Mortgage Advice
We compare products from a limited panel of lenders (not the whole market).
First-Time Buyer
Buying your first home is a significant milestone, and it can feel both exciting and challenging. At CHFinance, we provide regulated mortgage advice to guide you through the process. We will help you understand your options, prepare your finances, and choose a mortgage that is suitable and affordable for your unique circumstances. Our goal is to provide clear information, practical support, and personalised recommendations, empowering you to move forward with confidence.
Who Counts as a First-Time Buyer?
Understanding your status is key, as it can affect available schemes and mortgage products. Definitions can vary by lender and scheme. For example, SDLT first-time buyer relief requires you to intend to live in the home as your main residence.
We will help you understand how lenders and schemes define first-time buyer status and what evidence may be needed.
Some lenders will consider first-time buyers for buy-to-let, but first-time buyer schemes and tax reliefs may not apply.
How We Can Support You
Understanding Your Options
We will explain what being a first-time buyer means in practice, including how it affects deposit requirements, affordability assessments, and access to specific mortgage products or government schemes.
Regulated Mortgage Advice
- Thorough assessment of income, outgoings, and deposit to determine real affordability.
- Comparing suitable products from our limited panel of lenders.
- Advice on repayment methods, rate types, and mortgage terms.
Credit Profile & Readiness
Your credit history significantly influences available rates. We can offer general guidance on good practices:
- Accuracy of personal details across accounts.
- Electoral roll registration.
- Managing existing credit responsibly.
Guiding You Through
- Outlining steps from Agreement in Principle to completion.
- Highlighting the importance of surveys and inspections.
- Helping prepare necessary documents (income proof, bank statements, etc.).
Our Approach
We offer personal, regulated mortgage advice tailored specifically to your journey as a first-time buyer. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, plans, and priorities. Our approach is supportive and clear as we explain complex information in plain language. The final decision is always yours, but you will have professional advice to support you.
Important Information
CHFinance provides regulated mortgage advice for first-time buyers. We are an Appointed Representative of Clarke Hendrik Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We will:
- Assess your needs, circumstances, and preferences.
- Recommend suitable mortgage products from the range we are able to access.
- Explain the features, benefits, and risks of the options we recommend.
Remember: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. If you also have broader debt or money worries, we may suggest speaking to free, impartial services such as StepChange, MoneyHelper, or Citizens Advice alongside your mortgage advice, ensuring you receive comprehensive support for both your mortgage plans and your wider finances.
Remortgage
Remortgaging means changing your existing mortgage to a new deal. This could be with your current lender or a different one. In practice, you are replacing your current home loan with a new mortgage, which may be on a different rate, over a different term, or for a different amount. At CHFinance, we provide regulated mortgage advice to help you decide whether remortgaging is appropriate for you, and if so, which options are most suitable and affordable based on your circumstances.
When Can Remortgaging Help?
Remortgaging may be worth considering if:
Your current deal is ending
For example, your fixed or discounted rate is coming to an end and you are about to move onto your lender's standard variable rate.
You want a better rate
You are looking to reduce your monthly payments or overall interest costs by moving to a more competitive deal.
You want to change your mortgage type or term
For example, moving from interest-only to repayment (or vice versa where appropriate), or changing the length of your mortgage term.
You want to release equity
You are looking to borrow more against your home (subject to affordability and lender criteria), for example for home improvements, major purchases, or to restructure other borrowing.
Remortgaging is not right for everyone, and it can sometimes cost more overall, so it is important to get advice.
How We Can Support You
Reviewing Your
Current Mortgage
- Looking at your current interest rate, remaining term, balance, and any early repayment charges.
- Checking when your existing deal ends and what rate you will move onto if you do nothing.
Assessing Your Goals
- Clarifying what you want to achieve (lower payments, shorten term, raise funds, change type of mortgage, etc.).
- Assessing your income, outgoings, credit commitments, and future plans to see what is realistically affordable.
