
Summary We recently helped our customers arrange a remortgage in Farnham to raise £175,000 from their residential property for a business purpose. Both customers were self-employed, and the money was being raised to buy out a business partner. The main challenge was that their business had made a loss in the previous year, so we… Read more
Summary We recently helped our customer secure a mortgage in London with one year’s accounts to purchase a flat valued at £645,000. Our customer was self-employed and needed a lender willing to assess the application using only one year of trading figures. There were also two other important considerations: childcare payments showing on the bank… 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
Mortgage Affordability and Childcare Costs Explained Childcare costs can affect how much you are able to borrow on a mortgage because lenders look at your income and regular household outgoings before deciding what is affordable. For many parents, nursery fees, childminder costs, wraparound care, after-school clubs or private school fees are among the largest monthly… Read more
Mortgages for Freelancers – How to Get a Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed You work for yourself, win projects, and manage your income. When you apply for a mortgage, it can make the process more daunting due to the fluctuations in income. With the right preparation and a broker who understands freelance income, you can apply… Read more
Can You Get a Mortgage on Maternity or Paternity Leave? Yes, you can get a mortgage while you are on maternity leave, paternity leave or shared parental leave. Being on parental leave does not automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage. The main issue for the lender is whether the mortgage will remain affordable based… Read more
Contractor Mortgages: Tailored Solutions for Self-Employed Workers The world of mortgages can be daunting, especially if you’re a contractor. While the flexibility and variety of work in contract roles are appealing, securing a mortgage may feel challenging due to the nature of your employment. At Kerr & Watson, we understand contractor mortgages offering tailored advice… 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 seamless… Read more
Key Insights and Tips to Boost Your Mortgage Approval Chances Mortgage underwriters are the gatekeepers of mortgage approval, meticulously 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. Understanding… Read more
Longest Term Mortgage in the UK: Benefits and Drawbacks When considering a mortgage, one of the decisions you’ll face is the length of the mortgage term. The mortgage term refers to the duration over which you’ll repay your loan, influencing your monthly payments, total interest paid, and financial planning. As lenders continue to evolve their… Read more
Getting on the Property Ladder Without a Deposit Struggling to save a deposit for your first home? A no-deposit mortgage might be your solution. At Kerr & Watson, we understand the challenges of saving for a deposit while paying rent and managing other expenses. This guide will explain how no-deposit mortgages work, their advantages and… Read more
How Limited Company Directors Can get a Mortgage Navigating the mortgage landscape as a Limited Company Director can be more complex than for typical employed applicants. This guide will equip you with the essential knowledge and steps to secure a mortgage, ensuring you maximise your chances of success. Can a Company Director Get a Mortgage?… Read more