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When facing financial challenges or trying to increase funds for a significant expense, homeowners often contemplate leveraging the equity in their property. This leads to considerations like, “Can I borrow against my mortgage?” and “Should I remortgage to pay off my debt?” In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various aspects of additional borrowing on mortgages, and whether it’s a good idea to borrow against your mortgage. What is additional borrowing? Additional borrowing on a mortgage allows homeowners to access the equity built up in their property, unlocking extra funds beyond their initial mortgage amount. Equity is the difference between the…

If you’re in the process of buying your first home, understanding how much you need to save for your mortgage deposit is step one in the process. While a pretty good rule to follow is ‘save as much as you can’ you may still have questions like ‘what is the minimum deposit for a mortgage?’, ‘how to save for a mortgage’ and maybe even ‘can I get a mortgage with no deposit?’ If you’re asking those same questions, read on! But first, let’s understand what a mortgage deposit is. What is a mortgage deposit? A mortgage deposit is a lump…

Are you feeling concerned about how your bank statements might impact your mortgage application? It’s natural to have questions and worries during this significant financial occasion. Your bank statements play a crucial role in the mortgage approval process, and understanding their influence can help you prepare effectively. Let’s explore the intricacies of how bank statements affect your mortgage application and address your common concerns. Can Bank Statements Affect a Mortgage Application? Absolutely, bank statements can have a significant impact on your mortgage application. They provide mortgage lenders with crucial insights into your financial health, spending habits, and ability to manage…

Are you finding it difficult to afford a new home? Discover the Shared Ownership Scheme – a UK government scheme allowing prospective buyers to purchase a share of a property, and pay rent on the remaining amount. We will delve into the intricacies of shared ownership, breaking down the fundamentals of what it is, whilst exploring how it has become a viable solution for those looking to make the transition from renting to owning. What is the Shared Ownership Scheme? The UK’s Shared Ownership Scheme was introduced by the government to make it easier for people to get on the…

Buying your first home is exciting but often daunting – there’s so much to think about! As a first-time buyer, you may be wondering how your parents can support you. We’ll walk you through various ways parents can assist, from gifting or lending a deposit to exploring mortgage options. We’ll also address the potential risks and provide alternatives for parents to help you secure that crucial mortgage. Gifting or Lending a Deposit One of the most direct ways parents can assist is by gifting or lending a deposit. This injection of capital can significantly bolster your ability to secure a…

Have you come across the term ‘porting a mortgage’ and wondered what it is? Porting a mortgage is a valuable option that can simplify the process of moving homes while retaining your existing mortgage terms. If you’re considering a move, understanding how this works can save you time, money, and stress. Here, we’ll explore the concept of porting a mortgage, how it works, the differences between porting and remortgaging, and everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Porting a Mortgage: The Basics Porting a mortgage involves transferring your current mortgage deal, including its interest rate and terms,…

So, you’ve set your sights on a new build – a blank canvas waiting to be turned into your dream home. Buying a new build house is an exciting journey filled with promise and possibilities. In our latest guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from understanding what a new build is to exploring mortgage options and assessing the investment potential. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make a confident decision! What is a New Build? A new build property is exactly what…

There’s great news for aspiring homeowners and those with smaller deposits: there are now more mortgage options available for low-deposit buyers than we’ve seen in 17 years. According to the latest Moneyfacts report, the number of 90% and 95% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage deals has surged to a combined 1,287 options, the highest since 2008. This gives first-time buyers and low-deposit borrowers more choice and more flexibility than ever. In fact, those with a 5% deposit now have access to more than 440 different mortgage products, more than double the number available just two years ago. For buyers with a 10%…

Buying a house is one of life’s great milestones, but as exciting as it is, the mortgage application process can sometimes feel overwhelming. While there are many steps to getting a mortgage, it doesn’t need to be stressful. So, if you’re planning on buying a property then read our helpful guide on how to apply for a mortgage. What to do before you apply for a mortgage Before you start applying for a mortgage, it’s a really good idea to fully understand your financial position, and find out what can stop you from getting a mortgage. Start by setting a…

