The mortgage market changes all the time, not just in terms of mortgage deals and regulation but also in the way lenders assess loan applications. Some of the changes have been in the way mortgage lenders assess the suitability of all clients for the different types of loan on offer. They base this decision on a variety of factors, primarily:
Financial Commitments: Current and future (and your history of managing credit)
Employment Status: Amount and frequency of income (and time in your current role)
The Property: Type, condition, access and location
We pride ourselves on being up to date with regulation, legislation and the economic market.
We understand your needs, match that to the requirements of lenders, and protect you and your dependants once you have bought your property.
Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Equity Release will reduce the value of your estate and can affect your eligibility for means tested benefits.
Our Mortgage Advice Area's & Services
We offer a wide range of mortgage services designed to suit your unique needs, whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to remortgage, or seeking a buy-to-let, we're here to help.
Buy-To-Let Mortgages
Whether you're starting out as a landlord or expanding an existing portfolio, we can help you navigate the complexities of Buy-To-Let mortgages.
First-Time Buyer Mortgages
Buying your first home can be a daunting process, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Home-Mover Mortgages
A homemover mortgage helps existing homeowners sell their current property and secure a new mortgage to buy their next home.
Fixed Rate Mortgages
With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate stays the same for an agreed period, providing stability and predictable monthly payments.
Self-Build Mortgages
Building your own home is an exciting venture, and a self-build mortgage can help make it possible.
Off-Set Mortgages
An offset mortgage links your savings to your home loan, helping you reduce the interest you pay and potentially shorten the term of your mortgage.
Adverse Credit Mortgages
Navigating the mortgage market with a less-than-perfect credit history can be challenging, but we specialise in helping clients with adverse credit find tailored solutions.
Self-Employed Mortgages
Securing a mortgage as a self-employed individual can be challenging, but we’re here to help.
Contractor Mortgages
Contractor mortgages are tailored for self-employed professionals or freelancers working on fixed-term contracts
Equity Release & Re-Mortgage Advice
We offer a wide range of further borrowing services. Whether you're looking to consolidate debts, review your current mortgage rate and deal, or simply want to free up some cash, we've got you covered.
Equity Release Advice
For those aged 55 and over, equity release can unlock the value tied up in your property, providing financial freedom in later life.
Remortgaging Advice
Remortgaging can help you secure a better deal, lower your monthly payments, or release equity from your property.
Debt Consolidation Advice
Managing multiple debts can be overwhelming, but we can help simplify things with debt consolidation mortgage options.
ADVICE ON MORTGAGES
How Our Mortgage Advisers Add Value
We help you save time and money by focusing on lenders and providers whose underwriting criteria will suit you. Besides providing mortgage and insurance solutions, our mortgage services add value by helping you:
Save money by not paying too much for your mortgage
Pay the correct deposit to get the best interest rate
Avoid paying hefty early redemption penalties or administration costs if you make partial loan repayments during the mortgage term
Decide how best to structure the term of your borrowing taking into account your age, objectives and retirement plans
Understand the risks associated with repayment or interest-only mortgages
Save time and money by focusing on lenders and providers whose underwriting criteria will suit you
Save money by ensuring you don’t pay too much to protect your assets
Place your insurance in the right name, ownership and trust, so that your beneficiaries do not pay too much tax when they inherit your estate.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, professional home mover, or buy-to-let investor, we’re here to help!
Our whole-of-market mortgage review service ensures you find the right mortgage tailored to your needs. Get started today and secure the right deal for your future.
It is not as simple as looking for the lender with the cheapest rate, or insurer with the cheapest premium.
Yes, the interest rate or premium is key as a starting point. However, how might that change in the short, medium or long term?
We undertake a comprehensive review of other key factors that affect the real cost to you.
For example, some lenders charge arrangement fees that can be large enough to make the overall cost of lending unattractive, when compared to others.
Other key features of mortgages that you need to consider are:
Early repayment charges – if you wish to partially or fully repay your mortgage during its term:
Portability of the loan – if you move, you may wish to keep your current mortgage
Fixed rate – would you benefit by fixing the interest rate with the lender for a set period
Annual percentage rate (APR) – what is the real cost of borrowing, not just the interest rate charged?
