Mortgage application and...landline

[bunny85]

Hi all

We are in the process of buying our first ever house and at the moment have got everything in place and waiting for the mortgage offer to come through. It has been agreed in principle (which Ive now realised doesn't not mean anything really). All the documents are in place, and the lenders are happy with them, however they've been taking their time to come back with the formal offer, and so we rang the broker to ask if all is well. So it turned out the lenders have been asking her repeatedly about our landline phone where we are now (we are renting and have got no landline, as we don't really need it!). Apparently it's important to them It'd be ridiculous to get our mortgage turned down because of the lack of the landline phone. Has anyone had any experience of this? What shall we do, go quickly get a landline installed, or would it not matter since it's not been there for a long period of time?

Thanks in advance.

[YelloDraw]

Can you give a work number?

[thatstoast]

Don't give a work number. Just confirm that you don't have a landline.

It's unlikely, if everything else is ok, that this will cause them to decline the application.

[bunny85]

Thanks Yellow, yes, we could. So it means it doesn't have to be our home landline? What is the reason for them to need it anyway, do you know?

[bunny85]

Thatstoast, I've already contacted them and gave the work number... Why not?

[Spam88]

We didn't give a landline number when we applied for our mortgage. It can't be uncommon these days for people not to have a landline...

[bunny85]

Spam, exactly, that's what I thought. I can't imagine why they'd need it on the first place.

[kirinm]

I tried to get a home improvement loan a couple of weeks ago online via Sainsburys. I haven't had an actual physical landline phone for years although I do have a phone line. I couldn't find my number anywhere and the website wouldn't let me proceed without it.

Ended up getting a better deal through my current bank but sainsburys weren't interested without a landline!

[NattyTile]

Because it's cheaper for them to ring than the mobile.

Because it implies stability and ability to pay bills etc. Old fashioned but mortgage companies can be.

Because it links you to the address you say you are living at.

Because the computer isn't set up for people who don't have one, so won't submit the form without it.

[bunny85]

I see now. So what would be the best course of action now? We've given them my husband's work landline. Or are we better off installing one at home? (Won't make much sense if we are to move house in a matter of weeks, but never mind!)

[thatstoast]

Sorry, to clarify:

It's fine to give a work number as long as you specify it is a work number. Don't give them any landline number in lieu of your home number as their checks will likely flag it up as not belonging to you.