Residential Mortgage

Looking for a residential mortgage? Here you can find out what you need to know about getting a mortgage for your home.

Residential Mortgages

What are residential mortgages?

Residential mortgages are loans that you take out to purchase a home, or refinance your existing mortgage. The lender will allow you to borrow money than you would otherwise have in order to buy a home, and then pay back the money over an extended period of time.

Residential mortgages are loans that are taken out on houses being used as the borrower’s primary residence. If you want to buy a property that isn’t your home, or if you’re using it for commercial purposes (i.e. letting), then what you need is a different kind of mortgages.

Some other types of mortgages are:

Residential mortgages are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority so you should make sure your mortgage adviser is on the FCA register.

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT MORTGAGE ADVISOR TODAY!

An expert mortgage adviser on the phone speaking to a customer

What is a Repayment Mortgage?

A repayment mortgage is a mortgage that requires the borrower to pay off the loan over time. The lender will give you a loan amount and a set amount of time that you have to pay it back; then, they will deduct monthly instalments from your account to pay back the loan along with interest. When you have paid off all of your debt, you own your home outright.

Repayment mortgages are one of the most common types of residential mortgages.

What is a Interest Only Mortgage?

An interest only mortgage is a type of loan where you pay the interest on your mortgage, but not the principal. This means that your loan balance will remain the same over time as you pay off only the interest.

Interest only mortgages can be ideal for those who want to save money on their monthly payments by paying less than they would on a traditional mortgage with principal and interest payments. It is important to always know how you plan to repay the mortgage though so unless you have a solid plan to do so, they may not be right. Always take advice on this subject.

Remortgaging

At any point during your mortgage, you’ll be able to apply to switch to a new one if you so desire – if you think you could benefit from better interest rates for example.

You’ll most likely face charges for doing so but it can sometimes be worth it given the potential savings in the long run. Speak to a mortgage adviser if you want to do this so that they can work out exactly what it will cost you.

It’s possible that your circumstances may change over time and that could mean your current mortgage is no longer suitable for your needs. For example, if one of you loses your job or retires, then it may make sense for both of you to take on a smaller mortgage.

Another reason why people might consider switching their mortgage is if they feel they have been offered a better deal elsewhere or have heard of another company offering better rates than their current lender. If this applies to you then speak to a mortgage adviser who will be able to advise on whether changing providers would make sense for your circumstances at that point in time.

Residential Mortgages 1

Moving home

Moving house is a big deal. It can be incredibly stressful and expensive, but it’s also exciting. If you’re in the process of moving home, there are lots of things to get organised – and one of those things is your mortgage.

If you’re moving house before your mortgage term is over, you may have the option of doing what is known as ‘porting’ a mortgage. This means you’ll take your existing mortgage to your new property, effectively remortgaging with the same company.

Bear in mind though that if you do decide to do this before your original mortgage expires, you’re likely to face penalty charging for early redemption.

There are some mortgages that do not charge an early repayment charge, these would be called a Flexible Mortgage.

If you’re thinking of moving, useful websites include Rightmove, On The Market and Zoopla.

First time buyer residential mortgages

First-time home buyers often worry about the cost of a mortgage, as well as whether or not they can afford one. The thing to remember is that your mortgage will probably be the largest loan you ever take on, but more often than not it’s also a necessity when buying a home.

The first step in understanding residential mortgages is to learn about your credit score. This number will determine how much money you can borrow and what interest rate you qualify for. The higher your score, the better your chances of finding a better deal on mortgages compared with someone with a low score or adverse credit.

How to get a residential mortgage?

The first step in getting a residential mortgage is speaking to a mortgage adviser.

A mortgage adviser can help you understand which type of mortgage is right for you, and guide you through the process of applying for it.

Credit Score for a Mortgage

ARE YOU READY TO GET A MORTGAGE?

What do I need to do to get a residential mortgage?

Getting residential mortgages is a lot like applying for any other type of loan. You’ll need to provide information about your financial situation and assets, as well as documentation that proves you have what it takes to repay the loan, e.g. payslips or company accounts.

Here’s what you need:

Information about your income and expenses: Your lender will want to know how much money you make each month, as well as how much money you spend. They’ll also want to know if there are other people who contribute to the financial picture—like roommates or spouses—and whether those people will be named on the mortgage. If they are, then they might also have to qualify for their own loans (depending on the type of mortgage you’re applying for).

Documents proving your employment: Whether you’re employed or self-employed, your lender will want proof that you’re able to continue earning income after taking out this loan. For example, if you work in retail or food service and plan on using your income to pay this mortgage, then your lender will want peace of mind that this job won’t disappear overnight (like an employment contract).

What is the step by step residential mortgages process?

Let’s start with a simple guide to understanding residential mortgages.

The mortgage process is split into four main steps: application, valuation, mortgage offer and completion.

