News, Articles and Case Studies

Get Updated with Our Insightful Articles and Case Studies.

Stay in the know with our collection of articles and case studies. We provide you with the insights and knowledge to keep you informed on the Mortgage and Insurance Market.

Mortgage Illustration

Mortgage Illustrations and Understanding Your Options When looking to purchase or refinance a property, understanding your mortgage options is of extreme importance. A tool in doing so is the mortgage illustration. This document provides a detailed breakdown of your potential mortgage, helping you make informed decisions before being committed. At Kerr & Watson, we aim Read more
Getting a Mortgage on a Zero-Hour Contract

How to Secure a Mortgage on a Zero-Hour Contract At Kerr & Watson, we understand that securing a mortgage can be challenging, especially for those on zero-hour contracts. Despite the flexibility and freedom that zero-hour contracts offer, they can complicate your ability to find a willing lender. However, with the right guidance and approach, obtaining Read more
Remortgage After A Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan to Mortgage: A Guide to Remortgaging The transition from a bridging loan to a traditional mortgage can be a complex but necessary step. Bridging loans, while essential for securing quick funds, often come with high interest rates and short repayment periods. Remortgaging can provide a more stable and affordable long-term solution. At Kerr Read more
First Time Buyer Interest Only Mortgages

Interest-Only Mortgages for First-Time Buyers: What You Need to Know As a first-time buyer, the mortgage market can feel overwhelming at times, especially when considering less conventional options like interest-only mortgages. While these types of mortgages were once more popular, they still provide a viable route for specific situations. Understanding how they work, the eligibility Read more
Case Study: Commercial Mortgage for 46 Flats

The Scenario: A Strategic Acquisition A property investor approached us with an ambitious plan: to purchase a substantial block of 46 residential flats, with a total property value of £11.2 million. His strategy was ownership within a limited company, allowing for asset ring-fencing. The investor was not relying on personal capital for the deposit. Instead, Read more
Case Study: Bridging Loan Secured After Chain Break for Hampstead Purchase

The Scenario A couple were in the process of buying their dream home in Hampstead, but just before completing, their buyer pulled out of the sale of their current property in Richmond. Without the sale proceeds, they risked losing the Hampstead home, which they had already secured at £7.8 million. They needed a short-term finance Read more
UK Mortgages for Overseas Investors

How Overseas Investors Can Secure UK Mortgages Investing in UK property is an attractive option for many overseas investors. The market’s reputation for stability and potential returns has made it a favourite among global buyers. However, securing a mortgage as an overseas investor comes with its challenges. At Kerr & Watson, we specialise in guiding Read more
First Time Buyer Mortgage Advisor

Embarking on the journey of purchasing your first home is an exciting but often overwhelming experience. With many factors to consider, from mortgage rates to deposit schemes, the process can seem daunting. That’s where a First Time Buyer Mortgage Advisor comes in – your compass in the complex world of homeownership. The Mortgage Process as Read more
What is the Buy to Let Stress Test and Will I Pass It?

Understanding the Buy to Let Stress Test If you’re considering investing in a buy-to-let property, understanding the intricacies of mortgage applications is advised. One key aspect that often confuses potential landlords is the Buy to Let (BTL) stress test. This test is a significant part of the mortgage approval process, and passing it is essential Read more
Equity Release For Purchases

Using Equity Release to Buy a Property If you’re over 55 and considering moving home, you might be wondering how to bridge the gap between what you sell your current property for and the cost of your new one. For many people in later life, income may no longer be sufficient to qualify for a Read more
Can you get a mortgage using dividends

Mortgage Advice for Directors Using Dividends If you run your own limited company, you might choose to pay yourself a mix of salary and dividends for tax efficiency. While this approach can be great for reducing your tax bill, you may wonder how it affects your mortgage prospects. The good news is that many mortgage Read more
Bridging Loans for Companies

Bridging Loans for Companies: Secure Short-Term Finance for Business Growth When your company needs swift access to capital for property purchases, renovations, or business expansion, bridging loans can sometimes provide the solution. These short-term loans can help companies seize opportunities quickly, aiming for faster approvals than traditional commercial term finance. At Kerr & Watson, we Read more
Capital Raising on Mortgage Free Property

Capital Raising on Mortgage-Free Property | Your Expert Guide Owning a mortgage-free property is a significant milestone, representing financial security and stability. However, situations may arise where you need to raise capital, whether for home improvements, debt consolidation, or even property investment. In these instances, your property can be a valuable financial resource. What Does Read more
Case Study: Product Transfer for Shared Ownership Mortgage

