We are often asked, “How do I get a mortgage”? First of all, we would recommend that you start thinking about your mortgage application at least six months before you apply. Here are some of the key steps to follow to ensure that you get the best mortgage for you. Step one Check your [...]
Figures released from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), show that nearly 40% of borrowers taking out a new mortgage will be over the age of 65 by the time the loan is repaid. Why is this happening? With property prices increasing, first-time buyers are often having to wait until their thirties before they buy [...]
In the eighties until 2009, an interest-only mortgage was a popular option. Now, however, many of these mortgages are coming to the end of their term and money must be found to pay off the original capital sum borrowed. So, what should you do if you have an interest-only mortgage? Firstly, you need to [...]
Young people trying to get on the property ladder are relying more and more on the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to help with their mortgage deposit. We are told that one in three first-time buyers expects to ask their family to help with the purchase of their first property. Some parents are in the fortunate [...]
Passing on wealth between generations in a tax-efficient way is a key part of financial planning. In this article, we will look at how to gift money in a tax-efficient way, from passing on a pension to helping your children with a buy to let. Here are some areas to discuss with our financial planners. [...]
This is what you need to know about remortgaging and why you should review your mortgage regularly. When your existing fixed-rate or discount mortgage rate comes to an end you should review your options. This may be changing to a new deal with your existing lender or moving your existing mortgage to another lender to [...]
By John Cossons, Mortgage & Protections Designer with Anstee & Co. With the recent announcement that the Bank of England has increased the bank base rate for the first time since August 2018 is it time to consider a long-term fixed rate for your mortgage? A mortgage is a long-term commitment, and with the ever-increasing [...]
This guide will give you an indication of the major costs associated with buying your first house or flat in England. The processes and fees for Wales and Scotland are different. We will look at the cost of moving home, your deposit and solicitor fees. This guide will help you budget for these costs to [...]
Recent government figures have shown that 147,000 first-time buyers have purchased their homes using a Help to Buy ISA. What is a Help to Buy ISA? A Help to Buy ISA is designed to help first-time buyers save up a deposit for their home. The government will add 25% to your savings. This is up [...]
Mortgage prisoners are people paying the lenders standard variable rate (SVR) of around 5% and have been unable to move to a lower interest rate with their existing lender or move to a new bank or building society. What is changing for these mortgage prisoners? Fifty-nine of the top lender which covers over 90% of [...]
