Frequently Asked Questions

Hillview Finance is a North West-based finance broker authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We specialise in secured loans for homeowners, helping clients find the right funding for a wide range of purposes including debt consolidation, home improvements, and more.
Our team of qualified advisors works with a panel of trusted lenders to find the most suitable loan for your individual circumstances, presenting your options clearly and guiding you through every step of the process.

Yes. Hillview Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means we are held to strict standards of conduct and you are protected throughout any interaction with us. You can verify our registration on the FCA register.

We are a broker, which means we receive a commission from the lender if and when your loan completes. This is standard practice in the industry and is fully disclosed as part of our process. We do not charge any upfront fees, and you pay nothing to us until your loan successfully completes.

We move as quickly as you need us to. Many clients receive an initial decision within hours of submitting their application, and some completions have been processed in just a few days from start to finish.

Once you apply, your dedicated advisor will be in touch promptly to discuss your options. From that point, the speed largely depends on how quickly information can be gathered and the lender’s individual timescales. We will always keep you updated at every stage.

A secured loan is a loan that is secured against your property. This means the lender uses your home as collateral, which reduces their risk and typically allows them to offer larger loan amounts and more competitive rates than unsecured alternatives.

Secured loans are also known as homeowner loans or second-charge mortgages. They sit alongside your existing mortgage rather than replacing it, so you do not need to remortgage to access this type of borrowing.

A personal loan is unsecured, meaning it is not tied to any asset. Lenders typically cap personal loans at around £25,000 and charge higher interest rates because they take on more risk.
A secured loan uses your property as security, which allows lenders to offer significantly larger amounts (from £10,000 up to £1 million with Hillview Finance) and often at more competitive rates, particularly for larger borrowing or where credit history is complex.

Secured loans can be used for almost any legitimate purpose, including debt consolidation, home improvements, property purchase, business funding, vehicle or caravan purchase, weddings, holidays, and major purchases. If you have a specific purpose in mind, your advisor will let you know whether it qualifies.

It is important to understand that because the loan is secured against your property, your home could be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments. This is why your Hillview Finance advisor will always carry out a thorough fact-find before recommending any product, to make sure the loan is genuinely affordable and suitable for your circumstances.

Simply complete our short online eligibility form. It takes a few minutes and will not affect your credit score. Once submitted, a dedicated Hillview Finance advisor will be in touch to discuss your situation, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps.

Speed is something we take seriously. Many clients receive an initial decision within hours of applying, and some cases have completed in just a few days. For more complex applications, timescales can vary depending on the lender and the information required.
Your advisor will always give you an honest indication of timescales upfront and will keep you updated throughout. We work as quickly as the process allows and will never leave you wondering where things stand.

No. Our initial eligibility check uses a soft credit search, which is only visible to you and has no impact on your credit score. A full credit check is only carried out by the lender if you choose to proceed with a formal application.

Requirements vary between lenders but typically include proof of identity (passport or driving licence), proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), proof of income (payslips or bank statements), and details of any existing mortgage or debts. Your advisor will tell you exactly what is needed for your specific application so there are no surprises.

Yes. Once you apply, you will be assigned a single dedicated advisor who will handle your case from start to finish. They are available via phone and email so you can always reach them in whatever way is most convenient. You will never be passed around or have to repeat yourself.

No. Hillview Finance does not charge any upfront fees. You will not pay us anything until your loan successfully completes. This means you can explore your options, receive advice, and go through the application process with no financial commitment on your part.

Some lenders charge arrangement fees, valuation fees, or early repayment charges. These vary between lenders and products, and your advisor will explain all costs clearly before you commit to anything. We believe in full transparency so there are no hidden surprises.

We arrange secured loans from £10,000 up to £1 million. The amount you can borrow and the rate you are offered depend on the equity in your property, your credit history, income, and the lender’s individual criteria.

Your advisor will search our full lender panel to find the most competitive option available to you, and will present your options clearly before you make any decision.

Most forms of consumer debt can be consolidated, including credit cards, personal loans, store cards, overdrafts, car finance, payday loans, catalogue debts, and HMRC debts. If you are unsure whether a specific debt qualifies, call us on 0161 359 8771 and we will let you know straight away.

Consolidation can significantly reduce your monthly outgoings by replacing multiple high-interest payments with a single lower rate. However, spreading your debts over a longer term may mean you pay more in total interest over the life of the loan.

Your advisor will always show you the full picture, including the total cost of borrowing, before you commit to anything. The goal is to make sure any recommendation is genuinely in your best interests.

Once your loan completes, funds are released and your existing debts can be cleared immediately. Given that some of our clients have completed within just a few days of first applying, the relief you are looking for could be closer than you think.

Yes. We work with lenders who specialise in complex credit situations, including missed payments, defaults, CCJs, and IVAs. We consider every application on its own merits and will always be upfront about what options are available to you.

No. You can apply for funding before planning permission is in place. That said, having plans, quotes, or planning approval ready will help demonstrate the viability of your project and can speed up the lender’s decision.

Yes. Many of our clients use a single secured loan to fund several improvements at once, for example a kitchen renovation and a loft conversion combined. This is often more cost-effective than taking out separate loans for each project.

No. A secured home improvement loan sits alongside your existing mortgage as a separate agreement. You do not need to remortgage, and your current mortgage rate and terms remain unchanged. This makes it an attractive option for homeowners who are locked into a fixed rate or do not want to disturb their existing arrangement.

We work as quickly as possible and many clients receive decisions within hours. Some cases have completed in just a few days, meaning your project could get underway sooner than you might expect. Timescales depend on the lender and the complexity of your application, but your advisor will always be honest about what to expect and will chase things on your behalf.