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, particularly when it comes to 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… Read more
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
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
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 not only prepare you for what… Read more
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
Summary We recently helped a newly signed Premier League footballer purchase his first home in the Midlands for £1,000,000 with a 15% deposit. The customer had recently moved from a football scholarship onto a full professional contract, resulting in a significant increase in income. The case was more complex because he had very limited credit… Read more
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
Remortgaging can be an exciting but often overwhelming experience. With numerous factors to consider, such as mortgage rates, equity, and changing financial circumstances, the process can seem daunting. That’s where Remortgage Advice steps in – your navigator in the intricate world of mortgage refinancing. The Remortgage Process Understanding the remortgage process is essential for homeowners.… Read more
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 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
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
How to Transfer a Mortgage to Someone Else: Key Steps and Considerations Transferring a mortgage to another person can arise from various situations, such as a change in relationship status, estate planning, or the sale of a property. Whether you’re looking to add a partner to your mortgage, transfer ownership to a family member, or… Read more