How a Mixed-Use Mortgage Helped One Award-Winning Cattery Secure Its Future. Douglas’s Story

Running a successful cattery is about much more than providing boarding facilities for cats. It takes dedication, resilience, and a genuine love for animals. For Douglas and his wife, that passion has been at the heart of their business since they took over an established cattery on England’s South Coast in 2007.

Following Douglas’s retirement from the police force, the couple embraced a new challenge and purchased a cattery that had been serving local pet owners for more than 30 years. However, what first appeared to be a thriving business quickly revealed hidden challenges.

The cattery’s boarding pens were in a far worse condition than expected. Faced with a major refurbishment programme, Douglas and his wife rolled up their sleeves and invested years of hard work, determination, and care into transforming the business.

Their commitment paid off.

Through continuous improvements and a focus on exceptional customer service, they built a reputation for luxury pet boarding and outstanding animal care. At one stage, their efforts saw them voted the number one Cattery in their local area.

When Covid Threatened Everything

After years of building a successful business, the future looked secure. The couple were just three years away from paying off their mortgage and enjoying the rewards of their hard work. Then Covid struck.

Like many businesses within the pet boarding sector, bookings disappeared almost overnight. For Douglas and his wife, the impact was severe.

While many businesses experienced short-term disruption, they endured two years with no trade. Customers eventually returned, but the financial strain had taken its toll, and credit commitments had begun to accumulate.

Rather than give up on a business they had spent more than a decade building, the couple decided to explore refinancing options to protect the future of the Cattery.

Finding a Mortgage for a Cattery

Securing finance for a cattery or kennel business can often be challenging.

Many high street lenders struggle to accommodate businesses that combine residential accommodation with commercial operations, particularly when properties have unique features, multiple income streams, or complex valuations.

Fortunately, Douglas’s mortgage broker was determined to find a lender which takes the time to understand the full picture and discussed the case with us. 

As specialists in Mixed-Use Mortgages, Beverley Building Society understands that every situation is unique. Rather than relying solely on computer-generated decisions, applications are assessed by experienced underwriters who consider individual circumstances.

For Douglas, the difference was immediately noticeable.

“It was really easy to work with the Beverley’s mortgage team right from the start and the first thing that struck me was the ‘can do’ attitude,” said Douglas. “It meant the whole process was plain sailing – it was outrageously good!”

A Complex Property Requiring a Common-Sense Approach

The property itself presented several complexities.

Alongside the commercial pet boarding facilities, the site included a substantial residential home, a swimming pool and two building plots.

Valuing a property with such a unique blend of residential and commercial elements isn’t straightforward. However, Beverley Building Society appointed a valuer with the experience needed to assess the property properly.

Douglas was delighted with the outcome.

“It was the first time I’d received a valuation that matched what I envisaged – in fact it was exactly the same figure.”

The accurate valuation provided a solid foundation for the application and helped the couple move forward with confidence.

How a Beverley Mixed-Use Mortgage Helped

The couple’s circumstances aligned perfectly with Beverley Building Society’s Mixed-Use Mortgage, which is designed for properties that combine residential living accommodation with a business operation, requiring a minimum of 40% residential use, a maximum of 60% commercial use and owner occupation of the property.

By understanding how Douglas’s home and cattery worked together, Beverley Building Society was able to offer a lending solution tailored to his circumstances.

The application progressed smoothly, with consistent support from an experienced mortgage team throughout. In this case, the mortgage offer was issued within approximately four weeks.

Personal Service Made All the Difference

For Douglas, one of the biggest benefits was the personal approach. At a time when many borrowers feel frustrated by automated processes and inflexible lending criteria, Douglas appreciated being treated as an individual.

“To be honest, when it comes to service, I believe it’s about having the right attitude, and the Beverley has it in spades.

“I think many lenders could learn from you.”

An Answer to Their Prayers

The successful refinancing provided much-needed breathing space after an incredibly difficult period. Reflecting on the experience, Douglas couldn’t be more positive.

“After a difficult few years, the Beverley was like an answer to our prayers – I’m a major fan.

“Ultimately it was like taking off a heavy overcoat. There wasn’t that dreadful sense of ‘computer says no’ and I thought: thank goodness, finally common-sense reigns!

“I’d be happy to recommend Beverley Building Society to anyone who is looking for a mortgage.”

This case study reflects one customer’s individual circumstances. Outcomes and timescales vary.

Mixed-use mortgages are not suitable for everyone. Applications are assessed individually and depend on product availability, lending criteria, affordability, credit status, valuation, the property’s residential/commercial split and the borrower’s circumstances. 

Refinancing may increase the total amount payable over the mortgage term and customers should consider whether it is right for them.

All mortgage lending is subject to product availability, lending criteria, status, valuation, and affordability checks. Terms and conditions apply. 

Please remember, your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.