Guildford named best place to relocate to

Thursday, 4th March, 2021
best mortgage broker in Guildford

This one almost escaped us.

Although, given how we’re not only a Guildford mortgage broker but also an award-winning mortgage broker in Guildford, we felt that a belated nod to the place in which we are based was important.

In December last year, Compare My Move, a firm that compares conveyancers, chartered surveyors and removal companies, announced how Guildford was the best place in the country for city dwellers to relocate to following its own research.

Those already familiar with the area may not be surprised. After it all, it ticks a multitude of boxes including taking only 35 minutes to get to London by train, its close proximity to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, and the fact that it’s only a drive away from the coast. And that’s before you consider its access to the North Downs and South Downs.

Yes, Guildford isn’t a cheap place to live (the average property price is over £500,000). However, given the points listed above, you do get what you pay for. And, if you’re used to city living – and city prices, more to the point – then Guildford is likely to be relatively accessible.

And that leads to the next point. In the wake of a pandemic, London appears to be losing its shine as homeowners consider less densely populated areas in which to call home. Whether that’s temporary or a long-term affect of Covid-19, only time will tell.

However, now isn’t the time to consider yet another way in which Covid-19 has made its presence felt. As a team of Guildford mortgage advisers, the majority of whom live in and around Guildford, this is a time to bask in the glory of success and give our fellow Guildfordians a virtual high-five!

The only question that perhaps needs answering now is ‘who is the best mortgage broker in Guildford?’

We already know, of course. But if you don’t and would like to find out, then call Complete Mortgages on 01483 238280, or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk. We specialise in an array of mortgages, from first time buyer mortgages and buy to let mortgages to commercial mortgages and equity release mortgages.

Can equity release mortgages reshape society?

Monday, 1st February, 2021
equity release mortgages

Admittedly, this sounds like the type of question you might expect to find in a journal (or, at the very least, a trade media title). However, as an equity release mortgage specialist and Guildford mortgage broker, we believe that the answer is ‘yes’ – and here’s why.

For a whole host of reasons, many of which are generational (and not all of which can be blamed on the current global situation), young people are finding it increasingly tough to get a first time buyer mortgage.

This might be related to a reduction in available first time buyer mortgage deals. Or, it might be simple economics, whereby demand has pushed up the price of property, thus decreasing the ‘real’ value of a deposit that someone may have taken years to save and leaving homeownership out of reach. Regardless of the cause, it’s really not that easy for the next generation of homeowners.

And this is where equity release mortgage deals are making a big difference.

See, many of those aged 55 and over (the pre-requisite for equity release) are at the opposite end of the spectrum. They made money – sometimes a lot of money – on their property. More often than not, it was by pure luck and in no way the result of any shrewd business decisions. Property simply went up, and up and up.

But now, as they find themselves either financially secure or in the latter stages of their life, equity release – the process of freeing up wealth currently tied up in bricks and mortar – is becoming a way in which to help their children, and even grandchildren, get that foot on the property ladder.

We’re all aware of the term ‘bank of mum and dad’, but now the ‘bank of grandma and granddad’ is also becoming more commonplace, too.

Age Partnership has reported an increase in equity release as a way in which for those of a certain age to provide their loved ones with early inheritance gifts. Maybe last year’s equity release boom was to help family members buy a property before the stamp duty holiday ends this spring. Either way, it seems as though equity release mortgages are becoming a balancer – a way for the older generation to move wealth down a generation or two in order to give younger family members the same opportunities they once had.

In any case, equity release mortgages are becoming more popular. Given the struggles the youth of today face, it’s not hard to see why.

Are you 55 and over and thinking of applying for an equity release mortgage? If so, contact the Complete Mortgages team today on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk. Similarly, if you’re the recipient of an equity release inheritance gift and are looking to apply for a first time buyer mortgage, get in touch.

By Mark Finnegan, Equity Release Adviser at Complete Mortgages

90% mortgages are back

Thursday, 14th January, 2021
90% mortgages

Mortgages are a bit like seasons. They continually change.

Prior to the credit crunch of 2007/8, which now feels even longer ago under the weight of the last 12 months, the 90% mortgage (or 10% deposit mortgage, depending on how you look at it) was commonplace.

In fact, compared to recent years, those heady days where nobody batted an eyelid about ultra low deposit mortgages or the ‘self cert’ mortgage feel like a world away.

