Buying a home is exciting, but amidst the anticipation of new kitchens and beautiful gardens, one key factor shapes your home-buying journey: your borrowing power. So, what exactly is borrowing power, and how does it influence your property goals? Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds. Borrowing power refers to the estimated maximum amount a…
Are you dreaming of becoming mortgage free? Here are our top tips to help you pay off your mortgage early and enjoy financial freedom. Achieving mortgage freedom is a goal many homeowners strive for—who wouldn’t want to live without the burden of monthly mortgage payments? The idea of being mortgage free opens up a world…
For many first-time buyers, the biggest challenge is saving enough money for a deposit. Without a deposit, many lenders may be hesitant, making it difficult to get a mortgage offer accepted. However, by acting as a mortgage guarantor, you can help someone secure their dream home. Just be sure you understand what being a guarantor…
Have you found your dream home but are unsure if your debt will impact your mortgage eligibility? From student loans to bankruptcy, it’s essential to understand how various types of debt can affect your chances of securing a mortgage. Understanding what mortgage lenders classify as debt can help you minimize the risk of loan rejection.…
Your credit score plays an important role in how lenders assess your eligibility for a loan. However, even with a poor credit score, getting a mortgage is still possible. This blog will explore ways to improve your score, explain how your credit score affects the amount lenders are willing to offer, and clarify what constitutes…
Let’s start with the basics and discuss what a gifted house deposit is. A gifted deposit is money given to you, usually by family, to help with your home deposit. This money doesn’t need to be repaid and doesn’t give the giver any ownership stake in your property. However, be mindful of potential inheritance tax…
One of the major expenses when buying a home is the deposit. The deposit is the upfront sum you contribute towards the purchase price and is usually a percentage of the total cost. How much deposit do you need? The required deposit amount varies based on factors like the property’s price and the type of…
If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage, you might be surprised to learn that your gambling habits could be considered during the application process. Mortgage lenders evaluate the level of risk you pose as a borrower, similar to how you’d be cautious about lending money to someone who might struggle to repay it. Understanding…
Buying a new home is an exciting journey, even if you’ve not applied for a mortgage before. Working with a knowledgeable adviser can simplify the path to being best prepared for a mortgage. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, exploring a remortgage, or contemplating relocating, taking specific steps can accelerate the mortgage process. By preparing yourself…
When buying a new home, you’ll likely have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Here’s a simple guide to how it works, when it applies, how much you’ll need to pay, and how to pay it. Note, this article is for individuals only, not for companies purchasing properties. What is stamp duty? Stamp Duty…
