Is it common practice for a leading bank (Top Four) to refuse a mortgage and not give the reason why it was refused and then proceed to recommend a friend of theirs that is a mortgage broker who will without a doubt get the mortgage for you?
if the person who recommended their friend had any influence on the decision not to approve you , it is very suspicious. if not, they are probably just trying to do you a good turn.
ask him again if you were refused completely or if it was just the amount that was too high. if he wont tell you, go over his head and ask to speak to the branch manager. if that does not work, put in a FOI request.
Lenders don't have to give a reason for declining a loan but the fact that they've refused outright rather than offering a lower sum suggests to me a problem with your credit history. You can check this with the Irish Credit Bureau for €6.35 (I think).
The referral to a broker sounds very odd to me though. (Not using a broker but being referred directly by a lender).
No problem at all with credit history. Never missed a repayment on anything or had any debts registered. Current mortgage fully paid up and never any problems. Would have 20K on deposit with the bank in question.
FOI does not apply to banks, only Govt depts or state bodies. You could submit a data protection request which entitles you to a copy of any information referring to you held on computer.
It does sound slightly iffy - Try applying to another branch of the very same bank with the very same figures & see what happens.