Moving house can be an exciting yet daunting experience! Whether you’re relocating for a new job opportunity or simply looking for a change of scenery, understanding the process of moving house is crucial for a smooth transition. In this guide to moving house, we will walk you through the essential steps to moving house in the UK, providing valuable insights and tips to help you navigate the journey seamlessly! The Cost of Moving House Before delving into the steps, it’s essential to address the cost aspect of moving house. Most research has found the cost of moving house in the…

Are you a single individual hoping to own your own home? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Getting a mortgage on your own may seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can make homeownership a reality. We’ll guide you through the process of securing a mortgage as a single person, providing you with valuable insights and tips along the way. What should you know about mortgages for single persons? Before delving into the mortgage application process, it’s essential to understand the specific considerations that come into play when buying a house on your own in…

With the rising cost of property, buying your first home is a goal that is feeling increasingly out of reach to many people. If you’re a first time buyer who is looking to get that first, important – yet challenging – step onto the property ladder, then the First Home scheme might be able to help you. What is the First Home scheme? The First Home initiative is a government scheme for first time buyers that will provide discounted new-build homes, or a second-hand property previously purchased through the scheme, to those who live in England and who might struggle…

Are you considering buying a house at auction? You’re in luck! Our comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know if you’re purchasing a property through auction. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of house auctions in the UK, providing you with essential information to make informed decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, we’ve got you covered! Let’s dive in… How Do House Auctions Work? House auctions provide a unique opportunity for prospective home buyers to purchase properties through a competitive bidding process. Typically, auction houses hold regular events…

Buying a home is an exciting and significant milestone in anyone’s life. For most, securing a mortgage is an essential step towards making that dream a reality. However, there are instances where a property may be deemed “unmortgageable.” In this article, we will delve into what it means for a property to be considered unmortgageable, and provide guidance on what to do if you find yourself in such a situation. But first, let’s understand what it means when a house is deemed unmortgageable! What Does Unmortgageable Property Mean? When a property is labelled as “unmortgageable”, it means that traditional lenders…

If you’re going through the process of getting a mortgage or buying a house, you know there are lots of specialist mortgage terms used that might be confusing. For example, the difference between completion and exchange. Completion is the final step you’ll go through when buying your home, and while it can be an extremely exciting day, knowing what to expect can help things go as smoothly as they can. So, let’s explore what completion date means, who decides when completion date happens and whether completion date is the same as moving date? What does completion date mean? Put simply,…

Buying a property is a long-winded, difficult process. There are so many different elements and steps that need to be completed, and it can all be quite confusing, especially if you are a first-time buyer. At Key Solutions, we pride ourselves on our ability to make buying a house or flat easy, so we are here to break down one of the steps – the conveyancing process! What is conveyancing? Conveyancing is the legal transfer of the ownership of the property or piece of land from seller to buyer. The conveyancing process starts when your offer on a property is…

Are you a first-time buyer in the UK dreaming of owning your own home? Congratulations on taking the first exciting step towards building your future! Becoming a homeowner is a significant milestone, and in this article, we will explore the benefits of buying a home for the first time in the UK. From financial perks to long-term stability, we’ll explore why purchasing a property is a smart decision for those starting their homeownership journey. But first… What is a First-Time Buyer? Before diving into the benefits, let’s clarify what a first-time buyer is. In the UK, a first-time buyer is…

If you’re in the process of buying a house, you may be wondering about property searches and how they can impact your purchase decision. But are searches necessary when buying a house? Yes! These searches are essential as they provide crucial information that can affect your purchase decision and ensure that you are making a good investment. Let’s look at the different types of property searches and why they are key to your house hunt. What are searches when buying a house? Searches are a vital part of the conveyancing process when buying a house. They involve your solicitor or…

