Whether you are buying your first home, moving up the ladder, or building your own masterpiece, we provide the expertise to navigate the UK’s vast mortgage landscape.
The most common way to buy a home. You provide a deposit (typically 5%–25%) and the lender provides the rest, secured against the property.
If a full mortgage is out of reach, Shared Ownership allows you to buy a share of a property (between 10% and 75%) and pay a subsidized rent on the remaining part.
For those who want to build their home from the ground up. Unlike a standard mortgage, funds are released in stages (e.g., land purchase, foundations, watertight, completion) rather than in one lump sum.
While the original Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme has closed to new applicants in England and Scotland, alternative options still exist:
| Scheme | Typical Deposit | Ownership | Key Benefit |
| Standard | 5% – 10%+ | 100% | Full control & equity |
| Shared Ownership | 5% (of share) | 10% – 75% | Lower entry cost |
| Self-Build | 20% – 25% | 100% | Custom-built value |
How much can I borrow?
Most lenders use a “multiple” of your annual household income—typically between 4 and 5 timesyour gross salary. However, they also conduct an “affordability assessment” which looks at your monthly outgoings (loans, childcare, lifestyle spending) to ensure you aren’t overstretched.
What is an “Agreement in Principle” (AIP)?
An AIP is a document from a lender stating how much they are likely to lend you based on a soft credit check. It isn’t a guaranteed offer, but most estate agents require one before they will let you view properties or make an offer.
Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed?
Absolutely. Most lenders require at least two years of accounts or SA302 tax overviews. If you only have one year of trading, we can still help by approaching specialist lenders who focus on business growth and potential rather than just long-term history.
What happens when my fixed-rate deal ends?
If you don’t take action, you will automatically move onto the lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR), which is usually much higher. We recommend reviewing your options 6 months before your deal ends to “lock in” a new rate and avoid a spike in payments.
Is Shared Ownership only for first-time buyers?
While primarily for first-time buyers, it is also available to those who used to own a home but can no longer afford one (e.g., following a relationship breakdown) or existing shared owners looking to move.