Application

This is when you apply for your mortgage. You’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself—your income and employment status, for example—and then sign the document that makes up your application. Your lender will then review this information and determine whether you are eligible for a mortgage, how much you can borrow, and what kind of terms (such as interest rate) you qualify for based on their current rates and policies.

Valuation

Your lender will now perform a valuation on your home or property to ensure that it’s worth enough money to cover the amount they’re lending you plus all associated fees and costs (including fees associated with removing any existing mortgages).

There are two different types of valuations, a standard mortgge valuation or a Homebuyers report.

Once they’ve completed this evaluation of your home’s value, they’ll let you know whether or not it meets their requirements—and if so, they’ll go ahead with completing the rest of the process. If it doesn’t meet their requirements, or there was a down valuation they may either reject your application outright or suggest ways for you to increase the value of your property before proceeding further down the line.

Mortgage Offer

A mortgage offer is a document that outlines the terms of a mortgage loan. It includes things like how much money you can borrow, what your interest rate will be, and how long you’ll have to pay it back. The lender is responsible for putting together the mortgage offer and submitting it to you.

Completion

Mortgage completion is the final step in the mortgage process. You can think of it as the last leg of the journey, when you finally have the money transferred and get to call your new house your own.

Residential Mortgages 2

How much can I borrow and what mortgage can I afford?

The amount of money that someone can borrow from a lender is determined by their income, savings and credit history. The more money someone has saved up, the more likely it is that they will be able to get a larger mortgage. The lender will also look at how much debt someone already has and how much their monthly expenses are. In most cases, lenders income multiples differ therefore selecting the right lender is crucial, a mortgage adviser will be able to help you with this.


Can you get residential mortgages with bad credit?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is, it depends on what “bad” means.

There are many different factors that determine whether or not your score qualifies as bad credit. Lenders use credit reference agencies such as Experian or Equifax, they score you based on your financial past and give you a credit rating based on your history. “Bad” could constitute a high debt to income ratio, missed / late payments, CCJs or defaults.

You can check your credit profile using Check My File, who offer a free trial.

It’s important to remember that lenders are looking for more than just high scores—they want to see consistency over time and trust in your ability to pay back loans. If you’ve had a low score in the past but have been consistently paying back loans on time since then, then the lender will take this into account when deciding whether or not to approve your loan application. A mortgage adviser will be able to help you with appropriate lenders for your situation.

Conclusion

The most important thing you should consider when you are shopping for a residential mortgages is your unique financial situation. How much income do you currently have coming in? How much can you afford to pay each month in terms of both your monthly payment and any initial mortgage costs? What happens if interest rates rise? If you’re willing to put in more work, it can go a long way to helping you understand the types of mortgages that are available.

That said, using a mortgage adviser can make the process much easier. They’ve had the training and experience to help determine which product will work for you. Having an expert at your disposal should keep the whole process from dragging on for longer than necessary. And isn’t that worth having?

The information on this page is not tailored to any individual readers and should not be considered financial advice under any circumstances.

If you are seeking advice about a mortgage, you should consult a qualified professional.

Find an Expert Mortgage Advisor Today!

Why match with a mortgage advisor?

Experienced

They are experienced, which can boost your chances of being approved.

Guide you

They can guide you through the whole mortgage process.

Access the whole market

They are able to access the whole market, including broker exclusive products.

Start your journey

Get matched with a mortgage expert today

Tell us what you need, and we’ll do the rest.

Our matching service is completely free, and there is zero obligation to proceed with the advice.

Advisers are authorised and regulated by the FCA

As seen in:

The Independent
Evening Standard
The Mirror
WalesOnline

The matching process

How I NEED ADVICE works

Our service is simple, fast, and tailored to you.

Tell us about your situation

Answer a few quick questions about your needs, financial history, and goals. It only takes a couple of minutes.

We’ll match you with an adviser

We find an expert mortgage adviser who specialises in your situation from our curated panel.

Speak to your adviser

Your adviser will contact you to discuss your options, answer your questions, and guide you towards the right mortgage.

Mortgage Calculators

How much can I borrow?

You could borrow

To buy a property worth

Please note, this is only a guide on how much you can borrow. For a more precise estimate, we recommend consulting with one of our specialists.

How much will you need to repay monthly?

It’s important you always get a specific quote from the lender and double-check the price yourself before acting on the information. We cannot accept responsibility for any errors.

Mortgage type

Your monthly payment could be: £ – –

Real success stories

What our customers say

“We struggled to make sense of the products available to us in the market on our own. Being put in touch with someone who could understand our circumstances was a huge help. Highly recommended.”

Wayne

Alton, Hampshire

“I was really happy with the mortgage advisor I was matched with. He was very helpful and explained things clearly.”

Tom

Woking, Surrey

“The person I spoke to got in touch quickly and was able to work out an option for me which I didn’t think I had. Recommended.”

