Jargon, questions & the process.
Everything explained in plain English, from the words lenders use to the steps from first call to keys in hand.
Jargon Buster
Mortgage words, decoded.
The terms you'll come across, without the confusion.
Annual Percentage Rate of Charge. The total yearly cost of a mortgage including interest and most fees, shown as a percentage to help you compare deals.
The size of your mortgage as a percentage of the property's value. A £180,000 mortgage on a £200,000 home is 90% LTV. Lower LTV usually means better rates.
An Agreement in Principle is an early indication from a lender of how much they may lend, based on a soft check. It is not a full mortgage offer.
Your interest rate stays the same for a set period (for example two or five years), so your monthly payment does not change during that time.
A variable rate that follows the Bank of England base rate plus a set margin, so your payment can rise or fall.
A tax you may pay when buying property. Rates and thresholds depend on the price, whether you are a first-time buyer, and where the property is.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
The things people ask us most often.
Most lenders offer around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income, but it depends on your outgoings, credit history and deposit. We search the market to find the right fit for your situation.
Typically a minimum of 5% of the property price, though a larger deposit opens up better rates. We also advise on schemes such as Co-Ownership if a full deposit is a challenge.
Broker fees range from £0 to £495, typically £299. We will always tell you the exact fee before you commit to anything.
From application to a formal mortgage offer is usually two to six weeks, depending on the lender and how quickly documents are provided. Completion then follows your solicitor's timeline.
Generally proof of ID, proof of address, recent payslips or accounts if self-employed, and bank statements. See the Videos page for short walkthroughs of each.
The Process
Step by step to your keys.
How a mortgage application unfolds, stage by stage.
A short call to understand your income, deposit, goals and any concerns. No jargon, no obligation.
We compare hundreds of lenders to find the most suitable mortgage and protection for your exact circumstances.
We secure a Decision in Principle so you know your budget and can make offers with confidence.
You send us your documents, we package the application and submit it to the lender for a formal offer.
Once the mortgage offer is issued, your solicitor handles the legal work through to completion, and you collect the keys.