FAQs

A remortgage is when you switch your existing mortgage to another lender. Whether or not you remortgage depends on your circumstances. But there are many different reasons for doing so, including switching to a lower interest rate, funding home improvements, or investing in more property.

To be accepted for a mortgage, you will need buildings insurance as a minimum, and we advise that you also take out contents insurance alongside that. There are additional insurance options that can protect you and your loved ones, such as income protection, life insurance, and critical illness cover. All of these options are discussed when you meet with our advisers.

The amount you can borrow depends on a variety of factors, such as house price, deposit amount, and monthly income, among others. Use our mortgage affordability calculator to get a rough estimate of what you could borrow.

The two main types are fixed-rate and tracker. With a fixed-rate mortgage, you will always pay the same amount each month because your interest rate is fixed for a certain amount of time, typically 2 or 5 years. With a tracker mortgage, the amount of interest you pay can vary, so therefore your monthly payments can also vary.

Yes, we do. By charging a fee, we are able to spend more time advising and supporting you through the application process and liaising with lenders and solicitors. You will be informed by our advisers of the fee and when it has to be paid. Our typical minimum fee is £499 but can be up to 1% of the mortgage loan.

Most lenders require at least a 5% deposit, although putting down more can help you access better mortgage rates.

Most lenders offer between 4 and 4.5 times your annual income, depending on your financial situation.

Yes, some lenders specialise in helping applicants with bad credit. A mortgage broker can help you explore your options.

A Decision in Principle is an indication from a lender showing how much they may be willing to lend you.

Using a mortgage broker can help you access a wider range of lenders and improve your chances of finding the right mortgage.

Many homeowners begin exploring remortgage options around 3–6 months before their current mortgage deal ends.

Yes, switching to a lower interest rate may help reduce your monthly mortgage payments.

If you do nothing, your lender may move you onto their standard variable rate, which is often more expensive.

Yes, many homeowners remortgage to release equity for home improvements or other purposes.

Most buy-to-let lenders require a deposit of at least 20%–25%.

Some lenders allow first-time buyers to purchase investment properties, although criteria may be stricter.

Buy-to-let mortgage rates can sometimes be higher than residential mortgage rates.

Yes, many landlords now use limited company structures for tax and investment reasons.

A let-to-buy mortgage allows you to rent out your current home while purchasing another property to live in.

Yes, most let-to-buy arrangements involve both a residential mortgage and a buy-to-let mortgage.

It can be suitable for homeowners wanting to keep their current property as an investment.

A holiday let mortgage is designed for properties rented out on a short-term basis, such as Airbnb or holiday cottages.

Yes, lenders assess holiday lets differently because rental income can vary seasonally.

Lenders assess projected rental income when deciding affordability.

A portfolio landlord typically owns four or more mortgaged buy-to-let properties.

Yes, some lenders specifically cater to experienced landlords with larger portfolios.

Yes, portfolio landlords often refinance properties to improve cash flow or raise capital.

Bridging loans are commonly used for auction purchases, renovations, or buying before selling another property.

Some bridging loans can be arranged much faster than standard mortgages, depending on the lender.

Yes, bridging finance is designed as a temporary funding solution. Usually for 12 months.

Funds are usually released in stages as construction progresses.

Yes, planning permission is normally required before applying.

Yes, owning land may help strengthen your application.

Equity release allows homeowners aged 55+ to access money tied up in their property.

Yes, you remain the owner of your property.

Many lifetime mortgages do not require monthly repayments, although options vary.

Life insurance is not always mandatory, but many homeowners choose it to protect their family financially.

This depends on your mortgage balance, income, and family situation.

Yes, many insurers offer cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Income protection provides monthly payments if illness or injury stops you working.

Policies vary, but cover can continue until you return to work or retire.

Many people use income protection to help cover bills and mortgage payments if they cannot work.

Cover varies by provider but often includes cancer, heart attack, and stroke.

Yes, most policies provide a one-off tax-free lump sum payment.

Yes, many people combine both types of protection.

It pays a monthly income to your family if you pass away during the policy term.

It can often be more affordable than traditional lump sum life insurance.

Policies may cover consultations, diagnosis, treatment, and hospital care.

Yes, one of the main benefits is quicker access to treatment.

Relevant life cover is a tax-efficient life insurance policy arranged through a business.

It is commonly used by limited company directors and business owners.

Key person insurance helps protect businesses financially if an important employee becomes seriously ill or passes away.

Shareholder protection provides funds to help remaining shareholders retain business ownership.