,000 a year — and he wanted to buy a home rather than continue renting at £1,200 a month. His IVA had 18 months left to run. He'd been told by three different brokers that getting a mortgage during an active IVA was impossible. He found Darryl through a Google search at 11pm and sent a WhatsApp expecting the same answer.
Mortgages during active IVAs are genuinely difficult — but not impossible. The key hurdles are: getting the IVA supervisor's written consent, finding a lender willing to consider the application, and demonstrating that the mortgage payments won't breach the IVA arrangement. Mark's self-employed income added another layer of complexity — most specialist lenders want to see two years of accounts, and Mark's most recent year was significantly stronger than the previous one.
Darryl had seen this scenario before. He first contacted Mark's IVA supervisor directly to discuss the situation and establish whether supervisor consent was obtainable — it was, on the basis that the mortgage payments were lower than current rent. He then approached Loughborough Building Society, one of the very few lenders who will consider mortgage applications from applicants in active IVAs, using Mark's latest year's accounts to demonstrate income recovery. The case was presented with a full covering letter explaining the IVA circumstances.
Mortgage offer received in 8 weeks. Mark purchased a 3-bedroom semi in Solihull for £224,000 with a 20% deposit. Rate: 7.24% fixed for 2 years — higher than mainstream but far below what he expected. His monthly mortgage payment was £280 less than his rent.
"Three brokers told me it was impossible. Darryl was the first person who actually knew what they were talking about. He dealt with my IVA supervisor, explained everything to the lender and got it done. I own my home now."
— Mark B., BirminghamDarryl reviews every enquiry personally and responds within 2 hours. Free assessment — no credit search, no obligation.
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This case study is based on a real client scenario and has been anonymised to protect client privacy. Names, locations and some details have been changed. Outcomes shown are not guaranteed — mortgage approval depends on individual circumstances, lender criteria and affordability assessment. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Darryl Dhoffer is an appointed representative of Access Financial Services Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority — FCA No. 301173. Registered in England No. 04427489.