Home Improvement Mortgage

Home Improvement Mortgage: Finance Your Renovations If you want to upgrade your home but are unsure how to finance the project, a home improvement mortgage could be the solution. When looking to expand your living space, modernise your kitchen, or create an energy-efficient home, financing these improvements through a mortgage can make your plans a… Read more
How Long Does a Remortgage Take?

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Remortgage? Remortgaging your home can be an effective way to secure a better mortgage deal, release equity, or consolidate debt. However, understanding the remortgage timeline is crucial, especially if your current deal is coming to an end. Here we’ll explore how long a remortgage typically takes, what… Read more
Should I Get My House Valued Before Remortgaging

Remortgaging Soon? Why a Property Valuation Could Save You Money If you are planning to remortgage, it can be useful to have a realistic idea of what your property is worth before you apply. Your property’s value helps determine your loan-to-value (LTV), which can affect the mortgage products and interest rates available to you. You… Read more
First Time Buyer 95% LTV Mortgages

First Time Buyer 95% LTV Mortgages: Everything You Need to Know As a first-time buyer, getting on the property ladder can feel like a challenge, when saving for a deposit. If you’re struggling to save up a large deposit, a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage could be an option for you. This type of mortgage allows… Read more
Mortgage Affordability

Understanding Mortgage Affordability Understanding mortgage affordability is important for anyone looking to buy a property to ensure that you’re shopping within your budget. It involves assessing how much you can realistically borrow based on your income, expenses, and other financial commitments. At Kerr & Watson, we specialise in helping clients understand their mortgage affordability, ensuring… Read more
Can You Get a Mortgage with a Part-Time Job?

Getting a Mortgage with a Part-Time Job Yes, you can get a mortgage if you work part-time. Working fewer hours does not, by itself, prevent your income from being used for a mortgage application. Mortgage lenders will normally consider your part-time income alongside your employment circumstances, regular outgoings, deposit, credit history and overall affordability. The… Read more
What is an Affordability Assessment?

Affordability Assessments When you’re looking to buy a home or refinance your mortgage, one of the first steps you’ll encounter is the affordability assessment. This crucial process helps lenders determine whether you can afford the monthly repayments on your chosen mortgage product. Understanding how an affordability assessment works can prepare you for what to expect… Read more
Can I Choose My Own Mortgage Broker?

Choosing your Own Mortgage Broker Buying a property is one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make, and securing the right mortgage is just as important. You may have heard from an estate agent or a financial adviser that you should use their recommended broker, but the truth is, the choice is… Read more
CIS Mortgage Advice

CIS Mortgage Advice for Construction Workers | Kerr & Watson If you work under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you might have experienced challenges when trying to secure a mortgage. Traditional lenders often view CIS workers as higher risk due to irregular income patterns and self-employment status. At Kerr & Watson, we specialise in understanding… Read more
Can I move during my Fixed-Rate Mortgage Period

Can you move house during a fixed-rate mortgage? Yes, you can move house while you are still within a fixed-rate mortgage period. You will normally need to decide whether to port your existing mortgage deal to the new property or repay your current mortgage and arrange a new mortgage, potentially with another lender. If you… Read more
Regulated Buy to Let – Family Buy to Let Mortgage

Regulated Buy-to-Let Mortgage: Renting to Family Explained (Lender Criteria Guide) If you’re considering renting out a property to a close family member, a standard buy-to-let mortgage may not be suitable. Instead, you may need a regulated buy-to-let mortgage, also known as a family buy-to-let mortgage. These mortgages are designed for landlords who plan to let… Read more
Does Age Matter for a First-Time Buyer?

Key Considerations for First-Time Buyers at Any Stage of Life Purchasing your first home is a significant milestone, but does age really matter when you’re a first-time buyer? This is a common question among prospective homeowners, and the answer isn’t straightforward. Age can influence various aspects of the home buying process, from mortgage eligibility to… Read more

Category: Knowledge