Question 1

How much deposit do I need to buy my first home?

Accepted Answer

Most first-time buyers need a deposit of at least 5–10%. For example, on a £200,000 property, that’s £10,000–£20,000. The larger your deposit, the better the rates available. We’ll help you explore all options, including government schemes.

Question 2

Can I get a mortgage with a low credit score?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some lenders offer mortgages for people with less-than-perfect credit histories. We’ll search the market to find the most suitable options for your circumstances.

Question 3

I’m self-employed — can I still get a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Most lenders ask for 2–3 years of accounts or tax returns. We specialise in helping self-employed buyers present their income clearly to secure the right deal.

Question 4

How much can I borrow as a first-time buyer?

Accepted Answer

Lenders typically offer 4–5 times your annual income, but this depends on your situation. We’ll give you a personalised estimate based on your income, deposit, and monthly commitments.

Question 5

Should I remortgage in 2025?

Accepted Answer

If your fixed-rate deal is ending, it’s worth checking your options. Many lenders’ standard variable rates are higher, so remortgaging could save you money. We’ll review your deal for free and let you know if switching is worthwhile.

Question 6

How early can I remortgage?

Accepted Answer

You can usually start looking 3–6 months before your current deal ends. This ensures you don’t get moved onto a higher rate unexpectedly.

Question 7

Can I remortgage to release equity?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many homeowners remortgage to access funds for home improvements, debt consolidation, or big life events. We’ll explain the pros and cons for your situation.

Question 8

How much deposit do I need for a buy-to-let mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders require a minimum deposit of 25%. The mortgage is also assessed on the expected rental income rather than just your personal income.

Question 9

Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage as a first-time landlord?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While criteria can be stricter, we work with lenders who accept first-time landlords and can guide you through the process.

Question 10

Is a limited company buy-to-let better than personal ownership?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your tax position and long-term plans. Many landlords now choose limited company structures for tax efficiency, but it’s best discussed with a mortgage advisor and an accountant.

Question 11

What is equity release?

Accepted Answer

Equity release allows homeowners aged 55+ to access some of the value tied up in their property, either as a lump sum or smaller withdrawals. The loan is usually repaid when you sell your home, move into long-term care, or pass away.

Question 12

Is equity release safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when arranged through an FCA-regulated advisor like Keyholder Mortgages. We only recommend equity release if it’s right for you and always ensure you understand the impact on inheritance and future plans.

Question 13

What’s the difference between a lifetime mortgage and a home reversion plan?

Accepted Answer

A lifetime mortgage is a loan secured against your home, while a home reversion involves selling part of your property in exchange for cash. Lifetime mortgages are more common, and we’ll guide you through the options.

Question 14

Do I really need life insurance with my mortgage?

Accepted Answer

While it’s not legally required, most people choose life insurance to protect their loved ones. It ensures your mortgage would be repaid if the worst happened, giving your family financial security.

Question 15

What’s income protection and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Income protection replaces part of your income if you can’t work due to illness or injury. It can help cover your mortgage and essential bills, offering peace of mind during difficult times.

Question 16

Can I arrange critical illness cover with my mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Critical illness cover pays a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer or heart disease. We can tailor cover to fit your mortgage and family needs.

Question 17

What is a bridging loan?

Accepted Answer

A bridging loan is short-term finance, often used when buying a new home before your current one sells. It “bridges” the gap and is typically repaid once your old property sells or long-term finance is secured.

Question 18

Who uses bridging loans?

Accepted Answer

They’re popular with property developers, landlords, or homeowners facing tight moving deadlines. We’ll make sure you understand the costs and exit strategy before proceeding.

Question 19

How long does it take to get a mortgage offer?

Accepted Answer

On average, 2–6 weeks once all documents are submitted. Delays often happen if paperwork is missing, so we’ll guide you through to keep things moving smoothly.

Question 20

Do I need to use the bank I have an account with?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. As independent brokers, we compare deals across the whole market to find the best lender for your circumstances.

Question 21

How much do mortgage brokers charge?

Accepted Answer

At Keyholder Mortgages, our fees are transparent and explained upfront. In many cases, we’re paid by the lender, so our advice won’t cost you extra.

Question 22

Why should I use Keyholder Mortgages?

Accepted Answer

Because you’ll get personal, expert guidance from Lois Holder, who has 30+ years’ experience and treats every client like family. We’re based locally in Suffolk & Essex and pride ourselves on clarity, care, and customer-first advice.

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