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Providing individual mortgage advice; unique to you
Buying a property can be the biggest decision made in our lives. It is for this very reason that impartial advice is critical from competent and qualified advisers. Whether you are a first time buyer, looking to remortgage or even looking to purchase a second home. This is where our advisers excel.

Be reassured that our style is to guarantee reliable mortgage advice appropriate to any individual that makes contact with us.

Providing individual mortgage advice, unique to you

Buying a house is one of the most important purchases you will make, and buying a home for the first time will be an even more daunting prospect. Add to this the vast array of mortgage products available from a wide range of sources and you could be left with a high-stress, confusing decision. To help you with making the right decision we have put together 10 top tips for you. Your home/property may repossessed if you do not keep up with your payments.

  • Ensure that you are realistic when working out exactly how much you can afford to spend on your new house. You should ensure the intended mortgage is affordable (by doing a budget calculation). Even a newly built house will require some sort of furnishings, whereas older properties may require extensive work, such as re-flooring, tiling or renewing the wiring. Make sure that you factor in all these likely expenses, in addition to the purchase price, and other fees such as conveyancing and stamp duty.
  • When buying for the first time, there may be a number of details in the houses you are looking at, which you may not pick up. Always take an experienced home buyer, such as one of your parents, or a home-owning friend, when looking at property. If this is difficult to arrange, then make sure you at least get some assistance once you have selected a property you like and are arranging a second viewing.
  • If you have been used to living at home with your parents, remember to budget for expenses such as council tax, gas and electricity bills, boiler servicing, and other home repairs.
  • Make sure you know what the likely council tax charge will be in your new property. The selling agent should be able to tell you what tax band the house you are interested in buying is in, and how the charges are levied by your local authority.
  • Even if you do not have children, remember that property in the catchment area of good local schools will always be much easier to sell on. However, this may also be reflected in a higher purchase price.
  • Always consider how your transport arrangements will change in your new house. If you have a car, your insurance premium may increase dramatically if you move from a town with relatively low crime into a city centre with higher crime rates or if you move from your parents’ house with a locked garage to a smaller terraced house with on-street parking.
  • Consider the availability of public transport services, making sure you find out local bus routes, the frequency of train services from your nearest station, and, if you are moving a long distance, the range of flights available from your local airport. Even if you drive everywhere, this information will be useful for anyone coming to visit you who does not drive.
  • Write down a list of local amenities which are important to you. This may include shops, restaurants, pubs, sports centres, parks, and cinemas. If you enjoy activities such as walking, or cycling, the neighbourhood you plan to move in to may be very different to the one your parents are living in, and may not have the same access to parks and other recreational facilities. Before making any final decision about where to move to, take a stroll or bike ride around the local area, and note down where the key facilities are.
  • If you are a heavy internet user, check to see that broadband or other high speed internet is available in the street you are moving into. The selling agent should be able to tell you this.
  • Try, where possible, to find somewhere to live that is close to your main place of work. Commuting can be one of the biggest household expenses, and as you are likely to be spending much more time on domestic chores and/or DIY, living somewhere which minimises your commuting distance will be very important. If property is more expensive nearer to your place of work, make sure you weigh up this additional expense, when compared to the costs and time of commuting. You may wish to ask colleagues in your workplace to see if there are possibilities to lift share with anyone from the area.

Providing individual mortgage advice; unique to you

Whether you have experience of buying a property or are looking to purchase for the first time, knowing which mortgage is right for you is not always straightforward. What may appear the right type of mortgage now may not be suitable for you in 18 months’ time as your circumstances change.

I will examine your circumstances and search the market to find the most suitable products to enable you to fund your house purchase. We’ll advise you on the different types of mortgages available and how they may impact on your personal situation over life of the mortgage.

Before we start, use our mortgage calculator to give you an idea on what your likely repayments may be.

Happy with what you see? Simply complete some basic personal information and we will begin the process of searching the mortgage market specifically for you and straight away.