What comes first: buying a new house or selling yours first? Just like the chicken or the egg, it’s a question people have been pondering for a long time, and especially with the market fluctuating and uncertainties surrounding house prices, it’s not unfair to want to know the best way to behave when it comes to finding a new property. Or perhaps you’ve already put down an offer on a new home, but it’s not looking like you’ll be able to sell the property you’re currently living in in-time; either because you’re trying to move or relocate quickly, or because…

You might think when purchasing a new home that a house survey is an unnecessary expense. Actually, it’s one of the more important things you need to tick off the list, and can save you money further down the line. In fact, those who decided not to get a survey faced, on average, £5,750 worth of repairs when they moved into the property, with a further 17% ending up paying more than £12,000 to make their homes habitable, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) In this guide, we’ll explore the world of house surveys; what happens after…

When you’re getting a mortgage, there are many unfamiliar terms you may come across. Understanding these mortgage terms is essential, as they will help you make informed decisions and ensure that you get the right mortgage for your needs. Here, we’ll explain some of the most common mortgage terms and definitions. What is a mortgage? The simple definition of a mortgage is a loan provided by a lender, such as a bank or building society, to finance the purchase of a property. As a borrower, you agree to repay the loan, plus interest, over a set period (usually around twenty…

Are you a homeowner aged over 55 based in the UK? If so, it is likely that you will have heard of the term “Equity Release”. But what is it, and how could it affect you? Whether or not you have paid back your mortgage, this could be a helpful financial option for you to consider. We’re going to explore that here with you in this article. What is Equity Release? Equity release is the unlocked value of the property you own (even if you have not entirely paid off the mortgage on the property), which you can take out…

Securing a mortgage can be difficult and confusing at the best of times. And if you’re stepping onto the property ladder as a first-time buyer, understanding all these new processes can feel like information overload; but on top of all that, you’re expected to understand what’s actually true and what’s a mortgage myth. Separating the truth from the fiction isn’t the easiest, especially when some of these mortgage myths have been around since your parents bought their first house! Well luckily, we’re here to bust the most common mortgage myths so you can put your best foot forward when it…

Renovation costs should be top of mind if you are planning a house renovation. New builds and older properties require very different considerations, and pricey issues can often pop up when you least expect them. It’s worth taking the time to fully understand the property you want to renovate, so that the project doesn’t become unaffordable. However, renovating your home might be easier than you think! How should I budget for house renovation? If you’re wondering how much to spend on a house renovation, it’s important to remember that all renovation projects are different – but there are usually some…

Over 50 and concerned about getting a mortgage? As you get closer to retirement age, it’s possible you might find it harder to get a mortgage. However, with more people working for longer amidst an ageing population, you should be able to find a mortgage deal to suit you. Read on to learn how to find a new mortgage over 50, whether you want to remortgage your current property or move to a new house. It’s not too late! Can I get a mortgage if I’m over 50? Yes, you can! However, it depends on the lender and their individual…

The mortgage process can be long and frustrating, so the last thing anyone wants is to have their mortgage application turned down. From severe bad credit to not passing affordability checks, there are many things that can lead to your mortgage application being denied. Whether you’re in the process of applying for a mortgage, or want to find out why you haven’t been accepted previously, we’re going to explore the reasons around what stops you getting a mortgage. 1. Affordability checks: can you afford the mortgage? If you’ve previously had a mortgage ‘declined on affordability’, it means the mortgage lender…

Your credit report is used by mortgage lenders to decide whether you’re a low-risk consideration for a mortgage. But so many different elements go into your credit report, it can be confusing to understand what parts matter and which parts you don’t need to worry about as much. How long do hard searches stay on your credit file? What is a soft credit check? And how does a credit check work? If you’ve ever wondered the answers to these questions, or just want to understand more about the difference between hard and soft credit checks, we’re here to help! So…