Scott

Selkirk

“My mortgage broker has been really helpful, always responsive. Recommended.”

Alastair

Weybridge, Surrey

“Really useful service, very knowledgeable broker, clearly explained my options.”

Charlotte

Addlestone, Surrey

“Received a call back very quickly from a friendly advisor who explained my options. Very happy with the service.”

Shannon

Leatherhead, Surrey

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a mortgage?

A mortgage is a loan that is used to purchase a home. The loan is secured by the home, and the borrower makes payments on the loan over time.

How much can I borrow mortgage?

The amount you can borrow for a mortgage will depend on a number of factors, including your income, your debt-to-income ratio, your credit score, your deposit amount and the value of the home you are purchasing.

How do mortgages work?

A mortgage is a loan that is used to purchase a property. The loan is secured against the property, which means that if you do not keep up your repayments, the lender can recall the loan and take repossession of the property.

How to get a mortgage?

To get a mortgage, you’ll need to prove to a lender that you’re a good candidate for a loan. This will involve providing documentation of your income, employment history, and assets. A mortgage broker may be best suited to help you.

What is a mortgage in principle?

A mortgage in principle is a document that states that a lender is willing to give you a mortgage up to a certain amount, based on your financial information (subject to full underwriting). It involves a credit check and expires after a period. Estate agents often ask for this when you make an offer on a property to demonstrate you are proceedable.

Does a mortgage in principle affect your credit score?

This depends on the lender and whether they complete a hard or soft footprint on your credit file. A mortgage broker will be able to confirm this prior to applying.

How long does a mortgage application take?

A mortgage application can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The amount of time it takes depends on the lender, your situation, and the type of mortgage being applied for.

What is a mortgage advisor?

A mortgage advisor is a professional who helps people get mortgages, or loans to buy property. They work with both the borrower and the lender to find the best possible mortgage deal, and then help the borrower through the application process.

How does our broker-matching service work?

Our mortgage broker-matching service is free for you to use. We will pair you up with a qualified advisor for your needs and circumstances and set up a free consultation between you and them. There will be no obligation to take things further and your credit report won’t be affected.

What does a mortgage advisor do?

A mortgage advisor is a professional who can assist you with securing a mortgage. They will provide you with advice on which product to choose, help you to find the most suitable mortgage lender and assist you with the application process.

When should you speak to a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker should be contacted as soon as you are ready to start the home-buying process or approaching the time to remortgage.

What should I know before speaking to a mortgage advisor?

If you are thinking about speaking with a mortgage advisor, it is important to know what you need. This includes knowing what type of home you are looking to purchase, your credit score, your income and your employment history. It is also important to have an idea of what type of mortgage you are looking for, as this will help the advisor understand your needs and find the best options for you.

What to ask a mortgage broker?

When speaking to a mortgage broker, you should ask questions such as:

  • What is the best mortgage for my situation?
  • What are the current interest rates?
  • What are the fees associated with this mortgage?
  • What is the term of the mortgage?
  • What is the minimum deposit required?
  • What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
  • What is the monthly payment?
  • What is the early repayment charge?
How do mortgage brokers get paid?

Mortgage brokers are typically paid either a flat fee or a percentage fee for each loan they originate. Some brokers may also receive a fee from the lender.

Can mortgage brokers get you a bigger mortgage?

Mortgage brokers can often get you a bigger mortgage than you could get on your own, because they have access to a larger pool of lenders and are more likely to know which lender can offer the most in your situation.

Is a mortgage broker better than a bank?

Some people prefer working with mortgage brokers because they offer more personalised service and may have access to a wider range of mortgage products. Some people prefer dealing directly with their bank, however you are limited to just their products and criteria.

Who are the mortgage lenders in the UK?

There are over 100 mortgage lenders in the UK. Below is a list of some of these lenders.

