Mortgage House

Office address: Level 34/101 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060 
Website: mortgagehouse.com.au 
Year established: 1986 
Company type: financial services  
Employees: 80+ 
Expertise: non-bank home loan lending, first home buyer loans, refinancing home loans, investment property loans, low doc loans, SMSF property loans, relocation and bridging loans, renovation loans, customer service excellence, digital loan tools 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Ken Sayer (CEO and founder); Sarah Roberts (managing director); Sean Bombell (general manager); Ed Freilikh, Chad Houssenloge and Warren Stafford (department heads); Brijesh Mehta (manager) 
Financing status: N/A 

Mortgage House is an award-winning non-bank lender based in North Sydney, serving Australians since 1986. The company offers a broad range of home loan products, focusing on customer service, digital innovation and flexible lending for all types of borrowers. The firm is independent, award-winning and known for its commitment to making home loans simple and accessible. 

History of Mortgage House 

Mortgage House was founded by Ken Sayer in 1986 as a mortgage management firm, starting out as a broker. In 1998, the company entered a new phase under Ken’s leadership. It drove rapid growth and investment in technology, such as a Telstra frame relay in 1998, a business phone system in 1999.  

They also launched a complete online loan platform in 2001. From 1999 to 2004, Mortgage House saw over 300% growth each year which cemented its place as a fast-growing non-bank lender. 

In 2007, Mortgage House made the transition from broking to lending. But during the global financial crisis, it shifted focus to developing its technology as a unique selling point. By 2011, the company ramped up its technology development to meet new business goals. 

In 2019, it prepared to launch a digital broking assistant with white label capabilities. Over the years, Mortgage House has continued to invest in digital innovation and a solutions-based approach. It continues to deliver better outcomes for prime customers and help brokers streamline their work with advanced digital tools. 

Mortgage House products and services 

Mortgage House offers a broad selection of home loan products designed to match different needs and situations. Clients can choose from a range of options, each with features to suit their financial goals: 

  • fixed rate loans: set interest rate for a fixed period 
  • variable rate loans: interest rate changes with the market 
  • offset accounts: link savings to reduce loan interest 
  • portable loans: move your loan to a new property 
  • split home loans: combine fixed and variable rates 
  • interest only loans: pay only interest for a set time 
  • line of credit: access funds up to a set limit 
  • low doc loans: for self-employed or those with limited paperwork 
  • construction loans: finance for building a new home 
  • bridging loans: short-term loan to buy before selling 

Mortgage House aims to make the home loan process smooth and accessible for every client. It offers flexible features like: 

  • BPAY 
  • loan splitting  
  • offset accounts 

The company also provides online applications and no monthly fees. Lending specialists support customers from application to settlement, which helps them find the best low-rate option for their needs. 

Company culture and values 

Mortgage House values a friendly workplace where management is approachable and staff can build lasting connections. The company celebrates achievements with: 

  • monthly success events 
  • customer feedback awards 
  • annual recognition program 

Staff are encouraged to share ideas and help drive ongoing improvements. Employees can build their skills and experience through a formal Performance Development Program. The company supports career growth, with opportunities for advancement and a focus on individual capability. Flexible work options and open communication help everyone stay engaged and balanced. 

About CEO Ken Sayer and key people 

Ken Sayer is the CEO and founder of Mortgage House and also leads Mortgage Street, a fintech non-bank lender. He brings over 40 years of experience in currency trading, commercial leasing and mortgage lending. Sayer’s goal is to reshape home lending and help Australians access smarter financial choices. 

Mortgage House is guided by a skilled team of leaders with deep industry backgrounds: 

  • Sarah Roberts leads as managing director, known for transforming organisations across Australia, SEA and the US 

  • Sean Bombell serves as GM, who launched and grew the wholesale funding program over 18 years 

  • Ed Freilikh heads finance and capital markets, who directs treasury strategy and market risk functions 

  • Chad Houssenloge is head of credit, overseeing credit operations and executive business planning advice 

  • Warren Stafford leads lending distribution, bringing 15 years’ UK and Australian mortgage industry experience 

  • Brijesh Mehta manages third-party channel and heads distribution for Well Nigh, Mortgage House’s subsidiary 

The leadership team’s expertise supports Mortgage House’s growth and standing in the industry. Their direction has helped the company achieve over 120 business and industry awards for excellence. 

The future at Mortgage House 

In 2023, Mortgage House sought to grow its branch network by welcoming new franchise partners across Australia. This helped more clients access flexible lending options, especially those turned away by banks. The company’s support and broad product range continue to drive growth and better service for customers. 

And another one of the company’s key activities is using their mascot ‘Mr. House’ to guide and educate customers on loan options. Mr. House explains products like relocation loans, bridging loans and SMSF loans in simple terms. This focus on clear communication and support will help Mortgage House build stronger relationships and stay ahead in a changing market. 

Non-banks head to Canberra over loan funding

Smaller lenders argue for a piece of the $200 billion pie

Non-banks "getting slaughtered"

Lenders push to get level playing field with big banks

Banks cut interest-only rates

Banks large and small, including CBA and St George, have joined the bandwagon

Trailing off...?

Trail commission has always set the Australian mortgage industry apart from its overseas counterparts, but some question its future role in the market. Andrea Lavigne investigates...

Survival of the fittest

A rapidly shrinking mortgage management sector has forced remaining players to get stronger, leaner and wiser. MPA's Andrea Lavigne talks to some of the industry's well-known survivors.