Frequently asked questions

A mortgage broker or adviser is a qualified professional who helps you find the most suitable mortgage based on your circumstances. They get to know you, your goals and current situation. They compare lenders, explain your options clearly, and guide you through the entire process - from applying to completion.

A broker can access a wider range of mortgage deals, including ones not available directly to the public. They save you time, help with paperwork, improve your chances of approval, and ensure you're matched with the right lender for your situation.

We’re known for clear, friendly advice tailored to each customer. We support first-time buyers, home movers, investors and everyone in between – and we’ll be with you every step of the way, not just until you get your mortgage but well beyond completion too.

Yes! You’re always welcome to pop in and speak to us. If you'd like to guarantee a time with an adviser, just give us a call or book an appointment ahead of time. We also have monthly drop ins where you can just pop by the office - learn more here.

Our core hours are typically 8:45 am - 6pm, Monday to Friday, but we can offer flexible appointments outside these hours to suit your schedule.

We don’t offer booked appointments at the weekend, but if you call the office during our usual hours, someone will be available to take your call and help where possible.

You can call, email, or message us through our website or social media. We’ll match you with the right adviser based on your needs and get back to you quickly. If you know the adviser you’d like to book in with, head over to our ‘Meat the Team’ page and click the brokers profile to book into their diary.

We’re based in Milton Keynes, but we work with clients across the UK. We offer both face-to-face appointments at our office and online/phone appointments for your convenience.

Not at all. We’re happy to help whether you’re a brand new client or have used us before. Even if you’re just starting to think about your options, we’re here to offer support and advice.

Our consultations and advice is completely free, we only charge at the point of a full mortgage application should you wish to proceed. Your final fee will be agreed before a Decision in Principle. While fees can be up to 1.5% of the loan amount, a typical fee is £495 for residential purchases and £595 for buy-to-let.

The clinic is a relaxed walk-in format, so you can drop in anytime between 5pm and 7pm. We run the clinic on the first Thursday of every month. You don’t need to book, but if you’d like to register your interest in advance, you can do so via [this link] to help us plan - totally optional.

You can get general mortgage advice, ask questions about your situation, and get a clearer idea of your options - whether you're buying, remortgaging, exploring buy-to-let investment, or just starting to plan.

The clinic is open to everyone - not just first-time buyers. Home movers, remortgagers, landlords, or anyone with mortgage questions are welcome.

Clinics are held on the first Thursday of every month at our office in Milton Keynes, between 5pm and 7pm. Keep an eye on our socials or website for updates.

Most drop-in chats last around 15 - 30 minutes, but it depends on how complex your questions are. If more time is needed, we can always arrange a follow-up appointment.

Yes, absolutely. We cover all mortgage types during the clinic - including remortgages, buy-to-let, and shared ownership.

Yes - we can usually give you an initial idea of what you might be able to borrow and your eligibility, based on a quick look at your details.

You don’t need to bring any documents. It just helps if you have a rough idea of your income, outgoings, and general financial situation so we can give you more tailored guidance.

No - it’s completely free. There’s no charge and no obligation. It’s just a helpful, informal way to get answers and guidance.

Yes - you’re always welcome to come back. If your circumstances change or you have more questions later, feel free to drop in again.

Most first-time buyers will need a deposit of at least 5% of the property's purchase price. However, putting down a larger deposit (10–20% or more) can give you access to better mortgage rates and reduce your monthly repayments. If you're currently renting, some lenders even offer zero deposit options based on your rental history. There are many deposit options and these are always growing and changing - head over to our deposit section to read more.

A deposit is the money you put towards the purchase of your home. Some will be mortgage , some will be deposit equalling the price you agreed to buy for. You’ll need to evidence to your solicitor where the funds have come from and they will need to be sent to the solicitor for completion.

Yes! There are a few government schemes available to support first-time buyers:

• Lifetime ISA (LISA): Save up to £4,000 a year and get a 25% bonus from the government.
• First Homes Scheme: Buy a new-build home at a discount (minimum 30%) if you’re eligible.
• Shared Ownership and Help to Buy (Wales): Also offer alternative routes to home ownership.