After what seems like years of searching, you’ve found your dream home. It’s in an area you like, has enough bedrooms and despite the questionable décor, is something you can work with. The problem is the price! If only you could shave a few thousand, or even tens of thousands, off the asking price. How do you go about making a credible offer, one that is not going to make the vendor or agent immediately dismiss you as a timewaster? How can you maximise the chances of securing the deal, at the best price, even if the idea of haggling…

When it comes to buying a home, there’s more to consider than just finances. Although the first question you’ll probably ask yourself will be “how much can I afford?”. However, there are other things that are just as important that you’ll need to consider when buying a house. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or your fifth, navigating the house market can be a time consuming and confusing process. Doing proper research, understanding your priorities and ensuring there are no hidden issues or surprises are important steps when buying a home. In this article, we’re going to explore what to…

When it comes to figuring out the right mortgage for you, the variety of choices can be overwhelming. Understanding what types of mortgages are out there, and figuring out the right type of mortgage for you can involve enormous amounts of research and time that many people just don’t have. Well, we’ve decided to make your research a little easier, with a helpful guide on all the different types of mortgages you can get! Different mortgages do different things, and things like repayment methods and interest rates will differ between each. In this guide, we’re going to explore all the…

Is now a good time to buy a house? It’s a question we often get asked. With the UK in recessionary times, and mortgage rates higher than they have been for a while, you might be tempted to wait, but is that the right thing to do? Let’s have a look at the factors you need to think about. What is happening to house prices? You may have seen the headline “UK house prices fall at their fastest pace since 2020” recently, or at least something similar. According to the Nationwide house price index, UK house prices fell 1.4% month-on-month…

Wondering if you can pay a mortgage off early? And if it is even worth doing?! You’re in the right place. If you’ve been saving up or have just received a huge bonus at work, perhaps paying your mortgage off early has crossed your mind. There are pros and cons to doing this, so it’s important to think through them carefully before you decide to repay your mortgage early. Related: Learn more about a first time buyers mortgage if you are considering buying your first home. Should I pay off my mortgage early? One major advantage of paying off your…

When you apply for a mortgage in the UK, the lender will need a number of different things in order to process your application; they must be able to prove that you can afford the loan you’re asking for and they must be able to know that you are who you say you are! Related: Learn more about a first time buyers mortgage if you are considering buying your first home Not only will they ask you for a load of documents, each lender will require different documentation, which can make it tricky to predict exactly what you may need….

I was a first-time buyer who was seeking to purchase my first property by myself. Prior to using Key Solutions, I had used 2 other mortgage brokers who failed to take on board the fact that I would ask questions during every stage of the process (due to being new to the process). I felt rushed by them and they also failed to make me feel comfortable. I therefore ‘dumped’ the mortgage broker when I came across Key Solutions, who were recommended to me by an estate agent whose customers had used them and been really happy with their service….

18 months ago, I’d been saving for nearly a decade to buy my first home in London and property prices kept increasing. To be honest I didn’t know anything about mortgages and property and didn’t even understand what the point of mortgage advice was. I thought you either had money and got a mortgage or didn’t. It wasn’t something I’d ever learned about and owning my own place had seemed unachievable for a long time. Key Solutions had helped my nephew and I thought I would check to see if they could help me. I called and that same day…

With the huge increase in interest rates, almost daily we are being asked whether it is a good idea to take a variable rate mortgage rather than a fixed rate mortgage. There are benefits to both options, but first, you need to understand what each one means in order to understand which one will work best for you and your finances. What is a fixed-rate mortgage? A fixed rate mortgage means the interest you’re charged on your loan will not change for the ‘fixed’ period of your mortgage. Because your interest rate doesn’t change, your monthly mortgage repayments will remain…

Is now the best time to remortgage? Should I switch my mortgage rate now? We’re understandably being asked these kinds of questions more and more at the moment. With the Bank of England’s base rate rising steadily in an effort to fight inflation, combined with the market’s sharp reaction to the government’s mini-budget both driving up the cost of borrowing for homeowners, we’ve put together some answers to the most common questions, to guide you through your options. My mortgage rate is ending in the next six months – what should I do? Typically, the earliest that your existing lender…

Stamp Duty is a major cost to budget for when it comes to purchasing your next property or first home. If you’re getting ready to make the leap and buy your first house, you’re moving to a new property or buying a second property, we’re here to take you through everything you need to know about how much Stamp Duty costs and when you need to pay. What is Stamp Duty? Stamp duty is a type of tax you will need to pay when buying a home. But it’s important to understand that not everyone has to pay stamp duty….

