For solicitors
MCRs for solicitors: what to look for in a report
22 June 2026 · 4 min read
Not all Mortgage Capacity Reports are equal. Here are the markers of a report that will hold up in court.
1. Signed by a qualified adviser
The report should be signed by a CeMAP-qualified mortgage adviser at an FCA-authorised firm, with their reference number and firm details visible.
2. Whole-of-market lender panel
A report based on a single lender is rarely persuasive. Look for evidence the adviser has run the case across a meaningful panel — BrightMCR uses 55+ lenders via Mortgage Brain.
3. Clear assumptions
Income figures, term, dependants, debts and credit profile should all be set out so the other side and the judge can challenge or vary them.
4. Realistic monthly repayment
The report should show an indicative monthly payment at a current market rate, not just a headline loan figure.
5. Turnaround you can plan around
Instant online estimate at the point of order, signed PDF within one working day. £249 fixed fee, with a no-mortgage report option at £99 where appropriate.
Keep reading
- What is a Mortgage Capacity Report?
A Mortgage Capacity Report tells the court how much each party could realistically borrow on a residential mortgage. Here is what it includes and why it matters.
- How lenders calculate affordability in 2026
Most UK lenders combine an income-based cap with an affordability stress test and take the lower of the two. Here is how the main three differ.