Let us guide you towards a brighter future.

Independent Mortgage advice

The first step on the property ladder is understanding the various types of mortgages.

UK Homes - Independent Mortgage Advice

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

Choosing a mortgage is a big task. There are so many options to choose from and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. With our independent mortgage advice, we will help you find the most suitable mortgage type that suits your needs and future goals. 

Fixed Rate Mortgages

With fixed rate mortgage deals, you will pay the same amount for the length of the deal no matter what happens to the Bank of England base rate. The fixed part of the mortgage is often two or more years, and will automatically revert to the lenders standard variable rate at the end of this period.

Considerations

During the fixed rate period there may be financial penalties if you wish to leave or change deal. Towards the end of the fixed deal you should look for a new mortgage deal as the lenders standard variable rate is often much higher.

Advantages

Your monthly payment will remain the same, helping you to manage your finances.

Disadvantages

If variable rates fall, you will not benefit. Fixed rate mortgages often have slightly higher interest rates than variable mortgages.

Variable Rate Mortgages

The interest that you pay on your mortgage loan can change at any time. There are a number of variable rate mortgage deals: Discounted, Tracker, Capped or Offset.

Considerations

Make sure that you have some savings in place should the interest rate increase. You may be charged if you choose to leave a discounted or capped deal.

Advantages

You have the option to overpay, or leave at any time without penalty.

Disadvantages

The amount you pay each month can go up or down.

Discounted mortgages

Discounted mortgages offer a percentage discount off the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) which will be applied for the first 2 or 3 years of the mortgage. Comparing discounted rates requires careful checking as you will need to consider both the SVR as well as the discount offered.

Considerations

You may be charged if you leave before the end of the discounted period. Banks can change their own SVR at any time, it does not mirror the Bank of England Base Rate

Advantages

Payments will be lower at the start of the mortgage term. If the lender cuts their standard variable rate (SVR) you will pay less.

Disadvantages

The lender may raise their interest rate at any time.

Tracker mortgages

Tracker mortgages move in line with the Bank of England base rate rather than the bank’s standard variable rate. Tracker deals are calculated using the base rate plus a few set percent, so if the base rate goes up or down 0.25%, your payment will change by the exact same rate.

Tracker mortgage deals are typically 2 – 5 years before moving to the lenders own SVR, however some lenders offer tracker deals for the entire life of your mortgage.

Considerations

Check the small print of the deal. Some lenders may be able to change the rate offered at any time.

Advantages

If the BoE base rate falls, your mortgage repayments will fall.

Disadvantages

If the BoE base rate increases, your mortgage repayments will increase. You may have to pay an Early Repayment Charge should you leave before the deal period is over

Capped mortgages

Capped mortgages move in-line with the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR), but will not increase above an agreed level (cap). The cap will be applied for the first 2 or 3 years of the mortgage before reverting to the lenders SVR.

Considerations

The cap tends to be set high so make sure you understand and can afford the maximum payment.

Advantages

Assurance that your payments will not increase above a set amount. If the lender reduces their standard variable rate (SVR) you will pay less.

Disadvantages

The lender may raise their SVR at any time up to the cap level.

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

How to proceed

When you speak to us early in your house buying process we will be in a better position to proceed once you find your new home.

It would be helpful to have some figures to hand:

  • your income
  • any savings
  • your outgoings
  • how much you’re looking to spend.
 

We suggest getting an Experian Credit Report to ensure you have a good credit history, especially with a high loan to value mortgage.

We will then compare and source great mortgage deals for you by searching the whole of market with the aim of saving you time and money.

With our main office in Thame, our brokers are located all over the Home Counties so we’re never far from providing the help you need.