Everyone across the UK is facing higher living costs, but with little or no extra money coming in, one of the increasingly scary questions being asked is; What happens if I can’t pay my mortgage? When you take out a mortgage, it is done with the intention of paying it off bit by bit, but with circumstances changing, many are finding themselves facing financial difficulties and struggling to meet mortgage payments. If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage or are behind on payments, there are steps you can take to avoid losing your home. In this article, we’re going to…

Are you thinking of taking your first step on the housing ladder? A key part of the process involves securing the right mortgage deal as a first time buyer, but what happens if things don’t go to plan and your purchase takes longer to go through than you first hoped? We’re here to explain what your options are if your mortgage offer expires between exchange and completion, and whether extending your mortgage offer is possible. How long do mortgage offers last? You may not be aware, but all mortgage offers come with an expiry date, meaning that the purchase of…

Going through a divorce or separation is stressful at the best of times, but having to manage your joint finances and mortgage can make things especially overwhelming. It’s completely understandable to have concerns about what’s going to happen to your home, and fortunately, there are many options available when it comes to making arrangements for your joint mortgage when separating from your partner. Whether you’re considering buying them out or selling the property and splitting the proceeds, this article will go through everything you need to know to help you and your ex-partner agree to an amicable arrangement and remove…

Mortgage refinancing or remortgaging is a subject we love to talk about often. We’ve written a few articles about how remortgaging works, how remortgaging can save you money, and all the things you need to consider when remortgaging. In this article, we’re going to delve deeper into: How soon can I remortgage? Most people take out a mortgage with a fixed rate to give security and consistency over their monthly payments for a set period of time, usually 2 or 5 years. At the end of this set period your mortgage will then move to a standard variable rate which…

Nothing makes us happier than when we are helping others, which is why each year we try to volunteer and help as many charities as we can. Earlier this year a few of us visited InHope, a charity we support who help homeless and vulnerable people in and around Bristol. This week we visited another part of the charity, the South & East Bristol Food Bank, to help organise and sort through the food donations. It was a very thought provoking day for the team, leaving us very humbled and grateful to be able to play a small part in…

Taking your first step on the housing ladder is a very exciting time, however there are steps you need to take before the home of your dreams is yours, and this includes getting an agreement in principle, otherwise known as a mortgage in principle. In this article, we’ll explain how to get an agreement in principle, what is involved in the process, and whether an agreement in principle can affect your credit score. What is an agreement in principle? An agreement in principle is a non-binding document from a lender that indicates how much money you can borrow for a…

If you’re wondering if you can get a mortgage when you are self-employed, you’ve come to the right place! If you are self-employed it can be a challenge to secure a mortgage, but it can be done. You may just need to provide more information to your mortgage lender to prove that you will be able to make monthly repayments with a reliable income. Read on to learn more about how to get a mortgage when you are self-employed. What counts as self-employment when applying for a mortgage? If you work alone as a sole trader, freelancer, independent business owner,…

Buying your first home is a big step and a very exciting time in anyone’s life. However, if you are looking for mortgage deals as a first time buyer without any savings or deposit, your dreams can feel very out of reach! In this article, we’ll let you know that it is possible to buy a house with no deposit, and how you can achieve this. Can you get a mortgage without a deposit? If you’re looking to buy your first home but are struggling to save up, you might be interested to know that it can be possible to…

