Mortgage & Property FAQs

Most residential lenders look for 5–10% as a first-time buyer, though a larger deposit usually unlocks better rates. The right level depends on your income, credit profile and the property.

Yes. We place self-employed, contractor and complex-income cases with lenders who assess them properly rather than relying on automated scoring.

We offer a free initial consultation. If you proceed, any broker fee is disclosed upfront and is only payable once you have a mortgage offer.

A straightforward residential case typically completes in around 4–8 weeks from application to completion, depending on the lender, the valuation and your conveyancing.

Typically 20–40% of the property value, with specialist and limited-company products often sitting at the higher end. Lenders also assess the expected rental income.

Yes. Many landlords use a special-purpose vehicle for tax efficiency, and we arrange limited-company buy-to-let mortgages regularly.

Yes. Buy-to-let affordability is driven largely by the expected rent against the mortgage payment (the interest cover ratio), alongside your wider financial profile.

Yes. We work with portfolio, HMO and multi-unit lenders, including limited-company structures and more complex setups.

You can usually secure a new rate up to around 6 months before your current deal ends, which lets you lock in a competitive option in advance.

Yes — either through a remortgage for capital raising, or, typically from age 55, an equity-release or lifetime mortgage. Equity release has long-term implications and requires regulated advice.

Often, especially if you would otherwise revert to a lender's standard variable rate. We compare the whole market against your current deal and any early-repayment charges.

Yes. Residential and buy-to-let remortgages are both covered, including capital raising for further property investment.

Often yes. Some lenders accept one year's accounts or an SA302, and we know which lenders take this view and how to present your case for the best outcome.

Self-employment, dividends and retained profit, contract or day-rate work, bonus and commission, RSUs, and multi-currency or foreign income.

Yes. We place large and high-net-worth cases with specialist lenders and private banks, including lending assessed against complex or illiquid assets.

Not necessarily. A specialist broker can route your case to a lender suited to your circumstances — careful placement is often the difference between a decline and an approval.

Bridging is built for speed — a decision in principle is often possible within around 48 hours, with completion in days where the case and legal work allow.

Common uses include auction purchases, breaking a property chain, refurbishment projects, and funding ahead of a sale completing.

Bridging covers short-term gaps on existing property; development finance funds land purchase and build costs for new builds or major conversions.

Yes. Bridging is short-term, so lenders want a clear exit — typically the sale of the property or refinancing onto a longer-term mortgage.

Yes. Specialist lenders cater to British expats buying or remortgaging UK property, assessing foreign income and overseas circumstances that high-street lenders often decline.

Expat lenders typically look for a larger deposit than for UK residents — often around 25–40% — though the exact level depends on your country of residence, currency and profile.

Yes. Many expat lenders accept salary, bonuses and self-employed income earned overseas, often in major currencies. We know which lenders accept your income type.

Yes. We arrange expat remortgages for British nationals overseas — switching rate, raising capital, or moving a let property onto better terms.

Yes. Specialist and private-bank lenders offer mortgages to foreign nationals buying UK property, including some without permanent residency. Criteria vary by nationality, visa status and deposit.

Typically around 25–40%, depending on your residency status, country of income and the lender. Stronger profiles and larger deposits open up more options and better rates.

Not always. Some lenders require ILR, but others will consider visa holders or non-residents. We match your circumstances to lenders who will lend.

Yes. Many specialist and private-bank lenders assess foreign and multi-currency income. We present your case to lenders comfortable with your situation.

Large mortgages generally start around £1m. High-net-worth lending is tailored to clients with significant income or assets, often arranged through private banks with bespoke underwriting.

Yes. Private banks can lend against illiquid assets such as business equity, investment portfolios or property, where standard high-street affordability rules would decline the case.

Typically up to around 75–80% for strong profiles, with select private banks going higher; very large loans (e.g. over £10m) are usually capped lower. Terms are negotiated case by case.

Yes. We maintain relationships with private banks and specialist lenders and present your wider financial picture to secure bespoke terms.

Yes. Brexit changed visa rules, not property-ownership rights, and Spanish banks still lend to non-residents — though criteria are stricter than for residents. We arrange both Spanish and UK-based financing.

Spanish lenders typically offer non-residents up to around 70% loan-to-value, so plan for a deposit of roughly 30–40% of the price.

Budget around 10–13% on top of the price for transfer tax, notary, land-registry and legal fees.

Typically around 4–8 weeks from application to completion, depending on the lender, the valuation and your documentation.

Yes. Portuguese banks lend to non-resident UK buyers, typically up to around 70% loan-to-value for a strong profile. We help you compare Portuguese and UK-based options.

Plan for a deposit of around 30% or more of the purchase price, as non-resident lending is usually capped near 70% loan-to-value.

Budget roughly 6–8% on top of the price for transfer tax (IMT), stamp duty, notary and legal fees.

Typically around 4–8 weeks, depending on the lender, valuation and how quickly documentation is provided.

Yes. French banks remain open to non-resident UK buyers and often offer competitive fixed rates, with lending sometimes up to around 80% loan-to-value for strong profiles.

Plan for a deposit of around 20–30% of the price; the strongest profiles may access higher loan-to-value with the right lender.

Budget around 7–8% on top of the price, largely the notaire (notary) fees that include transfer taxes.

The French process is thorough and typically takes around 6–10 weeks from application to completion.

Yes, though Italian banks are more conservative with non-residents — lending is typically capped around 50–60% loan-to-value. We help present your case to lenders who work with international buyers.

Plan for a larger deposit than elsewhere in Europe — usually around 40% or more of the purchase price.

Budget roughly 9–10% on top of the price for purchase taxes, notary and legal fees.

Typically around 6–10 weeks, as Italian lenders and notaries carry out thorough checks.

Local mortgage finance for non-residents can be limited, so many UK buyers fund purchases with cash, UK-based lending or equity released from a UK property. We help you find the most workable route.

Where local lending is available it is usually capped around 50–60% loan-to-value, so plan for a deposit of around 40% or more.

Budget roughly 8–10% on top of the price for transfer tax, notary, legal and registration fees.

Options include Greek non-resident lending where available, or UK-based financing such as a remortgage or equity release. We compare both so you can move with confidence.