Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide

What is a TA10 Fittings and Contents Form?

A TA10 form is one of several forms a seller must complete during the conveyancing process. The TA10 sets out, in detail, what is or is not included in the sale of the property.

What’s So Important About the Bank of England’s Base Rate?

There are largely two main factors that drive interest rates in the UK mortgage market. They are The Bank of England’s Base Rate and LIBOR.

Lease Extension Fees - Don't Get Caught Out

Flats, in particular, are usually owned leasehold because in very simple terms, to own the freehold of a property is basically to own the land below and the air above and, in the case of a flat, clearly this isn’t possible.

The Family Springboard Mortgage from Barclays

What is the Family Springboard Mortgage?

Negotiating Tips When Buying a Property

What can you do to improve your negotiating position? Here are a few simple tips that too many people ignore.

What is the Criteria for a First Time Buyer?

The definition of a first-time buyer has been set out by the government in a guidance note published in 2018. It states the following...

Stamp Duty Holiday

The chancellor has announced a temporary holiday on stamp duty up to £500,000 as part of a number of measures to help stimulate the economy. We have listed below the key facts following this announcement.

Calling all First Time Buyers

One thing that has come out of lockdown is a steady stream of First Time Buyers ready to get on the housing ladder.

What documents do I need to support my mortgage application & when?

Applying for a mortgage can seem an intimidating and complicated process. Thankfully this is something we do every single day, so we can do much of it for you. Simple.

Where can I get an Energy Performance Certificate?

You must have an Energy Performance Certificate before you start marketing your property. Buildings that don’t need an EPC include...

Self-employed? How to Get an SA302 when making a Mortgage Application

If you are self-employed, a mortgage lender may ask you to provide a copy of your SA302.

The Latest Interest Rate Cut and How it Affects You.

Generally referred to as ‘the base rate’, when it falls it is usually (but not always) an indication that lending rates generally will also fall.

Mortgage Required Launch Video Appointments

If you can’t come to us we can quickly set up a video or phone appointment.

Video - What is the Mortgage Lending Criteria?

The mortgage lending criteria is information used to establish if mortgage lender will lend you the funds and how much they will lend to you.

Video - Buying Your Dream Home

Here is Katie, senior mortgage adviser discussing the mortgage process when buying your dream home.

Video - Government Schemes to Help First Time Buyers

Here is Katie, senior mortgage adviser discussing Government schemes available to help first time buyers get onto the property ladder. These include - Help to Buy, Help to Buy ISA, Help to Buy Shared Ownership.

Video - Mortgage Affordability

Here is Katie, senior mortgage adviser discusses mortgage affordability criteria and how a mortgage lender will base the size of your mortgage on your income.

Video - First Time Buyer Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions

Here is Katie, senior mortgage adviser answering frequently asked questions from our first time buyers.

Tips When Buying a Home with a Partner or Friend.

We have recently seen an increase in the number of people buying homes together, even though they are not married. If you are one of these people, here are a few tips to consider.

What You Should do After Receiving Your Mortgage Approval

After receiving your mortgage offer there are a few things you should do - or rather, not do. They include...

Negotiation Tips When Making an Offer on a Property

Of course, buying your dream home means, by definition, that your heart is driving this at least as much as your head. You need to suppress your desires and keep a cool head. Don’t allow the day dreams and wishes to cloud your judgement.

Should I Use a Mortgage Broker or My Bank?

When shopping for a new mortgage, it might seem sensible to stick with the devil you know - namely, your bank. But is this really the right thing to do?

Step by Step Guide to Buying Your First Property.

Buying your first property can seem complicated but if you understand the process you can save time and money. Here is a brief guide to the process of buying your new home.

What's the Difference Between a Help to Buy ISA and Normal ISA?

With an ISA you’ll earn tax-free interest on your savings or a return on your investments. You can only open one ISA per year, but it is possible to transfer to another with another provider.

What is an Income Multiplier? | How Much Can You Lend?

An Income Multiplier is the number by which a mortgage lender will multiply your sole or joint incomes when calculating the maximum amount they are prepared to lend to you.

Critical Tips When Buying a Home with a Partner or Friend.

More of us are buying their first property with one or more friends as a first step onto the property ladder.

Here are a few tips to consider when buying a home;

What is a Guarantor Mortgage and How Does it Work?

A Guarantor Mortgage allows a third party (maybe your parents) to underwrite your mortgage repayments and obligations. But why would you want that?

What does Subject to Status mean? | The Housing Market

Once the lender has evaluated all the information you provide, they may make a mortgage offer which is, at this stage, subject to status.

What is a Mortgage Valuation Report?

The Mortgage lender will require an independent valuation of the property to make a decision to lend.

Can I Borrow Money for a Mortgage Deposit?

The simple answer is yes - you can borrow money for a mortgage deposit. But there are strict rules and good and bad ways to do it. Let’s take a look.