However, just as this winter will eventually turn to spring, the mortgage market is circling back to easy to access mortgages following some of the major lenders’ decision to reintroduce 90% mortgage deals once again.

Not only do some of the products now on offer include two and five-year fixed rates, but some will also be open to those looking at purchasing their next property, and not just those looking to get a 90% first time buyer mortgage.

Many lenders scrapped their 10% deposit mortgages when the first national lockdown hit last March, fearing huge backlogs associated with physical restrictions on carrying out property surveys. Now that lockdowns seem to have become part of ‘normal’ life, it would appear that lenders are once again comfortable with boosting mortgage availability.

So, if you’re looking to get a 90% mortgage, what should you do? The answer, broadly speaking, is nothing different from what you would usually do when contacting your mortgage broker in order to apply for a mortgage.

As a Guildford mortgage broker with comprehensive access to the UK’s best mortgage deals, we have sight of everything that’s available at any given time – including HSBC’s highly prized product range.

If you have a 10% deposit and are ready to apply for a mortgage – and don’t forget that you only have until spring to benefit from the stamp duty holiday – then our advice is to get in touch with the Complete Mortgages team on 01483 238280 or email us at info@complete-mortgages.co.uk.

It’s also worth pointing out that despite a third lockdown, the number of mortgage applications is rapidly increasing. As a result, if you are hoping to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday and want to give yourself as much time as possible before the New Year property rush hits, then you should act sooner rather than later.

Don’t forget, Complete Mortgages specialises in a wide range of mortgages including buy to let mortgages, adverse credit mortgages, equity release mortgages and limited company buy to let mortgages, too.

Business as usual?

Friday, 13th November, 2020
business as usual

As 2020 continues to upend the entire world in one way or another, the use of the word ‘usual’ has become – well, unusual.

In fact, there really hasn’t been anything usual about this year at all; whether it’s global pandemics or global politics, things have unquestionably been very different from what we’ve become used to.

However, despite the uncertainties caused by the current pandemic and the rules and regulations associated with the latest national lockdown, one thing is certain – the housing market remains open for business as usual.

According to Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, homeowners are able to move and estate agents should continue operating. Of course, things will be different and, in the case of property viewings, virtual viewings are likely to increase, but the important point is that those looking to move should keep on looking, and those applying for a mortgage should keep on applying.

Realistically, ‘Is now a good time to move?’ and ‘Is now a good time to get a mortgage?’ are probably more pertinent questions for those thinking of buying a property.

As a Guildford mortgage broker, we saw first-hand how the first national lockdown caused a bottleneck effect when the housing sector temporarily closed. People still need to get a mortgage and move, after all.

This time around things are different, not only because the sector is open and government is actively encouraging people to move if they need to, but also because the Chancellor announced a stamp duty holiday on properties up to £500,000 (and therefore a potential property tax saving of up to £15,000), provided that completion takes place by 31st March 2021 *. ­­

As a result, you have a housing sector that’s open as usual and the equivalent of a discount on the cost of moving available for the next few months.

So yes, now is a good time to move and apply for a mortgage. But let’s be honest, it’s more business as unusual than business as usual.

If you’re hoping to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday then contact the Complete Mortgages team on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk. Remember, we specialise in ALL mortgages from first time buyer mortgages and equity release mortgages, to adverse credit mortgages and commercial mortgages.

* https://www.gov.uk/guidance/stamp-duty-land-tax-temporary-reduced-rates

If you purchase a residential property between 8 July 2020 to 31 March 2021, you only start to pay SDLT on the amount that you pay for the property above £500,000. These rates apply whether you are buying your first home or have owned property before.

Equity release mortgage checklist

Saturday, 25th July, 2020

Equity release mortgages are now more robust than ever following the Equity Release Council’s decision to expand its checklist for mortgage advisers – a guide to help mortgage brokers decide whether or not an applicant is suited to an equity release product – from 12 to 24 points.

The move, which follows a review by the Financial Conduct Authority that concluded firms must do more in order to provide people with appropriate equity release advice, means that mortgage advisers must delve deeper – and more holistically – during the application stage.

Now, for example, the checklist helps mortgage brokers determine whether an applicant has recently experienced any physical or mental health issues, or any other traumatic events such as divorce, bereavement or financial problems, all of which may impact a person’s judgement.

