Award-winning brokers specialising in complex property finance

A mortgage broker can save you money by comparing lenders for you and finding the mortgage options that fit your circumstances and the property, whether you are buying a new home or an investment property. Lenders treat age, employment status and non-standard property differently, and a broker knows how each lender treats them and which lenders have products only available through brokers. A broker also deals with the lenders on your behalf, so you do not have to approach each one yourself, and may be able to secure more favourable terms.

It depends on the lender, and each mortgage case is different. Digital mortgages can produce an offer quickly where the lender's automated checks are satisfied, while traditional lenders usually take longer. Cases that need more underwriting can take longer.

Bridging finance is often used where speed matters, for example when buying at a traditional auction, where the contract sets a short deadline to complete. For investment purchases the underwriting is often on a non-status basis, focused mainly on the property and its exit, which can shorten the time to offer and completion.

Take legal advice from a qualified solicitor before taking out a bridging loan.

A mortgage broker is an intermediary who advises on mortgage options and arranges loans with lenders. Brokers assess affordability, explain criteria, and manage the application process.

Mortgage brokers may get access to broker-only mortgage rates, but they do not always get better rates than direct lenders. Some lenders offer exclusive products through brokers, while others offer direct-only deals. A broker’s role is to compare suitable products, criteria, fees and affordability, not just the headline rate.

Some mortgage brokers charge fees, while others do not charge the borrower directly. A broker may be paid by the customer, by the lender through a procuration fee, or by both. UK mortgage brokers must clearly disclose their fees and payment arrangements before the borrower proceeds.

Most lenders will consider between four and four and a half times your annual income, though some will stretch further depending on your profession, deposit and existing commitments. Affordability is assessed on what is left after your regular outgoings, not on income alone, so two applicants earning the same amount can be offered very different figures.

You will usually need proof of identity, proof of income, bank statements and details of the property you are buying or investing in. The exact requirements depend on the mortgage product and your circumstances.

No. Experience increases the number of mortgage products available to you, but you can get a buy to let or commercial mortgage without it. Additional products can also mean a choice of valuation method, which can be useful depending on the property type and letting type, and more flexibility on criteria about you as an applicant, your credit file, the property type and restrictions on the title.