We look forward to helping you soon.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgag

Providing individual mortgage advice; unique to you

When you remortgage, you are switching your mortgage to another deal, and frequently, another lender.

Remortgages can be used for various reasons. However, most people simply switch mortgages because it will work out cheaper for them. For example, the introductory discounted interest rate may have finished with your current lender; therefore you could potentially get a new discount rate, or a lower APR, with another lender. Another example is when you may need to re-mortgage to consolidate debts.

It is worth noting that a remortgage is not the best option in all cases. Even if the lender you are considering switching to is offering a lower APR, you must take into consideration the facts that:

  • The new lender may charge you for valuation and solicitors fees, even if you have already paid these for your mortgage with your current lender.

  • If you switch mortgage remember to look at the overall repayment period. You may be able to pay less monthly, but check the final repayment date of the mortgage as well.

  • You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you re-mortgage. 

Also you may be able to switch your mortgage deal with your current lender, avoiding any unnecessary costs. Many lenders will allow you to switch your mortgage deal reasonably frequently. 

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME.  YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. 

Debt consolidation is not always the most suitable option, consolidating debts must be carefully considered. It will usually mean more interest over a longer repayment term and there may also be early repayment penalties on your current mortgage, you should think carefully before securing other debts against your home. There are other ways to manage debt such as free debt advice charities, you can find out more by contacting the Money Advice Service http://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/where-to-go-to-get-free-debt-advice these services may be more suitable for you.

Providing individual mortgage advice; unique to you

Becoming a private landlord should not be seen as an easy way of making money. It can be riskier and more complicated. It can also be very time consuming, more than most forms of investment, and there is no guarantee that house prices will rise. That said, having a second property to let to tenants could reap considerable financial rewards over time.

There are 3 main differences in buy to let mortgages:

  • Rent Potential – the decision as to whether or not a mortgage will be offered is usually based on the rent you will earn as well as your income. In some cases your income is not ever considered.

  • Interest Rate – buy to let mortgages have slightly higher interest rates.

  • Larger Deposit – typically a minimum of 20% or 25% of the property’s value is required as a deposit.

When buying a second property to let, you will need to decide whether your primary objective is income or capital growth. In other words, are you looking to make a profit month on month or are you looking to make a profit through increased equity from the second property if it increases in value over time? The decision may affect the type of property you purchase, and the location.

When you manage a property there are many costs involved in addition to the monthly mortgage repayments. As a guide, you should be aiming to achieve a gross rent of about 135% of the rental property’s interest only mortgage repayments in order to cover your costs should anything go wrong.

These additional costs include:

  • Property upkeep – maintenance costs for the property.

  • Letting agent’s fees – letting agents charge around 10% of the monthly rent for finding and vetting tenants with an additional cost of around 5% if you require a full management service.

  • Ground rent / service charges – applicable to leasehold properties.

  • Legal insurance – to cover costs from evicting tenants in the event of non-payment, very important, as this can be very expensive.

  • Insurance – building insurance and contents insurance for the items provided as part of the rental agreement.

  • Furnishings – the purchase of any furniture. If the property is to be let furnished, make sure you are covered for this by your home insurance.

  • Gas / electrical appliances – cost of maintaining appliances and ensuring they comply with any regulations such as safety tests.


  • Decorating costs – the property may require work ranging from painting, to a new bathroom suite before it is suitable for letting to tenants.

When choosing a property to let, it is wise to take advice from local letting agents to determine; what types of properties are in need and which parts of the town are best or most wanted. They can tell you if there is a University in the town, and if students are looking for somewhere to live.

THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY DOES NOT REGULATE MOST BUY TO LET MORTGAGES

YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

Providing individual mortgage advice; unique to you

A commercial mortgage is probably the best way to finance the purchase of buildings and land for business purposes, it provides the most flexible and affordable finance solution. 

Commercial mortgages are specialised due to the fact that the lender has a legal claim over the property until the loan has been repaid in full. 