Comparing Products
Exploring products from our available lenders, considering:
- Interest rate and overall cost
- Product fees and cashback/ incentives
- Fixed vs variable/tracker options
Regulated Advice
- Explaining your options in clear, straightforward language.
- Recommending suitable and affordable solutions for your circumstances.
- Highlighting the main risks and considerations.
Managing the Process
- Explaining the steps: valuation, underwriting, legal work and completion.
- Helping you prepare documents and supporting you through to completion.
Where your situation involves significant unsecured debts or wider money worries, we may also recommend you speak to free, impartial debt charities (e.g. StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice) alongside any mortgage changes.
Key Considerations: Pros and Risks
Remortgaging can offer benefits, but it also involves costs and risks. Depending on your situation:
Potential Benefits
- Access to a lower interest rate or a more suitable product, which may reduce monthly payments or total interest paid.
- Ability to change your mortgage structure, for example term length or repayment method (where appropriate).
- Option to raise additional funds by borrowing more against your home, subject to affordability and lender criteria.
- In some cases, switching with your existing lender can be relatively straightforward, as they already know your payment history.
Potential Risks and Costs
- You may face early repayment charges and other fees to leave your current mortgage.
- Remortgaging usually involves product fees, legal costs, valuation fees, and sometimes broker fees.
- If you borrow more or extend your term, you could pay more interest overall, even if the rate is lower.
- Your home is at risk of repossession if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other loan secured against it.
- If you consolidate unsecured debt into your mortgage, that debt becomes secured against your home and may be repaid over a longer period, potentially increasing the total cost.
Our Approach
We offer personal, regulated mortgage advice on remortgaging. Our approach is:
Client-focused
We start with your goals and circumstances,
not the product.
Clear and transparent
We explain the pros, cons and costs
in language you can understand.
The final decision is always yours, but you will have professional advice to support you.
Important Information
CHFinance provides regulated mortgage advice, including advice on remortgaging. We are an Appointed Representative of Clarke Hendrik Group Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We will:
- Assess your needs, circumstances and objectives.
- Recommend suitable mortgage products from the range we are able to access.
- Explain the features, benefits, costs and risks of any remortgage we recommend.
Remember: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Buy My Next Home
Moving home can be just as big a decision as buying your first property. You may have more experience this time, but there are still lots of moving parts to consider: your current mortgage, your new borrowing needs, the timing of your sale and purchase, and costs like stamp duty and fees.
At CHFinance, we provide regulated mortgage advice to help you understand your options when buying your next home, whether you are upsizing, downsizing, or simply moving area.
What Does "Buying Your Next Home" Involve?
When you buy your next home, you will usually need a new mortgage arrangement. This could mean:
Porting your existing mortgage
Transferring your current mortgage deal to the new property (subject to lender approval and criteria).
Taking out a new mortgage
Switching to a different product or lender.
Borrowing more
If your new property is more expensive, you may need to increase your loan, subject to affordability.
Porting is not automatic, even if your current deal is portable; you will need to reapply and meet your lender's criteria at the time. If your circumstances, income or credit profile have changed, this can affect what is available.
How We Can Support You
Reviewing Your Current Position
- Looking at your existing mortgage (rate, term, balance, early repayment charges, portability).
- Considering your current property value, expected sale price and how much equity you may have.
- Clarifying your goals: are you looking to upsize, downsize, change location, or reduce your mortgage term?
Exploring Your Options
We will help you explore the main routes:
- Porting your existing mortgage to the new property, and whether you need to top up with additional borrowing.
- Switching lender if a different provider can offer a more suitable or cost-effective solution.
- Adjusting the term or structure of your mortgage to better fit your new circumstances (for example, changing term length or repayment method where appropriate).
We will compare costs, flexibility and long-term impact, not just headline rates.
Assessing Affordability and Borrowing Needs
- Assessing your income, outgoings and credit commitments to understand what you can realistically afford on the new property.
