FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Whether you’re looking to see what Aspect Mortgages can offer you, or an existing client reviewing your existing plan, it’s good to know your options. Below are some commonly asked questions for quick and convenient reference. To find out how we can help with your individual situation, just pick up the phone, or get in touch here.

Common Questions Our Clients Ask

How much can I borrow?

There isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all answer anymore. The old “4× your income” rule of thumb has largely disappeared. Today, mortgage lenders take a much more detailed look at your circumstances.

They’ll consider your income, outgoings, credit commitments, family situation, and even the type of property you’re buying. Each lender uses their own affordability calculator, so two banks could offer you very different maximum loan amounts.

The best way to find out how much you could borrow is to speak to a mortgage adviser who can compare lenders and give you a realistic figure. At Aspect Mortgages, we’ll take the time to understand your situation and show you what’s possible.

How much deposit do I need?

Most lenders will ask for at least a 5% deposit, though having more can open up better deals. For example, with a 10% or 15% deposit you may access lower interest rates and a wider choice of lenders.

The size of your deposit also depends on the property type, your credit history, and the kind of mortgage you’re applying for. Some specialist schemes can also help first-time buyers with smaller deposits.

With whole of market access to over 95 lenders, we can help you explore all the options and show you what’s possible based on your savings and circumstances.

Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed?

Yes! Being self-employed doesn’t stop you from getting a mortgage. Lenders will usually want to see 2–3 years of accounts or tax returns to prove your income, but some may also consider you if you’ve traded for just one year.

Some lenders are more flexible than others, so choosing the right one — with a broker on your side — is key.

At Aspect Mortgages, our expert advisors regularly help self-employed clients secure mortgages and know which lenders to approach for each situation. Many accountancy and financial advice firms refer their clients directly to us for this reason.

Do I need life insurance with a mortgage?

While it’s not a legal requirement, many lenders strongly recommend having life cover in place when you take out a mortgage.

This protects your family by ensuring the mortgage is paid off if the worst were to happen. You can also consider critical illness cover or income protection for extra peace of mind.

We’ll talk you through the protection options so you can make the right choice for your circumstances.

What happens when my fixed rate expires?

When your fixed rate is about to end, it is natural to feel uncertain. Many lenders will automatically move you onto their standard variable rate, which is usually more expensive, and this can feel daunting if you are unsure about the next step.

If we arranged your last mortgage or rate switch, we will contact you in advance and begin the process of reviewing your mortgage together. We explain what it means for your payments, we show you the options available, and we guide you through the choices with clear, straightforward advice. Sometimes the most suitable path is to stay with your current lender on a new rate. In other situations, it may be better to remortgage with a different lender and secure a deal that offers more value or flexibility.

Because we are independent advisers with access to the whole market, we are not tied to any one lender. Our only focus is making sure you receive the mortgage that suits your goals. We handle the comparisons and the application to ensure your mortgage continues to support you, not work against you.

Can I review my existing protection insurance?

Yes, and we believe it is one of the most important steps you can take. Life does not stay the same, and your protection should not either. You may have moved home, had children, changed careers, or paid down your mortgage. These changes affect what kind of protection you and your family may need.

At Aspect Mortgages, we offer regular reviews of your life insurance, critical illness cover, or income protection. Our role is to check whether your cover is still suitable, whether the amount is still enough, and whether there are better or more cost-effective options available. If we find your protection already matches your needs, we will reassure you that nothing more is required. If there are gaps or more fitting options, we explain them clearly and carefully so you can decide what feels right.

We know how much effort goes into making sure your loved ones are secure. That is why our reviews are designed to give you peace of mind, to confirm that your plans are still protecting you, and to show you that whatever life brings, you remain supported.

What happens if I want to move house?

Moving home is an exciting step, but we understand that it can also be a stressful one. If you already have a mortgage, you may wonder whether you can keep it or if you will need to start again. We help you explore what is known as porting, which means transferring your current mortgage deal to your new property. If you still meet the lender’s criteria, this can be a simple and cost effective way to take your existing rate with you.

If porting is not possible, we will look at other routes across the whole market and guide you toward an option that suits your new circumstances. We take into account your income, your plans for the future, and the affordability of each deal so that you can move forward with confidence.

We know how much effort it takes to arrange a move. That is why we make sure the financial side is as smooth as possible. You can focus on your new home and your family, while we take care of the technical side and keep you updated at every stage.

Can I borrow more money?

This is a very common question, and there are safe and suitable ways to do so depending on your needs. You may be considering home improvements, supporting your children with their first home, or funding a large purchase. These are important decisions and we believe you should approach them with care and clarity.

One way to borrow more is to request a further advance from your current lender. If your circumstances and affordability still meet their criteria, this can be a practical and cost-effective option. Another possibility is a second charge mortgage, which is a separate loan secured against your home alongside your current mortgage. This may offer flexibility without disturbing your existing deal.

At Aspect Mortgage we will take the time to explain the differences, outline the benefits and risks, and guide you through the paperwork. Our purpose is to help you weigh up the options so that you feel confident you are making the right choice. We respect the responsibility that comes with borrowing more, and we make sure any solution we recommend is aligned with your goals and future plans.

Can I refer a friend?

Absolutely, and it means so much when you do. When a client refers someone to Aspect Mortgages, it tells us that you trust us enough to recommend our service to the people you care about. That is something we never take lightly, and we are truly grateful each time it happens.

Referring a friend is very simple. You can ask them to mention your name when they contact us, or you can give us their details with their permission, and we will reach out to them directly. We also provide a secure online form which you can access through the button below.

By referring someone, you are giving them the same opportunity you had—to receive independent advice that puts people first, with no pressure and no hidden agenda. We will treat your friend or family member with the same care and dedication that we give to you. It is the highest compliment we can receive, and it is a reminder of why our work matters so much.

Do I have to be local to Chorley to use you?

Not at all. While we’re proud to be based in Chorley and love helping local clients face-to-face, we work with people all over the UK. Thanks to secure online systems, phone, email, and video calls, distance is never a problem.

Many of our clients are recommended to us by friends and family, and that often means we’re helping people who live far beyond Lancashire. Whether you’re just around the corner or the other end of the country, you’ll get the same friendly, expert service from Aspect Mortgages.

So if you’d like advice from a trusted, experienced team, you don’t need to be local — we’re here to help wherever you are.

Share The Support You Value

If you know a friend, family member, or colleague who could benefit from clear and trusted mortgage, protection, or estate planning advice, why not refer them to us? It only takes a minute, and you can be confident they will receive the same level of care and support that you already have.

Fees

There will be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances but we estimate that it will be £495 for a residential/buy to let mortgage or £1495 for an equity release/retirement mortgage.

Important Information

Aspect Mortgages Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register (https://register.fca.org.uk/s/) under reference 305352. The FCA do not regulate Business Buy to Let Mortgages or Estate Planning.

As independent advisers we have access to the whole market, except for deals that you can only obtain by going direct to a lender. Registered in England and Wales No: 051013801. 16 St Thomas' Road, Chorley, PR7 1HR.

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

© Copyright 2025 Aspect Mortgages Limited