  • Accord Mortgages
  • Ahli United Bank
  • Aldermore Bank
  • Arbuthnot Latham
  • Bank of China
  • Bank of Ireland
  • Barclays
  • Bath Building Society
  • Beverley Building Society
  • Bluestone
  • BM Solutions
  • Brown Shipley Private Bank
  • Buckinghamshire Building Society
  • Cambridge Building Society
  • Central Trust
  • Chorley BS
  • CHL Mortgages
  • Clydesdale Bank plc
  • Coutts & Co
  • Coventry Building Society
  • Cumberland Building Society
  • Cynergy Bank
  • Darlington Building Society
  • Digital Mortgages
  • Dudley Building Society
  • Earl Shilton Building Society
  • Ecology Building Society
  • EFG Private Bank Limited
  • Fairbairn Private Bank
  • Family Building Society
  • Fleet Mortgages
  • Foundation Home Loans
  • Furness
  • Godiva Mortgages
  • Halifax PLC
  • Handelsbanken
  • Hanley Economic
  • Harpenden Building Society
  • Hinckley & Rugby Building Society
  • Hodge Lifetime
  • HSBC
  • HSBC (Private Bank)
  • InterBay Commercial
  • Investec Bank (Channel Islands)
  • Investec Specialist Bank
  • Kensington
  • Kent Reliance
  • Keystone
  • Kleinwort Hambros
  • Landbay
  • Leeds Building Society
  • Leek United Building Society
  • LendInvest
  • Livemore Capital
  • Loughborough Building Society
  • Mansfield Building Society
  • Market Harborough
  • Marsden Building Society
  • Melton Mowbray
  • Metro Bank
  • Molo Finance
  • Monmouthshire Building Society
  • MPowered Mortgages
  • Nationwide Building Society
  • NatWest
  • NatWest International
  • Ned Bank
  • Newbury Building Society
  • Newcastle Direct
  • Nottingham Building Society
  • Paragon Mortgages
  • Penrith Building Society
  • Pepper Homeloans
  • Platform Home Loans
  • Post Office Mortgages
  • Precise Mortgages
  • Principality
  • Saffron Building Society
  • Santander
  • Scottish BS
  • Scottish Widows Bank PLC
  • Shawbrook Bank
  • Shepshed Building Society
  • Skipton Building Society
  • Stafford Railway BS
  • State Bank of India
  • Suffolk Building Society
  • Swansea Building Society
  • Teachers BS
  • The Mortgage Lender
  • The Mortgage Works
  • Tipton & Coseley
  • Together
  • TSB
  • UBS Private Bank
  • Vernon BS
  • Vida Homeloans
  • Virgin Money
  • Weatherbys Private Bank
  • West Bromwich Building Society
  • Zephyr Homeloans
Aren’t mortgage brokers all the same?

Mortgage brokers are not all the same. The mortgage brokers we work with have different specialties such as buy-to-let investments, self-employed customers, and bad credit mortgages.

Is it cheaper to use a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker can save you money by shopping around for the best mortgage rate, but you may have to pay the broker’s fees.

What is a buy to let mortgage?

A buy to let mortgage is a mortgage that is specifically for people who are looking to purchase a property in order to rent it out. These mortgages typically have higher interest rates and require a larger deposit than a regular mortgage.

Is it worth getting a mortgage advisor?

It is important to seek independent advice when applying for a mortgage, as this can often lead to getting a much better value deal. This could save you a significant amount of money over the course of the mortgage.

If I match with advisors through I NEED ADVICE, where are the advisors located?

The advisers that you are matched with through I NEED ADVICE are telephone based advisors so could be anywhere in the UK.

When I match with mortgage advisors through I NEED ADVICE, are the mortgage advisors qualified?

Yes, we only match you with mortgage advisors that are qualified and holding the correct permissions.

Would I have to spend money to find out my mortgage options?

No, a mortgage advisor that we match you with will be able to tell you what your options are before any money is spent paying the mortgage advisor for chargeable work.

Will a mortgage advisor that I match with through I NEED ADVICE definitely be able to help us?

Whether a mortgage advisor can help you is down to your individual situation, but they will try their best to assist you.

Is the matching service through I NEED ADVICE free of charge?

I NEED ADVICE do not charge you for matching you with a mortgage advisor. Your mortgage adviser would disclose any fees payable for your transaction should you go ahead.

Does I NEED ADVICE work with advisors that can arrange home insurance?

If you need advice about home insurance, we can match you with an advisor that can give this to you.

I have adverse credit, can you help?

If you have adverse credit, I NEED ADVICE can match you with a mortgage advisor that specialises in bad credit mortgages in order to help you.

I need general financial advice, can you match me with a financial advisor?

If you need general financial advice, we will be able to match you with a financial advisor that can tell you your options.

I don’t plan to buy at the moment but would like to know what I can afford in the future, could you still offer guidance?

We can match you with a mortgage advisor that can give you the guidance that you need so you know what options are available to you in the future.

Can the mortgage advisors that I match with communicate through Teams meetings or Zoom meetings?

If you feel that you would prefer a Teams meeting or Zoom meeting, we can match you with a mortgage advisor that can accommodate this.

What tools do mortgage advisors have access to?

Mortgage advisors have access to various tools in order to help you. These tools consist of affordability calculators, mortgage sourcing systems, and mortgage criteria systems.

How do I find out my credit profile?

You can learn more about your credit profile and credit score by going to check my file.

I need advice about wealth planning, can I NEED ADVICE match me with a financial advisor that can help?

I NEED ADVICE can match you with an advisor specialising in wealth planning to give you your options.

If I go ahead with a mortgage advisor that I match with through I NEED ADVICE, what is the cost?

The cost will depend on the situation, however your adviser will advise the cost in advance before you incur any fees.