Mortgage loans of this type are tailor made for purchasing any commercial property used for business purposes including shops, factories, offices and warehouses. Commercial mortgages can also be used for taking over an existing business, purchasing a brand new building or buying land. 

Although they often come with higher interest rates and more variables than residential mortgages, commercial mortgages are more flexible and can carry extra incentives for borrowers. With commercial mortgages, the lender has a legal claim over the property until the loan has been fully repaid.

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGES ARE ARRANGED BY INTRODUCTION ONLY

What is it?

A Term life insurance plan is the most basic form of life insurance and is usually the cheapest way to insure your life. It covers you for a fixed period and pays out a one off lump sum if you die during the policy term.

With some term insurance policies you can add additional options, for instance critical illness cover. If you do add on critical illness cover, the plan will pay out once on diagnosis of a qualifying critical illness or if you die during the term of the policy.

Who is it for?

This type of plan is designed for those who want to leave a lump sum in the event of their death within a specified time period whilst keeping the cost to a minimum. Term assurance can protect your family from the financial implications of a personal tragedy and is particularly important if you have young children or dependents. It can be used to cover a mortgage, other loan or to ensure that your family is protected from the effects of having to repay a debt after the main breadwinner has passed away. As advisors we can help you find the plan that best meets your requirements.

AS WITH ALL INSURANCE POLICIES, CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY

What is it?

A Critical Illness plan is designed to pay out a lump sum on the diagnosis of certain specified illnesses. It is often ‘bolted on’ to a life assurance policy as an additional benefit but can also be a standalone plan.

Who is it for?

This type of plan is designed for those individuals or families whom want a lump sum if they are diagnosed with a serious illness. As an example of where this lump sum could be used is to repay a loan, mortgage, or perhaps pay for time off work. The lump sum could even be used to pay for any necessary alterations to your home.

The quality of cover and the illnesses covered can vary significantly between different providers. As advisors we can help you find the plan that best meets your requirements.

AS WITH ALL INSURANCE POLICIES, CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY

What is it?

An Income Protection plan is designed to pay out a regular income in the event you are unable to work due to an accident or illness. These types of plans continue to pay out an income as long as you are unable to return to work up until the end date of the policy (typically your normal retirement age).

This type of plan is quite often seen as the foundation of any financial planning as it is likely that other plans will have to be given up if you do not have sufficient income coming into the household.

Who is it for?

This type of plan is designed for anyone whom is working (employed or self employed). It’s worth pointing out that even if your employer provides sick pay, it is unlikely to last for longer than twelve months and so ongoing protection is essential. Plans can be adapted to fit in with any existing protection you might have. As advisors we can help you find the plan that best meets your requirements.

AS WITH ALL INSURANCE POLICIES, CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY

What is it?

A Mortgage Payment Protection plan is designed to ensure that you are able to continue to make your mortgage (and other related expenditure) payments in the event of accident, sickness or unemployment. It is often referred to as Accident, Sickness and Unemployment cover or ASU. These plans usually pay benefits for up to two years however, if you are seeking a plan that pays for a longer period, then Income Protection Insurance is generally more suitable.

It’s worth noting that there is currently no legal requirement to have such cover and potential mis-selling of these products has generated much interest from the media and the industry regulator in recent years. However, this doesn’t mean that they are not right for some people and can provide valuable protection in the right circumstances.

Who is it for?

This type of plan is designed for those who are worried about being able to continue their mortgage payments in the event of losing income due to accident, sickness or unemployment.

It is extremely important that you take financial advice before taking out this type of plan as they are not always the best nor cheapest option.

AS WITH ALL INSURANCE POLICIES, CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY

What is it?

As the name implies, this type of life assurance pays out when you die, whenever that may be. It is usually, but not always, a more expensive option than term assurance simply because the life assurance company knows that it will definitely pay out at some point.

Many of these plans offer some form of investment content and so can be more flexible than term assurance and can acquire cash in values.

Who is it for?

This type of plan is designed for those who want to leave a lump sum in the event of their death, whenever it may occur.