- Calculating how much you may be able to borrow and what your monthly payments might look like.
- Factoring in other costs of moving, such as legal fees, surveys, removals and stamp duty, so you have a realistic overall picture.
Stamp Duty – The Basics
On your next home, you will normally need to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) (or the equivalent tax in Scotland/Wales) on the purchase price. Key points:
- Stamp duty is a tax on property purchases, paid to HMRC (or the relevant authority).
- It is charged in bands, so different portions of the price are taxed at different rates.
- Rules and thresholds differ between England & Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and can change over time.
We will help you estimate the likely stamp duty cost for your proposed purchase and explain how it fits into your overall budget. (We do not provide tax advice, but we can help you understand the basics and where to find up-to-date information.)
Managing Timing
Explaining how the sale and purchase can be timed and structured (for example, linked transactions).
Key steps for moving home:
- Decision in Principle
- Offer on New Home
- Sale of Current Property
- Full Application
- Legal Work
- Completion
Supporting you with the documents and information lenders and solicitors will typically require.
Our Approach
We offer personal, regulated mortgage advice specifically tailored to people buying their next home. Our approach is:
Practical and clear
We explain your options in straightforward language.
Holistic
We consider your existing mortgage, your new goals, costs of moving and long-term implications.
The choices are always yours, but we are here to guide you through them.
Important Information
CHFinance provides regulated mortgage advice, including advice for home movers. We are an Appointed Representative of Clarke Hendrik Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We will:
- Assess your needs, circumstances and objectives.
- Recommend suitable mortgage products from the range we are able to access.
- Explain the features, benefits, costs and risks of the options we recommend.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Buy-to-Let Mortgages
Buy-to-let mortgages are designed for people who want to purchase a property to rent out to tenants. At CHFinance, we provide regulated mortgage advice on buy-to-let borrowing, helping you understand the different types of buy-to-let mortgage and whether they are appropriate for your situation and objectives.
Broadly, there are two main types you will hear about: consumer buy-to-let and commercial (business) buy-to-let.
Consumer Buy-to-Let
A consumer buy-to-let mortgage is usually aimed at individuals who are not professional landlords. Common examples include:
- Letting out a former home
- Buying one or a small number of properties to generate additional income or build wealth over time
- Lenders will usually look at rental income as well as your personal income when assessing affordability.
- Property rental is generally expected to be supplementary, not your main or sole source of income.
- These mortgages are typically FCA-regulated, offering more consumer protection than purely commercial lending.
Qualifying can be strict as lenders need to be comfortable with both your personal finances and rental viability.
Commercial / Business Buy-to-Let
A commercial or business buy-to-let mortgage is usually for intentional or professional landlords, often with multiple properties or clear investment plans.
- Generally not regulated by the FCA, as it is treated as a commercial product.
- Typically used to run a rental business and make a profit.
- Terms, criteria, and interest rates often differ from standard residential or consumer buy-to-let products.
Commercial and business buy-to-let properties can be subject to different tax rules and regulations. You should seek independent tax advice if you are unsure how this applies to you.
How We Can Support You
- Understand the differences between consumer and commercial/business buy-to-let mortgages.
- Clarify whether you are likely to be treated as an accidental/consumer landlord or an intentional/professional landlord.
- Assess, at a high level, the affordability and risks, including how rental income and your personal income interact in lenders' assessments.
- Provide regulated mortgage advice on suitable buy-to-let products where they fall under the FCA's remit, explaining features, costs and key risks.
- Guide you through the application process, including what documents and information lenders will require.
We do not provide tax advice, but we can encourage you to speak with an accountant or tax specialist about the wider tax implications of buy-to-let ownership.
Our Approach
Our advice on buy-to-let is:
Clear and practical
Breaking down jargon and structures into plain language.
Suitability-focused
We look at your experience, income, plans and risk tolerance.
