- Client: Claire, London
- Income: £88,000 per year
- Challenge: £70,000 of unsecured debt and the need to remortgage at 85% LTV
The Challenge
Claire was earning a strong income of £88,000 per year, but had built up a significant amount of unsecured debt — around £50,000 on credit cards and £20,000 in loans. Much of this had come from helping to put her two children through university, alongside the rising cost of living.
Despite keeping on top of her payments, the debts were expensive, with credit card rates reaching nearly 30% APR. Her debt-to-income ratio was around 80%, and with an 85% loan-to-value (LTV) remortgage needed to consolidate, several lenders turned her away.
Even though Claire had a good credit score, the high level of debt combined with the LTV requirement meant her options were severely limited. Other brokers told her it wasn’t possible.
The Solution
At Strive Mortgages, we looked beyond the surface numbers. Claire had a solid income, good repayment history, and a clear goal: to consolidate her debts and reduce her monthly outgoings.
We identified a lender willing to:
- Offer a mortgage at 85% LTV, despite her debt position.
- Consolidate all £70,000 of debt into the mortgage.
- Spread the borrowing over a longer term to bring down monthly payments.
The Result
By restructuring Claire’s finances, we were able to:
- Clear her £70,000 unsecured debt.
- Reduce her monthly outgoings by around £1,100 per month.
- Secure an affordable mortgage deal at 85% LTV.
Claire now plans to overpay on her mortgage whenever possible, using the breathing space created by the reduced payments to become debt-free faster.
In Claire’s Words
“I felt like I was drowning. Even with a good income, I couldn’t see a way out with the high credit card rates. Other brokers told me it wasn’t possible, but Strive found a solution that gave me back control. I can finally breathe again.”
Summary
Claire’s case shows that even with a strong income, unsecured debt can feel overwhelming — and not every lender will take a fair view. By working with Strive Mortgages, she was able to consolidate, reduce her monthly payments, and set a clear path toward financial freedom.
👉 If you’re juggling high-interest debts and want to see how your mortgage could help, speak to Strive Mortgages today.
Learn More About Debt Consolidation Mortgages
At Strive, we specialise in helping clients restructure their finances and unlock smarter ways to manage debt. If Claire’s story resonates with you, you might find these guides useful:
These resources cover how different lenders approach debt consolidation, what criteria you’ll need to meet, and how a specialist broker can help you find the most suitable deal.