Freehold means you own the property and the land it sits on outright. Leasehold means you own the property for a set period (e.g. 99 or 999 years), but not the land - usually common with flats. You may also pay ground rent or service charges.

1. Speak to a mortgage broker or lender to assess affordability
2. Get an Agreement in Principle (AIP)
3. Find a property and make an offer
4. Apply for your full mortgage
5. Complete valuations and legal work
6. Exchange contracts and complete – the home is yours!

1. Legal fees: Usually around £1500 - £2000 plus searches and VAT

2. Stamp Duty (for first-time buyers):

£0 on the first £300,000

5% on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000

If the property costs more than £500,000, you won’t qualify for relief

3. Mortgage arrangement fees: Often £0–£999, sometimes added to the loan (this will incur interest)

4. Survey/valuation fees: £250–£800 depending on the level - some are free of charge

5. Moving costs, home insurance, broadband, furniture etc.

Check and improve your credit score, pay down debts, avoid taking on new credit, get some funds together, gather proof of income and spending habits, and speak to a mortgage adviser for lender-specific guidance.

These all mean the same thing: Agreement in Principle, Decision in Principle, or Mortgage in Principle. It’s a document from a lender showing how much they might be willing to lend you, based on a credit check (this could be hard or soft depending on the lender). It’s useful when house-hunting and making offers. Get you free credit report here.

Yes, most lenders accept gifted deposits, usually from close family. The person gifting the money must declare it’s a gift (not a loan) and confirm they have no legal claim to the property.

Get mortgage-ready early, use a broker, have your documents ready, get an AIP before viewing properties, act quickly when you find the right home, and use a recommended solicitor to avoid delays.

A credit file (or credit report) shows your financial history - like credit cards, loans, and payment habits. Lenders use it to assess your reliability. You can check your file for free through agencies like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.

Yes, some lenders accept buyers with poor or limited credit histories, though interest rates may be higher. A broker can help find lenders who specialise in this. Read more here

Yes – many first-time buyers rent. You’ll need to show you can afford mortgage repayments and have a deposit. Your rental history can sometimes help support your mortgage application.

Yes, as long as you meet the affordability checks, have a deposit, and the necessary documents, you can buy a home solo. Many lenders support individual applications.

Affordability is how much you can borrow based on your income, outgoings, credit, and debts. Most lenders offer around 4 to 5.5 times your annual income, depending on your situation.

It typically takes 2 to 4  weeks from when your offer is accepted to completion, though it can be quicker or slower depending on legal work, mortgage approval, and whether there’s a chain.

Shared ownership allows you to buy a share of a property (usually between 10% and 40%) and pay rent on the remaining share, making it easier to get on the property ladder with a smaller deposit.

A deposit is usually required on the share you’re buying, but it’s typically much lower than when buying outright. However, you could qualify for a 0 deposit option if the housing association approves 100% lending. 

Yes, you can buy additional shares in the property over time through a process called staircasing, potentially up to 100%, meaning you fully own the home eventually and won’t pay rent - you’ll become the free holder.

Yes, as the owner of your share, you are responsible for maintenance and repairs to the property, though you still pay rent on the part you don’t own.

Yes, you can sell your share, but there may be conditions such as offering it back to the housing association or following specific resale procedures. Normally between 2.75 & 4.6

Rent is typically calculated as a percentage of the value (usually between 2.75 & 4.6%) of the share you don’t own, often set by the housing association managing the property.

Eligibility usually includes first-time buyers (individuals who aren’t on an existing mortgage on completion)  or those who can’t afford to buy a home outright, with income limits (80K out of London, 90K in London)  and other criteria set by local housing associations.

Yes, you can remortgage your share, but the mortgage must be agreed with your housing association or the leaseholder managing the shared ownership.

Pros include lower deposit and mortgage requirements and a pathway to full ownership. 

Cons include paying rent on the unowned share, potential restrictions on selling, and responsibility for maintenance.

You can buy shared ownership either alone or jointly with someone else, subject to eligibility and mortgage lender criteria.