It can be used to pay off debts that will not be repaid during your lifetime or for those who want to leave a lump sum to pay a potential inheritance tax liability.

THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY DOES NOT REGULATE INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING ADVICE & ALTHOUGH A WHOLE OF LIFE PLAN CAN AQUIRE A CASH VALUE ITS PRIMARY PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS AN INVESTMENT VEHICLE.

AS WITH ALL INSURANCE POLICIES, CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY

Protection

Family is important; that’s why it’s best to get expert advice to help protect what matters, when it matters!
Quite often you hear ‘it could never happen to me’ or ‘I’ll sort it out later’. Well the old maxim of “failing to plan is planning to fail” is no better suited to the ignoring of crucial decisions on protection.

As one would imagine, there are many types of Protection Policies to choose from. Finding the one that provides adequate cover and the right protection is not as easy as you may think. As Mortgage and Protection Advisers’ we can help you find the one that best meets your requirements.

AS WITH ALL INSURANCE POLICIES, CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY

Insurance

Things happen when you least expect it…

Insuring our home and belongings is almost second nature to most of us now.

We’re able to search through a range of policies to find the one that suits you best from our extensive list of insurers. So this year leave the shopping to us, as just one phone call could find the best cover and price for you.

All initial enquiries and appointments are arranged on a free, no-obligation basis.

AS WITH ALL INSURANCE POLICIES, CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY

If you have a mortgage, your lender will insist that your property (and their security) is protected by buildings insurance. It usually pays out if your property is destroyed by fire, floods or subsidence (although you will need to check if you live on a flood plain, for example). Damage to fixed fittings such as baths and kitchens are often included, as well as sheds, greenhouses and garages.

You might be offered buildings insurance when you take out your mortgage, but you don’t have to take what’s on offer. Use the key policy information to shop around and get the best deal for you.

If you purchase a leasehold property (such as a flat in a block of flats) the freeholder may have arranged buildings insurance for the whole block, in which case you may not need your own buildings policy.

What isn’t covered?

Your cover is based on what your home would cost to rebuild. You can check whether you have enough buildings insurance through the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) website. It has an online tool to help you calculate the sum you should insure your building(s) for, in case your home has to be entirely rebuilt.

You need to tell your insurer if you extend your property, for example with a loft conversion or conservatory. Your belongings are not covered – these need to be covered separately with contents insurance – see Contents insurance.

Keeping costs down

As always, shop around. You may also find that you get a better deal if you buy buildings and contents insurance together. Most policies have a standard excess charge which means you agree to pay the first part of any claim, for example the first £50 or £100. If you agree to pay a higher excess you might get a cheaper policy. Always compare what’s covered by a policy, not just the price – the key policy information will help you do this. Some might be cheaper than others, but they may not offer the same level of protection.

Benefits can include:

  • Accidental Damage Cover
  • Building Cover
  • No Claims Discount
  • Legal Liability
  • Metered Water
  • Loss of rent or costs for alternative accommodation

AS WITH ALL INSURANCE POLICIES, CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY

What’s it for?

It covers the loss of or damage to the contents of your home. This includes your furniture, electrical goods and other items within your home. Some policies cover you for items you take outside, for example cameras, jewellery and briefcases. Different policies offer different levels of cover but generally you’ll be covered against theft and fire, and have the option to insure against damage you may cause by accident. It is always vital that you thoroughly read and understand the full policy terms and conditions. 

If not already covered by your contents insurance, you may want to consider travel insurance for loss or damage to your personal belongings whilst travelling. For more information see Travel insurance.

What isn’t covered?

Anything beyond the maximum amount your insurer says they will pay, and it may pay a maximum amount on single articles. You’ll need to specify the value of the contents. Some companies have limits on the value of any one item under the general policy so you’ll need to specify individual items such as expensive jewellery or camera equipment, for example. Your cover may also be affected or cancelled if you leave your home empty for a long period of time, or if you let it out. Damage to the building itself is also not covered; this needs to be covered separately with Buildings insurance – see Buildings insurance.