Flexibility – the ability to overpay, take payment holidays, or switch repayment types
Frequency of interest additions – how often the lender calculates and adds interest to your loan, for example daily, monthly, or annually, can affect the cost of your borrowing.
Insurance is very similar – we will advise you so that if you ever need to make a claim, you or your dependants, will receive what you were expecting.
This is why analysing and monitoring the enormous range of products is important. This ensures you get the right solution.
Whilst some 0% products are available, outside of this the minimum deposit in the UK is usually 5% of the property's value, though a 10-20% deposit will often help you secure a better interest rate. First-time buyers may also be eligible for government schemes which can reduce the deposit required.
How much can I borrow?
Lenders typically offer mortgages of up to 4-5 times your annual income, though this can vary depending on your credit score, financial situation, and the lender’s policies. Other factors like your outgoings and existing debts also play a role.
What is the mortgage interest rate, and how is it set?
The interest rate is the cost of borrowing money. It can be fixed, meaning it stays the same for a set period, or variable, meaning it can change according to market rates. Rates are influenced by the Bank of England base rate and the lender’s criteria. The rate you get depends on your credit score, loan-to-value ratio (LTV), and the mortgage type.
Do I need a Mortgage in Principle (AIP)?
While not essential, having an AIP is highly recommended. It shows estate agents and sellers that you're a serious buyer with a clear idea of your budget. It also speeds up the process once you find a property, as the lender has already assessed your financial situation. However, it’s not a guarantee of mortgage approval, as the final offer will depend on further checks and the property’s value.
How long will it take to get a mortgage?
The average time to get a mortgage in the UK is 4-6 weeks, but this can vary depending on the lender and your circumstances. Providing all necessary documentation in advance, such as proof of income and bank statements, can speed up the process.
What is the difference between a repayment mortgage and an interest-only mortgage?
With a repayment mortgage, you pay both interest and the loan principal each month, gradually reducing your debt. With an interest-only mortgage, you only pay the interest, meaning you’ll owe the original loan amount at the end of the term. Interest-only mortgages are typically available only to those with sufficient income or assets.
What is a mortgage term, and what are the options?
A mortgage term is the length of time you have to repay the loan. In the UK, terms usually range from 25 to 40 years. Shorter terms have higher monthly payments but lower overall interest costs, while longer terms spread out payments but increase the total interest you pay.
What are the costs involved in getting a mortgage?
Besides the deposit, you may need to pay for a valuation fee, legal fees (solicitors or conveyancers), stamp duty (depending on the property value), and arrangement fees charged by the lender. The total costs will vary depending on the property price and the mortgage lender.
Can I get a mortgage if I have bad credit?
Yes, it’s possible to get a mortgage with bad credit in the UK, but you may need to apply to specialist lenders who offer bad credit mortgages. These typically come with higher interest rates. It's also important to check your credit report and improve your score where possible before applying.
Can I remortgage before the end of my term?
Yes, you can remortgage before the end of your term, but you may face early repayment charges (ERC) from your current lender. It’s worth checking the terms of your existing mortgage and comparing deals to see if remortgaging would be beneficial.
What is an adverse remortgage?
An adverse remortgage is a type of remortgage option available to homeowners with poor credit. If you’ve missed payments, have defaults, or have a low credit score, lenders may offer adverse remortgage deals, though these tend to come with higher interest rates. It’s a way to refinance your mortgage despite a history of financial issues.
Contact Us for Whole of Market Mortgage Advice You Can Trust
Complete our quick form below and a mortgage adviser will be in touch. All consultations with our expert advisers are complimentary and without obligation to proceed.
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Our first appointment is free of charge and with no-obligation! Available by phone, video call or face-to-face.
Tax treatment varies according to individual circumstances and is subject to change.
The guidance and/or information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited. March 2025
Registered office address: Unit 1 Fulcrum 2 Solent Way, Whiteley, Fareham, England, PO15 7FN. Registered in England and Wales under reference 08286166