Whether you are buying your first home, moving house, or looking to remortgage, you’re probably wondering if a bad credit score can affect the possibility of you getting a mortgage. Well, mortgages for people with bad credit are possible – they might just require some additional effort to obtain! Can I get a mortgage with bad credit? Yes, but getting approval for a mortgage can be difficult if you have a bad credit score. If you have a bad credit history or a low credit rating, this might indicate that you cannot afford to get a mortgage. It is still…

At a time when it seems to be increasingly difficult to purchase a property due to increased house prices, rising interest rates and lack of available properties in certain areas of the UK, more people are choosing to stay in their current home rather than move. So what does remortgage mean, how does it work and what process is involved? What Does Remortgage Mean? If you are an existing homeowner with a mortgage, when your current mortgage rate comes to an end you will need to secure a new rate, otherwise you will roll on to the higher standard variable…

Last week some of the team had the privilege and very humbling experience of visiting inHope, one of the charities we work with and have been supporting since August 2021. inHope is a charity serving some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in Bristol. They exist to help people overcome insecurities such as homelessness, hunger, addiction and poor mental health. These insecurities are often caused by insufficient housing, limited access to food, poor employment, discrimination and abuse. The charity provides food and practical support through The Wild Goose, Spring of Hope, Life Recovery and the South & East Bristol…

The first time buyer mortgage market is still strong in the UK, with lenders offering up to 100% loan to value products (depending on property value and if your family are able to help you out), but what does this mean if you are looking to get on the property ladder? Buying your first ever home is such an exciting, but often daunting, time as there is so much to think about – here is a brief mortgage guide to point you in the right direction and as always, we are here to hold your hand every step of the…

You may have heard of the term ‘adverse credit’ but what actually is this? Adverse Credit Meaning This is when your credit score and credit file are affected negatively due to your credit history, there are a number of reasons why this might happen (we’ll come on to this later). Learn more about adverse credit mortgage services with Key Solutions. Does having adverse credit affect me getting a mortgage? No matter what size of deposit you have, or the nature of the property you wish to buy, if you have a poor credit rating it can often feel very disheartening…

A mortgage application will solely depend on the complexity of the application and who the application is made with. Average times with what we would call a high street mortgage lender (such as Halifax, NatWest, etc) are currently in the region of 1 to 2 weeks. But every lender is different, and how long it takes to get a mortgage approved changes depending on the lender and their criteria, how many applications they are processing, and your own personal situation. What’s the average time for a mortgage approval? For a standard purchase application where an applicant has a clear credit…

A second charge mortgage is essentially a second mortgage on your property. If you wish to release equity and money from your property you can either remortgage your current mortgage to take a new single larger mortgage, or you can consider a second mortgage or loan against your property. Why would I look at taking second charge loan or mortgage? A second charge can be used to raise additional funds secured against your property as a very cost-effective form of borrowing. Typical uses of the additional funds released from a remortgage include: Making improvements to your home Paying off loans…

Today we are sharing our top tips on what you can do to improve your chances of successfully being approved for a mortgage and how to make the process much quicker and easier. 1. Check your credit score This is one of the key things mortgage lenders look at. If your credit score isn’t great, don’t panic as there are lots of things that can affect this. Make sure you are registered on the electoral roll at your current address and keep an eye on your credit score to resolve any issues. The key thing is to let your mortgage…

Now may be the best time to remortgage and save money on your monthly mortgage payments with interest rates remaining low. The Bank of England have held the base rate at 0.1% after reviewing this last week. There were predictions that this would increase by 0.25% but this is not the case. The committee in charge of the decision voted 7 to 2 in favour of keeping the base rate at the current level. Many mortgage lenders expected a rise and increased their own rates slightly in anticipation of the move – however, despite this, we still have some of the lowest…

As a business, we always want to give back and help people and causes all over the World. Whether we help you with a remortgage, a moving home mortgage, a buy-to-let mortgage, or a further advance, by working with us in any way you are helping us to make a difference, and we wanted to say a huge thank you for this. Our ethos is ‘we are here to make life easier and better for everyone’ and we believe businesses that donate to charities and companies that stand for something can help make a real impact in the world. We…

