Knowledge Articles

Arranging a mortgage can be a complicated process. To help, we have put together some useful guides and articles, to give you some background information and know how.

And when you are ready, our advisers will be happy to help arrange your mortgage.

How do you pay back a bridging loan?

Bridging loans can be a lifeline for homeowners and property investors, providing short-term finance to seize opportunities quickly. It’s an extremely flexible type of secured loan that can be used for various purposes, but it’s important to understand how it ...
Can you buy a house with a bridging loan?

Securing your dream home or an ideal investment opportunity often hinges on swift decisions and quick financing. This is where bridging loans step in as a valuable tool. Bridging is most often thought of as a chain-breaker loan, helping you ...
What is a bridging loan usually secured against?

In the UK property market, timing is everything. Whether you’re a homeowner facing a broken chain, an investor spotting a bargain at auction, or a developer looking to transform a property, you may need fast access to funds. Bridging loans ...
What is the difference between bridging and development finance?

Whether you’re a seasoned property investor or a first-time buyer with a vision, securing the right financing can be the key to unlocking your property goals. Bridging loans and development finance are two powerful options, each offering unique advantages depending ...
Bridging Loans and Deposits: A Practical Guide

Bridging loans can be a valuable tool for property buyers who need to move quickly, whether to secure their dream home or capitalise on an investment opportunity. However, it’s important to understand that bridging loans will require a deposit, just ...
What happens at the end of an interest only mortgage?

If your interest-only mortgage is coming to an end, you’re probably wondering about the next steps. The lender will be expecting their money back, so this is not a situation to be ignored. Whether you are considering paying a lump ...
What’s the Difference Between an SPV and a Limited Company?

As a property investor, choosing the right business structure can make your investments more efficient. Two popular options are Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and traditional limited companies. Perhaps you’re wondering what these structures are and if they might offer advantages ...
Can an executor pay beneficiaries before probate is granted?

When someone passes away and leaves a will, a person called an executor is in charge of sorting out their property and money. Probate is a legal process that happens after someone dies. It’s all about making sure that the ...
Do you have to pay inheritance tax before probate?

It’s a question that is asked by many executors of wills in the UK: Do you have to pay inheritance tax before probate? In this article we go over the process of probate and explain when and how inheritance tax needs ...
How long can you have a bridging loan for?

If you’re considering getting a bridging loan, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is “How long can I have it for?” After all, these loans are designed to be short-term solutions, but what exactly does that mean in ...
Can a mortgage offer be withdrawn?

Receiving your mortgage offer is an important step in the home buying process, as it means that a lender has formally agreed to lend you the money you need. But what happens if your mortgage offer is suddenly withdrawn? Can ...
What is mortgage underwriting and how does it work?

If you’re considering buying a property then you’ll probably need a mortgage. And as part of the mortgage process, your application will go through something called underwriting. But what exactly is mortgage underwriting, and why is it important? In this ...
How do joint mortgages work?

If you’re considering buying a property, you may have heard about joint mortgages. But what exactly are they, and how do they work? In this article, we will discuss the various types of joint mortgage, the application process, and the ...
Getting a mortgage with complex income

Getting a mortgage when your income varies can be tricky. Banks and other lenders usually prefer stable, predictable incomes because it helps them feel confident that you’ll be able to pay back the loan. If your income doesn’t fit into ...
Buying a house on your own: We explain how to do it

Lots of people buy a home without needing a co-buyer. Many mortgage providers are open to lending to individual applicants, provided you can demonstrate that lending to you is a safe choice. This guide will show you the steps to ...
How Does a Self-Assessment Mortgage Work?

Obtaining a mortgage can be a bit more complex for anyone under the self-assessment tax system, yet it’s definitely achievable.  Being self-employed means that lenders might approach your application with more caution. Their concern is often centred around the potential ...
How to increase your mortgage affordability

In this guide, we will explore what mortgage affordability really means, how lenders determine it, and importantly, practical strategies you can use to improve it. Don’t confuse mortgage eligibility with affordability. There’s a significant difference between what a lender might ...
Is a Self-Employed Mortgage Based on Gross or Net Profit?

Are you looking for a self-employed mortgage?  You’re not alone! This article will guide you through the key questions: Is your mortgage based on gross or net profit? How much can you borrow? We’ll demystify these concepts, and give you ...
Holiday Let Mortgages for the Self Employed

Are you a self-employed individual who is looking to buy a holiday let property? Well, you’re not alone. The number of self-employed people has been steadily rising over the years, but despite this growing trend, securing a mortgage as a ...
Holiday Let Mortgages for First Time Buyers

Are you a first-time buyer dreaming of owning a holiday let property? You might think it’s as simple as buying a property and renting it out, but beware of the risks lurking behind ‘back door residential transactions’. Lenders are on ...
Can we get a mortgage for a holiday let business?

A holiday let business is more than just a single rental property. It typically includes multiple units or even an entire holiday park. If you’re looking to finance a holiday let business, specialist commercial finance is the way to go. ...
Purchasing a Guest House or B&B

We receive many early stage enquiries from the travel and tourism sectors. A popular approach is to purchase an existing or start-up guest houses and B&B’s. Here are just a few of the questions we are asked that might be useful ...
What are holiday let occupancy clauses?

To own and run a UK holiday let you need to be aware of the occupancy rules and restrictions that apply to such properties. These will vary depending on the location, property type, usage and also the mortgage finance needed. ...
Section 106 Planning Restrictions

A Local Authority will often use a Section 106 planning restriction when they want to control how a property can be used. These powers come from Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. But why is this ...