
Introduction We recently helped a first-time buyer secure a mortgage to purchase a flat in Farnborough, Hampshire, despite having several outstanding defaults on their credit file. The application was particularly challenging because the property was situated above commercial premises, which created an additional restriction when identifying suitable mortgage lenders. By reviewing the customer’s credit history,… Read more

Can I Get a Mortgage If I Have an IVA? It is possible to get a mortgage if you have an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), although your options are likely to be more limited than someone with a clean credit history. Many high street lenders will automatically decline applicants with an active or recently completed… Read more

I Was Made Bankrupt. How Does That Affect Me With a Mortgage? Being made bankrupt can affect your ability to get a mortgage, but it does not always stop you from buying a home in the future. The impact usually depends on how long ago the bankruptcy happened, whether you have been discharged, what your… Read more

Can Credit Card Debt Stop You Getting a Mortgage? Credit cards can affect a mortgage application, but having a credit card does not automatically stop you from getting a mortgage. Lenders are usually more interested in how you use the card, how much you owe, whether payments have been made on time, and whether the… Read more

Can I Get a Mortgage If I Have Used Payday Loans? It can be possible to get a mortgage if you have used payday loans. Having a payday loan on your credit file does not automatically mean a mortgage lender will decline your application. Many lenders will consider applicants who have used payday loans previously,… Read more

Can I Get a Mortgage If I Have a Debt Management Plan? It is possible to get a mortgage if you currently have a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or have had one in the past. However, your options may be more limited than someone with a clean credit history. Mortgage lenders will look closely at… Read more

Green Mortgage Deals Explained If you’re planning to buy a home or remortgage, you might be surprised to learn that your property’s energy efficiency could impact the type of mortgage you get. Green mortgages are a growing trend in the lending world, offering incentives such as lower rates or cashback when you choose or improve… Read more

Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders – Finding the Right Mortgage The mortgage market when bad credit is present, can feel daunting. Whether you’ve had financial difficulties in the past, such as missed payments, a County Court Judgment (CCJ), or even bankruptcy, securing a mortgage might seem like an impossible task ahead. The good news is that… Read more

Understanding Debt-to-Income Ratio The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio provides insight into your financial health by comparing your total monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. Understanding and managing your DTI ratio can impact your ability to secure a mortgage. We explain what DTI ratio is, how to calculate it, and why seeking advice from Kerr… Read more

Essential Checklist: Documents You Need for a Hassle-Free Mortgage Appointment Preparing for your mortgage appointment is crucial for a smoother and more efficient application process. Bringing or sending over the correct documents can significantly speed up the approval of your mortgage or remortgage. At Kerr & Watson, we aim to make this process as smooth… Read more

Does being in your overdraft affect getting a mortgage? Yes, being in your overdraft can affect a mortgage application, but it does not automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage. Mortgage lenders will normally consider the wider picture, including how often you use your overdraft, whether you remain within the agreed limit, your income, regular… Read more

Introduction We recently helped our customer purchase a home independently in Farnborough, Hampshire, following a relationship separation. The main difficulty was finding a lender whose age and affordability criteria could accommodate the required mortgage term. Our customer also had adverse credit in their credit history, which was another factor to consider when identifying a suitable… Read more