good thought Ian.

As I said, he can take out the 20% using another borrower 'in name only' (assuming that the third party is wanting their 20% share). A btl can be done if he can get someone to be a tennant (on paper) and he serves himself as a lodger.

like we have all concluded it will depend on how exactly the situation is laid out. however a broker (as you say) should be able to resolve the matter