The Scenario An applicant couple residing in Camberley, owning 50% of their property under a shared ownership scheme, sought to renew their mortgage product as their existing two-year fixed rate with Barclays approached its end. Their primary objective was to secure a new fixed-rate product with minimal hassle, avoiding additional fees or complex processes associated Read more
Commercial Finance For Football Clubs

How Commercial Finance Helps Football Clubs Grow On And Off The Pitch Running a football club is about far more than what happens over ninety minutes. You are managing a complex business that has to juggle player wages, transfer activity, stadium costs, community commitments and the expectations of supporters who want success every season. Commercial Read more

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We take the time to understand your situation so that we can search for the perfect mortgage and insurance for you. Any recommendation made is completely bespoke to your circumstances.

Experience

Mortgage and insurance advice is our speciality. We have decades of combined experience giving us the knowledge to overcome challenges and find the perfect solution for your needs.

Communication

We work around your schedule to arrange a mortgage or insurance policy that suits your needs. You’ll be kept updated throughout the entire process with clear communication so you’ll always know what’s going on.

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Kerr & Watson | Address: Pembroke House, 8 St Christophers Pl, Farnborough GU14 0NH, UK | Phone: 01252 224620 | Email: info@kerrandwatson.co.uk | Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00–17:30

Frequently Asked Questions

▸ ▾ What does a mortgage advisor do?

A mortgage advisor evaluates your income, outgoings, credit history, and other financial commitments. They also assess property-related details, whether you’re buying or refinancing, ensuring you understand the best mortgage options for your situation. They also process the mortgage application to the lender, working with them to obtain a mortgage offer, then work with the conveyancer towards the completion of your purchase or remortgage.

▸ ▾ How does a mortgage advisor enhance the likelihood of mortgage approval?

A mortgage advisor increases your chances of mortgage approval by matching you with the most appropriate lenders, optimising your application, and navigating complex lending criteria to find the best value deal for your circumstances.

▸ ▾ What are the financial benefits of working with a mortgage advisor?

Working with a mortgage advisor can save you from costly mistakes such as choosing the wrong mortgage type or failing to meet a lender’s criteria. Their expertise often leads to securing more favourable mortgage terms and rates.

▸ ▾ Can a mortgage broker get you a better rate?

Often, a mortgage broker can find more cost-effective deals for you, even when their fees are considered, they can review the whole market and access exclusive broker only products that may not be available directly to the public.

▸ ▾ What steps should you take before speaking to a mortgage advisor?

Before speaking with a mortgage advisor, gather all relevant financial documents, including payslips, bank statements, and details of your credit history to ensure an accurate assessment of your situation.

▸ ▾ What range of financial history do mortgage advisors examine?

Mortgage advisors and lenders typically assess the last six years of your credit history to gauge your financial behaviour, this includes any missed payments or defaults.

▸ ▾ How long does it take a mortgage advisor to get a mortgage offer?

The process from application to approval of a mortgage can vary, normally this is anywhere from two to six weeks depending on the mortgage lender and the complexity of your situation.

▸ ▾ Do mortgage advisors have access to exclusive mortgage rates?

Yes, mortgage advisors often have whole-of-market access, which allows them to secure competitive rates, sometimes not directly available to consumers.

▸ ▾ What documents do mortgage advisors typically require?

Advisors typically need proof of identity, proof of address, 3 months payslips, tax calculations or accounts, bank statements, and potentially credit report to fully assess your financial situation.

▸ ▾ What are the advantages of using a mortgage broker rather than going direct to your bank?

A mortgage broker can provide whole of market advice by comparing offers from multiple lenders, potentially securing better rates and terms than a single bank’s offerings.

▸ ▾ Who are the Financial Conduct Authority?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates mortgage brokers and lenders to ensure they adhere to ethical and professional standards.

▸ ▾ How do you know if your mortgage advisor is qualified?

A qualified mortgage advisor should have a Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) or equivalent, which is recognised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They should also be listed on the Financial Services Register, ensuring they are authorised to give mortgage advice.

▸ ▾ How can you get a free credit report?

Lenders look closely at your credit score to decide how risky it is to lend to you. A good credit score can not only boost your chances of getting approved for a mortgage but might also get you better interest rates.

CheckMyFile offer a 7-day free trial after which a subscription fee applies, which can be cancelled any time.

CheckMyFile is a UK credit reporting service that collates information from the most popular credit referencing agencies, Equifax, Experian & TransUnion.