How Much Can I Borrow on a Mortgage?

Most of us need a mortgage to buy our next home so how much you can realistically expect to be able to borrow is critical to the process.

What is the Difference Between Exchange and Completion?

When buying or selling your home, understanding the difference between exchange of contracts and completion will help you to control the process, manage expectations and reduce stress.

How Long does a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) Last?

A Mortgage Agreement in Principal usually last between 60 days and 90 days so it’s important that you don’t apply too soon - or too late.

Mortgage Approvals made through Brokers is Increasing!

These figures should encourage first-time buyers looking to obtain a mortgage offer, although it is also worth noting that these figures refer to applications made through an independent intermediary, such as Mortgage Required.

How Does a Mortgage Work?

Mortgages are usually repaid over a considerable period of time, perhaps 15 - 30 years and whilst many mortgages are ‘repayment mortgages’, some are ‘interest-only’.

A snapshot of Our Mortgage Application Process

If you are currently looking at mortgages, no doubt you’re starting to get just a little frustrated by exactly what is available and what is the best choice for you. At Mortgage Required this is what we do.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your New Home.

It can be a mind field when you are buying a new home, especially if it’s in an area you don’t know well. Here is our list of things to consider when buying your next home.

Typical Reasons For a Mortgage Application to be Turned Down.

Here are a few of the primary reasons most mortgage applications are refused.

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

Paying off your mortgage faster might be desirable for a variety of reasons but whatever your reasons there are a few facts worth considering.

What is a Mortgage Valuation and What Does it Include?

A Mortgage valuation will include summary notes made by the valuer after a short inspection of the property inside and out. It will make recommendations with regard to...

Top Tips on Saving for a Mortgage Deposit

Most mortgage lenders want to see a deposit of 10% and even after help from the Government, it’s likely that you will need to scrape together yourself a deposit of 5% if you are to borrow at a reasonably competitive rate.

What's the difference between a Homebuyer Report and a Structural Survey?

Many buyers are confused by the difference between a Mortgage Valuation, a Homebuyers Report and a Structural Survey. If you don’t work in the industry, it’s understandable, but there’s an easy way to clarify.

Why You Should Use a Mortgage Adviser

Buying your home is probably the most expensive asset you’ll buy in your life. It’s therefore important that you get it right.

Documents to Provide When Applying for a Mortgage

One of the most common reasons for a delay in the mortgage application process is missing information.

What is a Mortgage in Principle?

A mortgage in principle is an initial mortgage offer made by a lender to a borrower. The offer is conditional upon checks and other criteria (including an acceptable mortgage valuation) but it has several benefits for the borrower.

Use the Rental Exchange to Increase your Credit Score While Renting.

The Rental Exchange is primarily a database which aims to better record and score a tenant applying for a mortgage.

What is a Structural Survey? | What Does it Include & Cost?

Some buyers will decide to obtain an RICS Survey Report which generally covers a rudimentary report on the fabric of the property.

How First Time Buyer Mortgages Work

When buying a home most of us need to borrow money. This loan is secured on the property you are buying and should you fail to stick to the terms agreed it’s possible that the lender will take possession and then sell the property to pay off what is owed.

How Much Can I Afford to Borrow on a Mortgage?

A mortgage lender will look at several things when deciding how much you can borrow. They are...

Should I Use A Mortgage Advisor or Find My Own Mortgage?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an FCA qualified and accredited mortgage broker over, say, doing it yourself?

 
 

Recent posts

The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant milestone designed to enhance the rights and protections of tenants in the rental market. This comprehensive bill aims to foster a more balanced and fair rental sector, ensuring that tenants can enjoy greater security and equitable treatment. It is likely to become law in late 2025.

Owning a buy-to-let property in your sole name versus through a limited company each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Data from Rightmove shows that Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey was the number one house price hotspot in 2024. The prices in this area climbed an impressive 12.5% - increasing from an average price of £527,005 in 2023 to £592,926 in 2024.

On the 31st October 2024 stamp duty for those purchasing additional properties increased by 2% from 3% to 5%.

From 1st April 2025 the threshold will be reducing from £250,000 to £125,000

Research from Metro shows that those who chose to move home didn’t actually move that far away. With a 430g pack of chicken costing on average almost double in London than the rest of the UK, it's no wonder some people are choosing a change of scenery to save a few pennies.

Following recent changes in the Buy to Let market, some investors may find this product less appealing. However, if done correctly, building a buy to let portfolio can be very profitable.

Helping you understand the upcoming changes in stamp duty (SDLT) from April 2025.

UK homebuyers and homeowners are hoping for stability in 2025. 
We are hoping that mortgage rates will ease this year, but how drastically depends on inflation trends, swap rates, and the Bank of England’s decisions in which way the base rate should go.