As a Guildford mortgage broker, Complete Mortgages welcomes the update. Firstly, equity release mortgages provide a great way in which those aged 55 and over can free up equity ‘locked’ in their property. However, there are risks. These include reducing the amount of inheritance their beneficiates may receive, and the fact that ready access to funds – whilst simultaneously allowing the applicants to remain in their property – is offset by the fact that they will get less then if they sold the property on the open market.

As convenient as equity release is, it’s important that there is a formal process in place to help make applicants fully aware of this and prevent mortgage advisers from offering inadequate advice. Increasing the checklist’s size by 100 per cent is, in Complete Mortgages’ view, a positive way in which to do this.

Secondly, as an award-winning mortgage broker in Surrey and one that has always taken into account the broader picture of each and every equity release mortgage application, this checklist will help bring the standards of other, less meticulous mortgage brokers up to the highest possible level. This is not only a good thing for those applying for an equity release mortgage, but also for the mortgage industry as a whole.

You may have read in our last article that Complete Mortgages has boosted its equity release service after Lee Cousens, one of our mortgage brokers, secured the Certificate in Regulated Equity Release at the beginning of June. This means that he can offer informed and regulated equity release advice to those interested in equity release products. It also means that we’re operating at the highest UK standards.

If you’re considering, or maybe even concerned about, taking out an equity release mortgage, then we can help walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Contact the Guildford equity release mortgage team on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk for more information on applying for equity release mortgages. And don’t forget that we also specialise in first time buyer mortgages, adverse credit mortgages and buy to let mortgages, too.

Equity release during lockdown is easier than you think

Tuesday, 19th May, 2020
Equity release during lockdown

Without wanting to labour the virtual mortgage broker point that we’ve made in recent articles (to summarise, it’s that we’re continuing business as usual by conducting mortgage consultations via video), we thought it might be worth highlighting that getting an equity release mortgage during lockdown is very easy.

Although equity release mortgages can be slightly more complex than standard mortgages – and whilst there is arguably more to consider when it comes to releasing equity from your property – the mortgage application process is broadly the same.

However, as a Guildford mortgage broker that has arranged countless equity release mortgages for its clients over recent years, Complete Mortgages can guide you through the process and discuss with you the pros and cons of equity release.

But before we get to that stage, let’s address some of the basic equity release questions that we’re currently being asked.

Is now a good time to apply for an equity release mortgage?

There is a raft of great mortgage deals available right now – and the recent interest rate cut has contributed to this. However, the answer to this question is less about COVID-19 and more about your personal circumstances. In terms of applying for an equity release mortgage – and us processing it – then there really is no difference between now and pre-COVID-19; we’re still offering the same service (albeit remotely).

The real point to consider is whether or not now is the right time for you. This is a point that a Complete Mortgages equity release mortgage broker can help you establish during a video mortgage consultation, which you can arrange by calling 01483 238280.

Is it better to wait until everything’s back to normal – or is remote mortgage advice okay?

In an ideal world, meeting face-to-face to discuss equity release would be the preferable option. Sadly, we’re not living in an ideal world right now. Not only that, but we have no idea when we’ll return to a world that resembles life pre-Coronavirus.  So, that takes us back to the previous question. If you’d rather meet face-to-face and there’s no pressure to arrange equity release, then maybe wait to see what happens. If not, then through our video mortgage broker service we can progress it immediately.

What about the equity release paperwork?

This isn’t a problem, either. We’ve recently started using Eversign, so that ALL documentation can be safely and securely signed from your home. You can read more about it here.

Regardless of the type of mortgage you’re looking to apply for, Complete Mortgages can handle all applications via a combination of video and digital documentation technology. ‘Is equity release right for me?’ is the question you need to start with – and if you still can’t answer it, then pick up the phone and let us help you decide through our award-winning, impartial mortgage advice.

Don’t let COVID-19 put your life on hold. For equity release mortgage advice contact us on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk.

By Mark Finnegan at Complete Mortgages

Getting to grips with equity release mortgages

Wednesday, 11th March, 2020
equity release mortgages

I know, I know. We’re banging the equity release mortgage drum quite hard at the moment, particularly given how we only recently published an article covering what you need to know about equity release mortgages. However, there are two reasons for this.

