Commercial underwriter

Brooke Harrison Recruitment; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment firm specializing in financial services is seeking a detail-oriented Commercial Underwriter for their Buy-to-Let team. The role involves assessing and underwriting mortgage applications, ensuring deals align with credit risk and regulatory standards. Candidates should have proven underwriting experience, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail. The position offers a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary & discretionary bonus

Pension & benefits package

Career development support and training

Collaborative and supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mortgage underwriting, ideally within the BTL or commercial property sector.
• Strong understanding of credit risk, income assessment, and property valuations.
• Familiarity with PRA rules for BTL lending and portfolio landlord assessments.

Responsibilities

• Assess and underwrite Buy-to-Let mortgage applications in line with company credit policy.
• Evaluate borrower creditworthiness and overall deal viability.
• Identify and investigate potential risks, fraud indicators, or policy exceptions.

Skills

Mortgage underwriting

Credit risk assessment

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Education

CeMAP or equivalent industry qualification

Job description

We are seeking a detail‑oriented and commercially minded Commercial Underwriter to join our growing Buy-to-Let team. In this role, you will be responsible for assessing, underwriting, and making credit decisions on a range of BTL mortgage applications, including individual and portfolio landlords. This is a critical role within our lending operation, ensuring each deal aligns with our credit risk appetite and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and underwrite Buy-to-Let mortgage applications in line with company credit policy and risk appetite.
• Evaluate borrower creditworthiness, rental income sufficiency, and overall deal viability.
• Review property valuations and ensure properties meet lending criteria (e.g., condition, location, type, tenant profile).
• Apply appropriate stress testing and affordability checks in line with PRA and internal guidelines.
• Identify and investigate potential risks, fraud indicators, or policy exceptions.
• Work closely with brokers, BDMs (Business Development Managers), surveyors, solicitors, and internal teams to progress applications efficiently.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure all decisions are clearly documented.
• Escalate cases exceeding individual mandate or involving complex risk to the Credit Committee.
• Keep up to date with changes in lending policy, regulation, and the BTL market landscape.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in mortgage underwriting, ideally within the BTL or commercial property sector.
• Strong understanding of credit risk, income assessment (including rental income), and property valuations.
• Familiarity with PRA rules for BTL lending and portfolio landlord assessments.
• Ability to work independently and make sound credit decisions within mandate.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.

Preferred Qualifications

• CeMAP or equivalent industry qualification (preferred but not essential).
• Prior experience underwriting complex or portfolio BTL applications.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & discretionary bonus
• Pension & benefits package
• Career development support and training
• Collaborative and supportive team environment