Risk-aware
We help you understand that property values and rental demand can go down as well as up.
Important Information
CHFinance provides regulated mortgage advice, including advice on consumer buy-to-let where it falls within the FCA's rules. We are an Appointed Representative of Clarke Hendrik Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We will:
- Assess your needs, circumstances and objectives.
- Recommend suitable mortgage products from the range we are able to access.
- Explain the features, benefits, costs and risks of any buy-to-let mortgage we recommend.
Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other loan secured against it.
Equity Release / Lifetime Mortgages
Equity release lets you access some of the money tied up in your home without having to sell and move. Typically, you either:
Borrow against value
Usually via a lifetime mortgage, secured against your home.
Sell all or part
Via a home reversion plan, selling a share of your property.
In exchange for a lump sum, regular income, or a combination of both. Equity release products are usually available to homeowners aged 55 or over who either own their property outright or have only a small mortgage remaining.
Key Features and Considerations
Potential Advantages
Access to Cash
Provides a lump sum or regular income, often with flexible drawdown options so you can release funds in stages.
Stay in Your Home
Allows you to release equity without moving or downsizing, so you can remain in a familiar property and area.
No Negative Equity Guarantee
With qualifying lifetime mortgages, you (or your estate) will never have to repay more than the value of your home when it is sold, provided you meet the plan conditions.
Repayment Flexibility
Some equity release schemes allow voluntary monthly payments, ad hoc repayments or partial repayments, which can help manage the amount owed over time.
Potential Disadvantages
Impact on Tax and Benefits
Releasing equity can affect your tax position and may reduce entitlement to means-tested state benefits.
Long-term Commitment
Equity release is generally a long-term solution, not suitable for short-term borrowing needs.
Reduced Inheritance
The amount you owe (and any interest added) will usually be repaid from the sale of your home, which reduces the value of your estate and what you can pass on to beneficiaries.
Early Repayment Charges
If you wish to repay or exit the plan early, you may face significant early repayment penalties, depending on the product.
Compounding Interest
With many lifetime mortgages, interest is rolled up (compounded). This means the amount owed can grow quickly over time if you are not making repayments.
Because of these factors, it is vital to get specialist, regulated advice from an equity release/lifetime mortgage adviser.
Our Role
We do not provide advice on Equity Release or Lifetime Mortgages at CHFinance. However, if you are interested in exploring these options:
Initial Guidance
We can help you think through your situation at a high level (your goals, other options, and general pros and cons).
Specialist Referral
Where appropriate, we will refer you to an FCA-regulated broker specifically authorised to advise on Equity Release and Lifetime Mortgages. They will be able to:
- Assess your circumstances in detail
- Compare suitable products
- Explain features, costs, risks and implications
- Recommend whether equity release is suitable
If you proceed with one of their recommendations and your case completes, CHFinance will receive a referral fee commission from the provider. This does not affect the advice you receive from the equity release specialist, but it is important you are aware of this arrangement.
Important Disclaimer
CHFinance does not offer advice on Equity Release or Lifetime Mortgages and does not arrange these products. If you wish to pursue this area, we will refer you to an FCA-regulated broker who is authorised to advise on Equity Release/Lifetime Mortgages. Any decision to proceed will be based on the advice they provide. If your case completes, CHFinance will receive a referral commission from the provider. This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.
Secured Loans (Second Charge Mortgages)
A secured loan, also known as a second charge mortgage, is a type of borrowing that uses your property as security. This means it is only available to homeowners. The lender places a legal charge on your home, protecting the money they lend in case you cannot make repayments. Unlike a remortgage, a secured loan is an additional loan to your existing mortgage. Your current mortgage remains in place, and you take on a separate, second loan. If you take a secured loan with your current mortgage lender, it might be called a "further advance" and could offer better rates.
At CHFinance, we provide regulated mortgage advice on secured loans, helping you understand if this option is suitable for your needs and circumstances.