If you are interested in understanding how to pay off your mortgage faster then we are here to help! There are many ways to do this – have a look below to see our top 5 tips How to pay your mortgage faster Overpay each month Overpaying on your mortgage each month is one of the quickest ways to pay off your mortgage. You’ll be eating into the amount you owe and could knock years off your mortgage term. Most lenders allow you to pay up to 10% of your mortgage balance as an overpayment each year, however it’s best…

We are so excited to announce that for the second year running we have been named Best Broker for Protection at the Mortgage Strategy Awards. This award recognises the UK broker that provides comprehensive protection cover and ensures the right advice for their clients. Our mortgage and protection advisors always want the best for every single one of our clients, making sure that they have the right protection for themselves, their family and their home! This award recognises the real care and quality advice that our advisers give each and every day – we couldn’t be happier and this win…

Whilst circumstances are going to differ from person to person, it definitely pays to discuss things with one of our mortgage and protection advisers. Here are a few general things to consider: • If your current mortgage has a substantial early repayment charge or exit fee, these may outweigh the savings made when remortgaging – we can consider all of this with you• Your financial circumstances may have changed during the period since you took out your original mortgage and you may no longer be able to obtain the level of borrowing you require.• There may be additional fees and…

Nobody likes to think about the worst happening to them or their family. At a time of loss, the last thing a family needs is the upset and stress of any financial worries and it is our job to explain the importance and benefits of protection cover and how it could add a little peace of mind to you and your family. There are many different options available and today we would like to share a little more about what family income benefit is and how it may be able to help you. What is Family Income Benefit (FIB)? Family…

IR35 is a bit of a head scratcher and with the new rules coming into force you will need to consider if IR35 applies to you. What is IR35? The new legislation aims to ensure what’s called ‘disguised’ employees pay the same level of tax as employees. A disguised employee is one who, for all intents and purposes, is employed but is working as a contractor. If, as a contractor, you have more than one contract running at the same time then IR35 won’t apply. If, however, you have a history of consulting or working for one company with a…

While most homeowners have a mortgage, many don’t realise that they could save money by remortgaging. Some mortgage interest rates have fallen below 1% in recent weeks and new mortgage products and deals are at some of the lowest rates we have ever seen. Martin Lewis from Money Saving Expert is urging every homeowner with a mortgage to check their rates to ensure they are on the best mortgage deal possible. This particularly applies to individuals on Standard Variable Rate (SVR). Experian estimates that almost half of homeowners are paying too much for their mortgage by being on SVR. As…

One of the most common questions we get asked at the moment is about getting a mortgage if you have been furloughed. You may feel impacted or concerned but we are here to help you understand what mortgage lending options are available and answer some of your questions… I’ve been furloughed. What impact does that have on my ability to borrow? Whilst your choice of lenders is likely to be reduced, there are still plenty of lending options available. Each mortgage lender has their own criteria and we will review your circumstances to see what options there are specifically available…

There are many benefits of being mortgage free in the UK; from freeing up funds for travel, retirement, or other long-term goals. So if you’re aiming for mortgage free living, but have been wondering how to get there, read on! How to be mortgage free Statistics show that on average, people living in the UK will pay off their mortgage by the time they are 69, but do you know when your last payment will be? At the moment, nearly a third of the UK population are sitting on Standard Variable Rate, meaning they are paying more than they need…

You read that correctly. We are the officially the best Mortgage Broker in the UK! We were delighted to have been shortlisted for the Best Broker in the UK award at the MoneyAge Awards and we were really looking forward to travelling up to London for a night in the capital city. We were so incredibly humbled (and thrilled!) to be called up onto the stage as the winners of the best mortgage broker! We simply couldn’t be happier. We’re so proud of our team, and even without the award we knew we had a team full of the best…

The Help to Buy Scheme recently celebrated its 5th birthday this year!

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