Residential Mortgages

Whole of market advice for every stage of your property journey.

A residential mortgage is the most common type of mortgage, but that doesn't mean finding the right one is straightforward. Rates vary significantly between lenders, and the lender who offers the best rate isn't always the right one for your circumstances. My job is to search the whole market and find the mortgage that works best for you, not just today, but for the term ahead.

Whether you're buying your first home, moving to something bigger, or simply looking to get a better deal on your existing mortgage, I'll handle the research, the paperwork and the lender communication so you don't have to.

Types of residential mortgage

Repayment mortgage
The most common type. Your monthly payment covers both the interest and a portion of the capital, so the balance reduces over time and the mortgage is fully repaid at the end of the term.

Interest only mortgage
Your monthly payment covers the interest only. The capital balance remains the same throughout the term and must be repaid in full at the end. Lenders require a credible repayment strategy and these products are less widely available than repayment mortgages.

Fixed rate
Your interest rate is fixed for an agreed period, typically two, three or five years. Your monthly payment stays the same regardless of what happens to interest rates. Good for budgeting and certainty.

Tracker rate
Your interest rate tracks the Bank of England base rate plus a set margin. Payments go up or down in line with base rate movements. Can be cheaper than fixed rates when base rates are low but carries more risk if rates rise.

Moving home

If you're moving to a new property, you have two options. You can port your existing mortgage to the new property if your lender allows it, or remortgage to a new lender entirely. Porting can save early repayment charges but may not give you the best rate. I'll compare both options and recommend the right approach for your situation.

Who I work with

  • First time buyers

  • Home movers upsizing or downsizing

  • Buyers purchasing with a partner or family member

  • Buyers with straightforward or complex income

  • Clients looking to port an existing mortgage to a new property

FAQs

How do I know which mortgage is right for me?
It depends on your circumstances, your priorities and your appetite for risk. A fixed rate gives certainty. A tracker can be cheaper but less predictable. The right term length depends on your plans. I'll go through all of this with you and make a clear recommendation based on your situation.

How long should my mortgage term be?
Most residential mortgages run for 25 years though terms of 30 or even 35 years are increasingly common. A longer term reduces your monthly payment but increases the total interest paid over the life of the mortgage. I'll help you find the right balance between affordability now and cost over time.

What is loan to value and why does it matter?
Loan to value is the size of your mortgage expressed as a percentage of the property value. A £180,000 mortgage on a £200,000 property is 90% loan to value. The lower your loan to value, the better the rates available to you. This is why a larger deposit or significant equity in an existing property opens up better options.

What happens when my fixed rate ends?
When your fixed rate period ends you move onto your lender's standard variable rate, which is almost always higher. Most people remortgage at this point to secure a new deal. I'll be in touch before your rate expires so you don't end up paying more than you need to.

Can I overpay my mortgage?
Most mortgages allow overpayments of up to 10% of the outstanding balance per year without early repayment charges. Overpaying reduces your balance faster and cuts the total interest you pay. Check your mortgage terms or ask me and I'll confirm what applies to your product.

What is an early repayment charge?
A fee charged by the lender if you repay your mortgage, or a significant portion of it, before the end of your fixed or discounted rate period. They can be substantial so it's important to factor them in before switching products or selling your property. I'll always flag these clearly before recommending a product.

Can I borrow more when I move home?
Yes, if your income and equity support it. When you move home the lender will reassess your affordability based on your current circumstances. If you're upsizing you'll likely need a larger mortgage and the lender will confirm what they're willing to lend at that point.

What if I have a complex income?
See my Self Employed Mortgages page for detail on how lenders assess self employed, contractor and limited company director income. Complex income doesn't mean you can't get a competitive mortgage — it just means choosing the right lender matters more.

The information on this page is intended as a general guide only and was accurate at the time of writing. Lender criteria and mortgage products can change. Please get in touch for current and personalised advice.

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