Firstly, we wanted to draw your attention to the fact that we recently featured in the Daily Express after the newspaper’s financial journalist, Harvey Jones, asked Complete Mortgages for its view on the equity release mortgage sector (you can read it here).

Secondly, the piece of equity release mortgage advice included in this article could save you a lot of blood, sweat and tears in the long term.

The rise of equity release

Equity release mortgages in Guildford and the surrounding areas are on the up. And, as a Surrey equity release specialist, we can tell you that it’s because equity release represents a straightforward way in which to release capital from your property.

According to UK Finance, a collective voice for the banking and finance industry, there are around 20,000 borrowers aged 65+ with interest-only mortgages set to mature in 2020 – and who will still owe over £100,000.

Whilst £100,000 is still a sizeable balance, UK Finance suggests that the average amount of equity in property owned by those aged 65+ is £387,000. So, how do you pay off the balance if you’re retired, earning less than you used to or simply don’t have the money? The answer: equity release.

Retirement interest-only (RIO) mortgages have been popular for some time, however, the rise in strict affordability checks has seen many people go through the RIO mortgage application process only to fail to qualify on affordability checks. Importantly, equity release mortgages do not require affordability checks and applicants often find that they can release equity from their property very quickly. Having handled large volumes of mortgages in this space, we can see that the success rate of equity release mortgages vs. retirement interest-only mortgages is much higher.

Not only that, but we’ve recently halved our clients’ mortgage rates and saved them considerable amounts of money by moving them from their standard variable mortgage rate to an equity release mortgage.

If you’re considering equity release as a way in which to free up capital and you are over the age of 55, then Complete Mortgages is a team of Guildford mortgage advisers that can advise and guide you through the process. We have access to a wide range of equity release mortgage products and will handle the entire application process on your behalf.

Contact the equity release mortgage team on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk. Remember, we also specialise in first time buyer mortgages, adverse mortgages and buy to let mortgages, too.

Equity release mortgages revisited

Monday, 17th February, 2020
equity release

The equity release mortgage is becoming increasingly popular. It’s also playing a significant role in helping older people pay off debts and mortgages, with figures suggesting that equity release is seeing £10m ‘withdrawn’ from homes each day.

Those reading this who are new to the world of equity release may be asking themselves ‘what is equity release?’ and ‘how does equity release work?’ Well, if that is you, then read on as this quick guide to equity release mortgages will fill in any gaps you might have.

1. What is equity release?

Equity release is a way in which older people, typically those aged from 55-60 and upwards, can unlock the value of their home – or ‘cash in’ – without needing to actually move home.

2. How does equity release work?

There are two main routes into equity release: lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans.

The lifetime mortgage is typically the most popular route, and involves borrowing a portion of your property’s value at a fixed or capped interest rate. You don’t make repayments. Instead, you make a lump sum payment – which includes compounded interest – when the house is sold. There is an opportunity to get a lifetime mortgage with a drawdown option built in, whereby you can pay back the interest and sometimes even the capital, too.

Home reversion plans are generally geared towards those aged 65+ and will see a lender pay you a tax-free lump sum whilst allowing you to remain in the property – rent-free – until you die. When this happens, proceeds from the sale are split based on the percentage split agreed when the home reversion plan was taken out. If the property rises in value, so too does the amount the lender gets when the property is sold. Please note that Complete Mortgages does not give advice on home reversion plans.

3. How much can I borrow?

This will depend on your age and the value of your property. Your health is also likely to be taken into consideration. A good mortgage broker will be able to help you establish this once they have a clearer picture of you and fully understand your circumstances. As a Guildford mortgage broker that manages a high volume of equity release mortgages on a daily basis, we’ll be able to assist you at every step of the equity release mortgage application process.

4. What next?

Equity release mortgages are very individual-specific, so our advice to anyone thinking of going down this route would be to arrange a meeting with a specialist mortgage broker, who will be able to source a selection of competitive equity release mortgages for you.

Just make sure that you’re fully aware of any mortgage broker charges along the way. Complete Mortgages, for example, only charges a one-off flat fee of £699 and for that we’ll handle the entire mortgage application from the beginning until you receive the money.

Whether you’re looking for an equity release mortgage or any other form of complex mortgage, Complete Mortgages will be able to help. Contact the team on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk.

