Frequently asked questions

We can go through the products and services available to you based on a number of personal variables, including your credit score, income and expenditure and the current financial climate. Deposit percentages can vary from as low as 5%.

Not necessarily — we have access to a large number of lenders. However, a higher credit score can mean access to lower interest rates and more lenders than a poorer credit rating.

We make sure the mortgage product is matched to your personal requirements. A fixed rate may be the best option for one person and not for another. The decision is based on a number of variables, including age, credit score and income.

There is no fixed answer. Mortgages can be offered for as long as 40 years. We will assess your personal circumstances and advise on the options available to you.

The term ‘costs’ refer to the charges you will need to pay before your mortgage is completed and you collect the keys to your new home. This can include lender arrangement or product fees, solicitor/conveyancing costs and valuation/survey fees. Our advice is initially free and if you decide to use our services you should expect the cost to be between £199 – £999 inclusive of VAT.

Lenders may ask for a number of documents, but in general the following are likely to be requested:

• Income — 3 months’ payslips and a P60 if employed; 3 years’ Self Assessment (SA302) and overview documents if self-employed. Some lenders may accept just 1 year of Self Assessment forms — we will guide you through this.
• Identification — passport and driving licence.
• Bank statements — 3 months.
• Proof of deposit — savings or current account statements, depending on where the funds are held.
• Gifted deposit — some lenders will accept this. Typically a letter is required, along with further documents from the person gifting the deposit.

There are a number of variables, including the application itself, the type of property you are buying and the work your conveyancer or solicitor needs to complete. The process moves more quickly if you can provide the lender’s requested documents promptly — it can be completed in as little as 4 weeks.

We specialise in obtaining mortgages for self-employed clients. You are classed as self-employed if you own 25% or more of a business. It can be trickier, as most lenders want to see two or three years of trading, but even with only one year it may still be possible because of the large panel of providers and lenders we have. The lender is likely to need self-assessment tax returns and overview documents and/or full accounts.

We can apply for a mortgage for you whether you are an EU or non-EU citizen. A number of variables can make an application more difficult, for example EU settled status, visa types and expiry dates, and whether you have indefinite leave to remain.