Most lenders allow you to port your mortgage, which means taking your current deal with you to a new property. However, you'll still need to go through a full application and affordability check.

Not always. If your lender allows porting, you might be able to move your current mortgage over. But if you're borrowing more or your circumstances have changed, a new mortgage might be required.

Possibly, if your mortgage is portable. But you’ll need to reapply and meet the lender’s criteria. If not, or if the deal no longer suits you, we can help you look at new options across the market.

If you're still within a fixed or discounted period, an ERC may apply. However, if you port your mortgage successfully, you may avoid the charge, depending on how your lender structures it.

Timing is key when selling and buying at the same time. We’ll guide you through lining everything up - from mortgage offers to completion dates. It’s common to link both transactions in a chain, but some lenders don’t require a simultaneous port, so the process can depend on your lender. Flexibility and good communication are essential.

Yes, you can use any excess sale proceeds to pay off debts, or potentially raise extra funds as part of your new mortgage - depending on affordability and lender criteria.

If you're upsizing, you may need to borrow more  and prove you can afford the larger repayments. If you're downsizing, you might need a smaller mortgage or none at all. Either way, we’ll help you structure the right deal.

Yes, but you’ll need to check whether your mortgage is portable. If not, or if porting isn’t suitable, you might face early repayment charges. We’ll help assess your options and whether moving now makes financial sense.

Using the same solicitor can help streamline the process and reduce costs. It also makes it easier to coordinate paperwork and timelines between the two transactions.

This depends on your income, outgoings, and the equity in your current home. We can do a full affordability assessment and show you your borrowing power and monthly payment options.

You can usually start the remortgage process about six months before your current deal ends. Some lenders offer deals that stay valid for up to six months, helping you lock in a rate early.

Yes, many people remortgage to switch to a better rate, especially when nearing the end of a fixed deal. This can lower your monthly payments and save money over time.

The cost of remortgaging depends on market conditions, but it’s often possible to secure a lower rate than the standard variable revert rate. Potential costs can include arrangement fees, valuation fees, legal fees and if you leave your current deal early potentially early repayment charges. Some lenders also offer fee-free options or incentives to help offset these expenses.

In most cases, you can increase your mortgage to release equity from your home, but there are situations where this may not be possible, so it’s worth checking with a broker first. Many people use released equity for home improvements, debt consolidation, or other significant expenses.

Lenders usually ask for proof of income, ID, recent bank statements, details of your current mortgage, and information about your home and regular outgoings.

Yes, switching to a new lender (also called an external remortgage) is common when better deals are available. It may involve a bit more paperwork than staying with your current lender.

A product transfer is when you switch to a new deal with your existing lender. It’s usually quicker, requires less paperwork, and doesn't involve legal work or a new valuation.

It can be if the savings outweigh the costs. If you’re close to paying off your mortgage, switching may not be worth it unless you’re also releasing equity or consolidating debts.

When releasing equity through a remortgage, the extra funds are usually paid to your solicitor or sent directly to your bank account. In some cases, the lender may instruct the solicitor to pay the debt provider directly. You can then use any remaining funds as needed.

Yes, most lenders require a current property valuation when doing an external remortgage. If you're switching lenders, some legal work is involved -  but many lenders cover this cost as part of the deal.

Yes, though it may limit your options. A specialist broker can help find a lender that matches your current credit profile, even if it’s not as strong as before.

It typically takes 4 - 8 weeks depending on whether you’re staying with your current lender or moving to a new one. Product transfers can be completed in just a few days.

For external remortgages, a solicitor or conveyancer handles the legal paperwork, including paying off your old lender and registering the new mortgage. This is often included for free by the lender.

We’ll review the whole market for you, comparing deals from a wide range of lenders and weighing up the benefits of switching versus staying with your current one. We also monitor rates during the application - so if a better deal comes up before completion, we’ll swap you over to it. Our goal is to make sure you get the best value with minimal hassle.

Typically, lenders require a minimum deposit of around 25% of the property’s value for a buy-to-let mortgage, though this can vary depending on the lender and your financial profile. We do have a lender that will accept a 20% deposit but the investment will need to stack up - another option we can look at is top slicing.