Keeping costs down

Many insurers will offer discounts if you have a burglar alarm, window locks or if you’re a member of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. You may also get a deal if you combine contents and buildings insurance. 

Most policies have a standard excess charge which means you agree to pay the first part of any claim, for example the first £50 or £100. If you agree to pay a higher excess you might get a cheaper policy. 

Always compare what’s covered by a policy, not just the price – the key policy information will help you do this. Some might be cheaper than others, but they may not offer the same level of protection.

Level of cover

Some contents insurance policies offer new for old. This means they’ll replace old damaged appliances and possessions with new ones when you claim. 

Bear in mind that your premiums may increase the following year, or the insurance company may refuse to cover you for the same risk if it happens more than twice, for example.

Benefits can include:

  • Accidental Damage Cover
  • Credit Card Misuse
  • Deeds, registered bonds and personal documents
  • No Claims Discount
  • Domestic outbuilding contents (other than garages)
  • Door lock replacement
  • Frozen food
  • Garden
  • Gold, silver, jewellery and furs
  • Money
  • Seasonal / Wedding increase info

AS WITH ALL INSURANCE POLICIES, CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY

Landlords insurance for buildings and contents may include as standard:

  • loss or damage arising as a result of fire, storm, flood, falling trees, theft, malicious acts or vandalism
  • your loss of rent or for providing alternative accommodation for the tenant following damage caused by an insured event.
  • legal liability as owner of the buildings for causing injury to others or for damage to their property
  • home emergency cover – for call-outs or repairs if you have an emergency.

Contents only cover is only available in circumstances where the buildings is tied to another insurer, such as in the case of a leasehold flat.

Landlords Insurance additional cover options

You can tailor your policy with the following optional cover:

  • buildings accidental damage and malicious damage by tenants to cover you for incidents such as banging a nail through a pipe or putting a foot through the ceiling whilst in the loft and malicious damage by your tenants.
  • contents accidental damage and malicious damage by tenants so you don’t have to worry about things such as spills on carpets and malicious damage by your tenants.
  • legal expenses, rent guarantee and eviction of squatters cover insures you for irrecoverable costs and fees to pursue or defend claims involving breach of tenancy agreement and unpaid rent.

Please note that Landlords Insurance is designed to cover certain unforeseen events and doesn’t cover everything. It does not cover things like general wear and tear or damage that happens gradually over a period of time. There is also an excess on each claim.


AS WITH ALL INSURANCE POLICIES, CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY

If you are in business you will need insurance; without it your livelihood is at risk. An unexpected loss could cause financial hardship and destroy years of hard work and by law, some types of insurance are compulsory.

What types of insurance should I consider for a business? For businesses there are three main areas where you need to consider the insurance requirements of your business:

Insurances that protect against loss or damage caused to your business’ property or trade by adverse events. Specific areas of insurance in this group may include cover for:

  • Property – buildings and contents
  • Engineering Failure
  • Theft
  • Money
  • Goods in Transit
  • Business Interruption
  • Trade Credit Insurance
  • Motor Vehicles
  • Legal Expenses
  • And a variety of other risks
  • Full Product List

Insurances that cover your business’s legal liabilities in the event of some aspect of your business causing damage or harm to a third party or their property. Employers’ Liability insurance is compulsory by law, but other areas of liability that you may need to consider insurance cover for include:

  • Public and Product Liability
  • Motor Vehicle Liability

Insurances that protect both you and your employees against the consequences of serious illness, injury or death, and the effects these events could have on your employees, on their families, and on your business. Areas of insurance you might consider are –

  • Personal Accident and Sickness Insurance
  • Private Medical Insurance

AS WITH ALL INSURANCE POLICIES, CONDITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY

Let us help

Getting a mortgage can be a challenging and complicated process. That’s why you need regular access to expert guidance and support from people you know you can trust. Our aim is to provide you with professional knowledge of the market and excellence in customer service whilst being on hand to help every step of the way.

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