FAQS

Have a question?

Find answers to some of the questions asked most frequently by our clients

  •  What is pension freedom?

    These days there is increased flexibility with pensions, for example you can work and receive pension benefits if you are over 55 (57 from April 2028). If you choose to, and you can choose how and when you access the money you have saved in personal pensions (depending on the rules of the pension scheme you are a member of).

  • Why do I need to protect my income?

    You are invested in your career, so it’s vital to protect your lifestyle & future income. If you were unexpectedly having an illness or injury that stops you from working, Income protection plan would take care of your important financial commitments.

    We are experts in finding the most suitable plan for your needs , our panel is representative of the whole of market.

  • What is critical illness plan?

    A tax-free lump sum payable if you are diagnosed with pre-defined condition.

    It’s easy to think that you will never be diagnosed with a critical illness, particularly when we feel healthy and energetic. But you can fall ill with very little warning. A critical illness can have a serious impact not only on your life, but also on the lives of your family.

    Knowing you don’t have to worry about your financial commitments, if you’re unable to work, can give you peace of mind.  

    We are experts in finding the most suitable plan for your needs , our panel is representative of the whole of market.

  • Why do I need life Assurance?

    Have you considered what would happen to your family, if you were to die and you were no longer there to support them? Money worries can be devastating for your family, at an already difficult time.

    A life assurance policy could be the lifeline that helps your loved ones cope financially by providing them with a lump sum in the event of your death. The money can be used for any purpose for example, paying off a mortgage, paying household bills or any outstanding debts.

  • Why do I need a mortgage advisor?

    Identifying the most suitable mortgage for your personal circumstances, from thousands of mortgage deals, many are not available on the high street and submitting a successful application is no mean feat.

    As well as the complexities involved, its time consuming and can be costly if mistakes are made. That’s where the expertise of a mortgage advisor can play a huge role.

  • How much can I borrow for a mortgage?

    The most common question asked by people looking to raise a mortgage.

    The answer is not simple. it involves multiple personal factors on income and expenditure as well as varying lender criteria. In April 2014, the FCA released new regulation called the Mortgage Market Review (MMR). This regulation tightened up affordability checks and put more responsibility on mortgage lenders to ensure borrowers could afford the mortgages they were taking out. Since MMR lenders hide behind affordability calculators which ask a range of questions relevant to their criteria and then produce a maximum mortgage amount.

    Your Advisors job is to find out all they can about your income and expenditure and research the market to find a mortgage suitable for your needs.

    Every lender has their own criteria when it comes to what they will and will not accept for income some lenders will take 100% of your bonuses, overtime and commissions into consideration while others may only take 50%. It is also common for lenders to have varying opinions on your expenditure. Some will take pension payments and childcare costs into their calculations while others will ignore them and have built It Into them into calculators already.

    Due to the complex nature of affordability, we would always recommend taking Independent Advice on your situation.

  • How do I arrange a Decision in Principle?

    The initial stage in the mortgage application process can be known as Decision in Principle (DIP), Agreement in Principle (AIP) or Mortgage Promise… they are all the exact same thing.

    Whilst you can arrange a Decision in Principle (DIP) direct with a mortgage lender, our Advisors will be happy to arrange the Decision in Principle (DIP) for you. They  will learn about you and your requirements and apply on your behalf to a suitable mortgage lender. All being well the lender will provide you with a certificate which you can present to Estate agents to prove you have been accepted in principle for a mortgage.

  • I’m self-employed – will it be difficult for me to get a mortgage?

    Sole traders will be assessed on net profits.  Ltd company directors will be assessed on either a combination of salary and dividends, or salary and their percentage of pre-tax or net profits.  Some lenders will cap lending based on income multiples for lenders.  We will advise on the lender that helps boost affordability where required.