Make peace not mortgage war

Tuesday, 17th December, 2019
mortgage war

Christmas is a time for family, forgiveness and festive cheer.

It’s certainly not a time for war – or, at least, ‘mortgage wars’ – which is what’s being reported in one national newspaper (clue: the one that’s most likely to run a headline with the words ‘mortgage’ and ‘war’ in the same sentence).

Although, in reality, it’s not a war but simple economics that is seeing competition amongst high street mortgage lenders increase, which, in turn, is seeing the cost of fixed rate mortgages decrease.

In fact, fixed rate mortgage rates covering five-year fixed rate mortgage deals, ten-year fixed rate mortgage deals and even fifteen-year fixed rate mortgages are at their lowest level on record, with two-year fixed rate mortgages nudging towards record lows, too.

With Christmas only around the corner we expect that most of you will be winding down and preparing for the festive period. However, if you are in a position to take advantage of the cheap mortgage deals currently available UK-wide, our advice would be to look at our mortgage deal search tool. Not only will you be able to get an idea of just how competitive mortgages are right now, but you’ll also be able to work out your monthly mortgage payments, too.

As a mortgage broker in Guildford with access to a competitive portfolio of mortgage products from a wide panel of lenders, we can quickly (and efficiently) pinpoint a mortgage that works for you.

And whilst our mortgage deal search tool is a great way in which to get a good sense of what products are out there right now, the best way of getting up to date mortgage advice is to contact the Complete Mortgages team direct on 01483 238280 or email us at info@complete-mortgages.co.uk to arrange a mortgage consultation.

Failing that, and if finding a new mortgage before Christmas is just too much of an ask, then simply kick back, enjoy the holiday period and get in touch in the New Year.

Complete Mortgages offers a wide range of specialist mortgages, from first time buyer mortgages and buy to let mortgages, to adverse credit mortgages and equity release mortgages. Contact us on 01483 238280 for more information.

Putting the ‘ease’ in Equity Release mortgages

Thursday, 31st October, 2019

There are numerous reasons why aging homeowners would want to release property wealth.

Whether it’s to boost the pension pot, help your children (or grandchildren) afford their first home or simply free up some money to buy that dream car you’ve always wanted, equity release mortgages have come to represent a viable route in which homeowners can convert bricks and mortar into ready cash.

Furthermore, thanks to the proliferation of equity release mortgage deals over the last few years, it’s also an easy and cost efficient route, too.

According to the Equity Release Council – a trade body that represents the equity release mortgage sector and promotes high standards of conduct and practice in the provision of and advice on equity release – a staggering £1.85billion in housing wealth was released in the first half of 2019.

And this growing popularity is also helping to drive down equity release mortgage rates, too, with some lifetime mortgage rates coming in at under 3 per cent. In summary, going down the equity release route is now a very easy process to carry out.

If you’re about to apply for an equity release mortgage and would like to know more about how they work, then read our guide to equity release mortgages. Similarly, read the top tips on equity release mortgages to get Complete Mortgages’ take on what you should be considering before you start the process.

However, as easy as it is to get an equity release mortgage, there are a few things to consider:

1. Borrow in stages

Regardless of the amount you agree to free up via equity release, don’t take it all in one go (if you can help it). After all, as soon as you borrow, interest – and the effects of compound interest – quickly begins to have an effect. If you think £20,000 can cover you for 10 years, just take that and wait before taking the next sum. There’s little point paying interest on money you don’t need.

2. Quality counts

As mentioned previously, the Equity Release Council exists to promote high standards and uphold quality. So, make sure that when it comes to applying for equity release, you use a company that is a member of the Equity Release Council.

3.  For your benefit…

Check your benefits status. If you’re entitled to – or currently receiving – benefits, a significant injection of cash (which is treated very differently to equity locked in a property) may change your benefits status. In fact, it could result in the reduction, or even the complete stoppage, of your benefits.

4.  Get good mortgage advice

A good mortgage broker in Guildford, such as Complete Mortgages, will be able to help you make the right choice when it comes to equity release. There is a lot to consider when it comes to this type of mortgage, so speaking with an expert is an absolute essential from our perspective.

As an equity release mortgage specialist, let Complete Mortgages help you decide if equity release is the best way forward for you. Contact the team on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-motgages.co.uk.