How Do Credit Cards Affect a Mortgage Application?

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
Green Mortgage Deals for EPC A–C Homes

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
How New Build Incentives Affect Your Mortgage

Can you get a mortgage if a builder offers incentives? Yes, most lenders will accept builder incentives, provided they are disclosed correctly and fall within the lender’s criteria. The key issue is that lenders want to understand the true value of the property. If incentives are too generous, they may reduce the value they use… Read more
About New Build Mortgages

A Guide to New Build Mortgages Purchasing a new build home can be an exciting journey, offering you the chance to own a property that’s brand new and move-in ready. New build properties are appealing for many reasons: they often come with the latest design features, modern construction methods, and energy-efficient materials. However, securing a… Read more
What to Bring to Your Mortgage Appointment

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
Mortgage Process Explained: What Lenders and Underwriters Check

Key Insights and Tips to Boost Your Mortgage Approval Chances Mortgage underwriters are the gatekeepers of mortgage approval, reviewing and assessing every aspect of a your financial profile. We explain the intricacies of mortgage underwriting, shedding light on what lenders scrutinise and offering actionable advice to bolster your chances of securing that coveted mortgage offer.… Read more
Longest Mortgage Term UK: 40 & 50-Year Mortgages

What Is the Longest Mortgage Term in the UK? Mortgage terms of up to 40 years are available from a number of major UK mortgage lenders, while some mortgage products now allow eligible borrowers to take a term of up to 50 years. A longer mortgage term can reduce your required monthly payment because the… Read more
No Deposit Mortgages

Can You Get a 100% Mortgage? It is possible to get a mortgage in the UK without a deposit. Known as a 100% mortgage, this allows eligible buyers to borrow the full purchase price of a property without providing a deposit from their own savings. Several lenders offer no-deposit mortgages, although the qualifying conditions vary.… Read more
Can Stamp Duty Be Added to a Mortgage?

Can Stamp Duty Be Added To A Mortgage? Stamp Duty Land Tax, often shortened to stamp duty or SDLT, is one of the main costs buyers need to budget for when purchasing a property in England or Northern Ireland. In most cases, stamp duty is not simply “added to the mortgage” as a separate fee… Read more
When Will Your Mortgage Be Pre-Approved?

Can you get a mortgage pre-approval before finding a property? Yes, many buyers secure a mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) before they start viewing properties. This helps you understand how much you may be able to borrow and can strengthen your position with estate agents and sellers when making an offer. Not sure how quickly… Read more
How Long Does Mortgage Application Approval Take?

How Long Does A Mortgage Application Take To Be Approved? A mortgage application can sometimes be approved within a couple of weeks, but many applications take around two to four weeks from full submission to formal mortgage offer. More complex cases can take longer, especially where the lender needs additional documents, the property valuation raises… Read more
What Do Mortgage Lenders Look for on Bank Statements?

What Mortgage Lenders Check on Your Bank Statements When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will usually ask to see your recent bank statements. This is not because they are trying to judge every day-to-day purchase you make, but because your statements help them understand how you manage money in real life. Bank statements can… Read more

Category: New Build Mortgages