Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions

Most lenders ask for at least a 5% deposit, though having more opens up better rates and a wider choice of lenders. With 10% or 15% you may access significantly lower interest rates. The size of your deposit also depends on the property type and whether specialist lenders are involved. If you are buying for the first time, our first time buyer mortgage advice covers deposit requirements in detail.

Yes. Self-employed applicants are assessed differently from employed ones, but there are plenty of lenders who are comfortable with self-employed income. Most will want at least two years of accounts or tax returns, though some will consider one year. We offer dedicated self-employed mortgage advice and know which lenders assess self-employed income most favourably. If you work on a contract basis, our contractor mortgage page may be more relevant to you.

It is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly advisable. If you pass away during the mortgage term, life insurance ensures the loan can be repaid and your family does not face losing their home. Many lenders will ask whether you have cover in place. We offer independent life and protection insurance advice alongside our mortgage service — we can arrange both in the same conversation.

When your fixed rate ends you will usually move onto your lender's Standard Variable Rate (SVR), which is typically higher. You have two main options: switch to a new deal with your existing lender via a product transfer, or search the whole market and remortgage to a better deal elsewhere. We will compare both options and tell you which works out cheaper for your circumstances. We recommend starting the review around six months before your deal ends.

Yes, and it is worth doing regularly — particularly if your circumstances have changed. Many people find they are paying too much, or that their cover no longer reflects their actual needs. We provide independent protection insurance advice across the whole market and can review what you have in place at no cost.

Moving house involves either porting your existing mortgage to the new property or starting fresh with a new deal. Both options have pros and cons depending on your current rate, how much you want to borrow, and whether your existing lender will approve the new property. Our home mover mortgage advice covers the full process — including porting, early repayment charges, and how to time your move to minimise costs.

Yes, in many cases. Whether you want to fund home improvements, help a family member, or consolidate debts, there are a few routes worth considering. If you own your home, you may be able to increase your borrowing through a remortgage. If you are over 55 and have equity in your property, equity release may also be an option worth exploring. We will look at your full picture and tell you which route is most suitable.

Absolutely — and we would really appreciate it. If someone you know is looking for mortgage or protection advice, please point them our way. We do not offer financial incentives for referrals, but we promise to look after anyone you send us just as carefully as we have looked after you. Visit our refer a friend page for more details.

Not at all. While our office is based in Chorley and we advise many clients across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, we work with clients nationwide by phone and video call. You are welcome to visit us in person, but there is no need to — many of our clients deal with us entirely remotely.