Lenders usually assess rental income based on the expected rent of the property, often requiring that the rental income covers 125% to 145% of the mortgage interest payments to ensure affordability. Limited company (SPVs) generally have a lower stress rate.

Personal buy-to-let means you hold the property in your own name, while limited company buy-to-let means the property is owned by a company. The tax treatment, mortgage options, and setup costs differ between the two. It’s very simple to set up a business for ltd company buy to lets and the lenders will still assess you.

Yes, some lenders do offer buy-to-let mortgages to first-time buyers, but there isn’t as many options and plausibility ie. Why won’t the ftb be living in the property? 

Buying through a limited company can have tax advantages and may suit investors planning multiple properties, but it can also involve additional setup and running costs ie accounts & the mortgage product can be slightly higher . It’s best to get professional advice tailored to your situation. 

Buy-to-let landlords pay stamp duty (including an additional 3% surcharge), income tax on rental profits, and possibly capital gains tax when selling the property. Tax rules can be complex and may change, so consulting a tax advisor is recommended.

Yes - HMOs (houses in multiple occupation ) usually need a specialist buy-to-let mortgage and must meet licensing, fire safety, gas and electrical safety, and minimum room size rules, plus provide adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities. Some areas also have Article 4 Directions, requiring planning permission to convert to an HMO. Rules vary by council, so always check locally before proceeding

Yes, many investors refurbish a property to increase its value and rental income, then refinance to release equity or secure better mortgage terms.

Risks include periods of vacancy, unexpected repair costs, changes in rental market demand, and regulatory or tax changes affecting profitability.

Yes, remortgaging can allow you to release equity to fund additional property purchases, but this depends on your property’s value, mortgage balance, and lender criteria.

A standard landlord owns a small number of properties, while a portfolio landlord owns multiple buy-to-let properties, often requiring specialist portfolio landlord mortgages.

Yes, rental properties must meet minimum EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) standards, with ongoing regulations encouraging landlords to improve energy efficiency.

A commercial mortgage is a loan used to buy or refinance commercial property, such as offices, shops, warehouses, or mixed-use buildings. It works like a residential mortgage but typically involves larger amounts, different lending criteria, and usually shorter terms. Commercial property can also be an investment where the lenders will want to see that the rental you’ll receive covers the mortgage + stress tests.

The best lender depends on your specific needs, property type, and financial situation. We work with a wide range of specialist lenders, including high-street banks and commercial finance providers, to find the best fit for you.

Commercial mortgages cover offices, retail units, industrial premises, mixed-use properties (like shop with flat above), and sometimes specialist properties like care homes or hotels.

Deposits typically range from 20% to 40% of the property’s purchase price, depending on the lender, your business profile or, if it is self financing.

Rates are influenced by the lender’s base rates, your creditworthiness, property type, loan size, and market conditions. Commercial mortgage rates are usually higher than residential ones.

Interest on commercial mortgage loans is usually tax-deductible as a business expense, which can reduce your taxable income. There may also be capital allowances and other reliefs such as lower stamp duty, depending on your situation.

Yes, many lenders offer mortgages for mixed-use properties. Terms vary based on the split between residential and commercial use, and the income generated.

You’ll typically need a commercial mortgage or a commercial loan tailored to your business type and property usage. We can guide you on the best options based on your plans.

Most lenders require a detailed business plan, especially for new businesses or startups. This helps demonstrate your ability to service the loan.

Approval can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the lender, complexity of the deal, and how quickly you provide required documents.

Commercial mortgages are long-term loans used for purchasing or refinancing commercial properties. Bridging finance is short-term funding designed to ‘bridge’ gaps, often used for quick purchases or renovations before refinancing.

Yes, but you’ll need to provide detailed financial information, including accounts, business plans, and possibly a larger deposit. Some lenders specialise in working with self-employed or new businesses.

Yes, refinancing is common to release equity, secure better rates, or restructure debt. We can help assess if refinancing makes financial sense for your situation.