People who have no mortgage on their home, (known as an unencumbered property) are in a strong position to remortgage. With no outstanding mortgage, you own 100% of the equity in your house. The mortgage deals available to you will depend on how much you want to borrow as a percentage of the current value of your property, which is known as the loan to value ratio (LTV). You will need to meet the criteria for the new mortgage. Lenders have slightly different rules for people who want to remortgage their unencumbered property. For example some lenders will offer you their purchase rates instead of their remortgage range – which may result in a better rate for you. Our mortgage advisers can tell you about this and help you find the most suitable lender for your situation.

When you turn 60, you might find it difficult to get a mortgage. Some lenders are happy to lend into retirement but others are not.

It will get even more difficult to remortgage the older you are. If you’ve retired and no longer have an earned income, then you might not be able to remortgage at all.

Speak to one of our mortgage advisers because they know which lenders are most likely to consider applications from older people.

The answer is – probably. This is a specialist form of lending and you need a lender that offers shared ownership mortgages. Some lenders will offer their full range, whilst others will have specific shared ownership rates. Our mortgage advisers know where to look. If you wish to capital raise, to purchase an additional share of your shared ownership property – known as ‘stair casing’, our mortgage advisers can help with this too.

Negative equity means that your home is worth less than the size of your mortgage because house prices have come down since you took out the original loan. Speak to us to see if your lender will offer you a retention product that will save you money

In most cases, yes. This is generally referred to as a product switch. Your existing lender will usually offer you a selection of retention products. We can compare these, and their set up fees (where applicable) to the whole of the market to work out whether you’re best staying with your existing lender or remortgaging elsewhere.

The answer is yes, but doing so might not be your best option. If your existing product has early repayment charges, we will work out if we can save this penalty if you move your mortgage before it expires. We can advise you of your different options and talk through your requirements to determine your best solution. If you need to remortgage to release equity, instead of incurring an early repayment charge you may be better taking a further advance for a short while – we can calculate your options and talk through the figures to understand the best solution. All this advice is free.

Mortgage offers are valid for 6 months, so if your current deal is reaching the end of its initial period it is worth reviewing your options 6 months in advance and securing a new deal so you are ready to switch as soon as your current deal ends

Yes you can, but lenders policy on this varies greatly. For example; some will write to your employer to confirm your return to work date and your returning salary. A few will need your return to work date to be within 2/3 months of the start date of your new mortgage. Some will require proof of savings to cover the maternity period. Others may ask for future childcare costs. This may make the thought of remortgaging sound complicated and time consuming, it’s not. Our specialist mortgage advisers know who does what and will be able to advise you accordingly.

Yes you can, but you will not have the pick of the whole market. If you are about to change jobs a handful of lenders will let you remortgage, assuming you meet all other criteria. Some may ask you to meet additional specific criteria, for example some will need your new job to start within a few months of your new mortgage. Whether you are better off waiting to remortgage until you have changed your job or go ahead now can be discussed with our mortgage advisers.

Yes, subject to conditions. Most lenders don’t like probation periods, but others will consider on a case by case basis. Stipulations can vary from being a professional, having continuous employment history, to time served on probation period. Don’t just assume you need to wait until your job is made permanent, talk to us today to see if you can get the ball rolling.

It depends. We would ask you to send us a copy of your credit file. We can advise which company is best for this as different lenders use different providers. Once we have this, we can see what the underwriter will be looking for and can advise accordingly. It is certainly worth talking to us for free advice before you commit to a new deal.

Yes , if you are consolidating debt, a lot of lenders restrict the amount you can borrow for this purpose. Policies also vary depending on the type of debt you are consolidating. But remember that by consolidating you would make an unsecured debt* secure. Also, if you are spreading the cost over a longer period, even on a lower rate, it may ultimately cost you more in interest over the long term. All this must be considered, as this may not be the best course of action. Our mortgage advisers can talk you through your options.

*With unsecured debts lenders don’t have the rights to any collateral for the debt. If you add the unsecure debt to your mortgage you would make it secured, which means the lender has the right to take the asset (your house) if you fall behind on your payments.

Whether you are looking to remortgage for home improvements, personal use, or debt consolidation many lenders will restrict the maximum loan to value. We can help calculate your LTV and search the market for the best solution.

Yes, although some lenders may restrict the maximum loan to value. Your income will need to be sufficient to cover the mortgage in full. Most lenders provide free basic legal work for remortgages, however there will likely be an additional charge to complete the additional legal work associated with the transfer of equity.

It is possible, subject to criteria, but only a few lenders are willing to lend for these purposes so you will have few options available to you. Those lenders that will consider capital raising for business purposes restrict the loan to value to around 70% – 75%. A select few may consider up to 85%. The answer can depend on how well established your business is.

Some lenders will not offer you a remortgage until you have owned a property for at least 6 months. The good news is that others will let you remortgage from day one.

Not all lenders will remortgage help to buy, but a handful will. Out of these a few will restrict the loan to value. Our advisers can find your best option out of the lenders who will accept you, before your remortgage application is submitted.

About 50% of mortgage lenders will consider this, subject to affordability and will require a deed of postponement/ first charge. Don’t just assume your only option is with your existing lender, we could find you a better deal.

Most lenders will use this if it is guaranteed. If it is not guaranteed, a lot of lenders will consider using c. 50%. Tell us all the details you can about your bonus, (i.e. track record) and we will work out your options.

Typically lenders will take 50% – of your average over the last 3 months. A few lenders will consider using 100%.

A lot of lenders will not consider retained profit. However a few will consider if you are the 100% shareholder. As we have direct access to underwriters, tell us your scenario and we can investigate your options.

The good news is yes you can subject to underwriting. Generally if you are not PAYE, lenders will treat you as self-employed.

The simple answer is most lenders will consider on a case by case basis. Most will require a track record in the same line of work. Some will need the contract to have been renewed at least once.

A lot of lenders will consider lending if you have a good track record with the same employer. It will depend on your individual circumstances, call us with as much information as possible and we will work out your options.

About 50% of mortgage lenders will consider your application, subject to credit score. A lot of these will treat you as self employed, but a few will not. Our direct access to lenders underwriters gives us instant decisions in these situations.

Your options will be limited but a handful of lenders may consider if you have at least 12 months continuous track record.

Good question. The answer to this question is a minefield – it depends on your loan to value, the equity you have in your property and what method you have (if any) to repay the interest. You may well have more options than you think, contact us to find out.

If you missed a payment on an unsecured agreement it would be well worth calling us as many mainstream lenders will consider your case. You may have more options than you think.