When Can a Secured Loan Be Helpful?
A secured loan can be a useful option in several situations:
Debt Consolidation
To combine multiple existing debts into one manageable monthly payment.
Home Improvements
To fund significant renovations or extensions to your property.
Keeping Your Existing Mortgage
If you have a very competitive interest rate on your current mortgage that you do not want to lose.
High Early Repayment Charges
If your current mortgage has substantial ERCs that make remortgaging uneconomical.
Need Funds Quickly
Secured loans can sometimes be processed faster than a full remortgage.
Credit History Challenges
While rates may be higher, secured loans can sometimes be an option even if your credit history is not perfect, as your home provides security.
How We Can Support You
Understanding Your Needs
- We will discuss your reasons for needing additional funds and explore whether a secured loan aligns with your financial goals.
- We will help you consider alternatives, such as remortgaging or further advances, to ensure you choose the most appropriate solution.
Assessing Suitability and Affordability
- We will conduct a thorough assessment of your income, outgoings, existing debts, and credit commitments to determine what is realistically affordable for you.
- We will explain how a secured loan will impact your monthly budget and overall financial position.
Comparing Secured Loan Options
We will explore suitable secured loan products from our limited panel of lenders and compare:
- Interest rates — Typically higher than first charge rates but lower than unsecured borrowing
- Fees — Including lender fees, valuation fees, and broker fees
- Repayment terms — Can be spread over longer periods to reduce monthly payments
- Features — Such as early repayment charges or payment flexibility
Providing Regulated Advice & Guidance
- We will explain the complexities of secured loans in clear, understandable language
- We will recommend a secured loan product that we believe is suitable and affordable for your circumstances
- We will highlight the main risks and considerations, ensuring you make an informed decision
- We will guide you through the application process and support you through to completion
Potential Advantages
- Access to Larger Amounts: You can often borrow larger sums compared to unsecured loans.
- Lower Interest Rates: Generally, secured loans offer lower interest rates than unsecured personal loans, as your property acts as security.
- Flexible Repayment Terms: Payments can often be spread over a longer period, potentially reducing monthly outgoings.
- Credit Building: Consistent, on-time repayments can help improve your credit score.
- Purpose Flexibility: Funds can typically be used for any legal purpose, from home improvements to debt consolidation.
- Not Always Perfect Credit: You may not need a perfect credit score to qualify, though this can affect rates.
Potential Disadvantages
Property at Risk: Your home is at risk of repossession if you do not keep up with repayments. This is the most significant risk.
- Increased Overall Interest: Spreading payments over a longer term can mean you pay more interest in total, even if the monthly payment is lower.
- Early Repayment Charges: You may incur charges if you repay the loan early.
- Impact on Credit Score: Missed payments or multiple applications can damage your credit score.
- Securing Unsecured Debt: If used for debt consolidation, previously unsecured debts become secured against your home, increasing the risk.
Our Approach
We offer personal, regulated mortgage advice on secured loans. Our approach is designed to give you clarity and confidence.
Thorough
We assess your full financial picture and explore all suitable options to ensure the best possible outcome for your situation.
Transparent
We clearly explain the benefits, risks, and costs involved, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
The decision to proceed is always yours, but you will have our expert advice to guide you.
Important Information
CHFinance provides regulated mortgage advice, including advice on secured loans (second charge mortgages). We are an Appointed Representative of Clarke Hendrik Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We will:
- Assess your needs, circumstances, and objectives.
- Recommend suitable secured loan products from the range we are able to access.
- Explain the features, benefits, costs, and risks of any secured loan we recommend.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Self-Employed Mortgages
Getting a mortgage when you are self-employed can feel more complicated than it should. Lenders assess your income differently, criteria vary from one provider to another, and proving affordability can take more preparation. At CHFinance, we provide regulated mortgage advice tailored to self-employed borrowers. We help you understand how lenders view your income, what documents you will need, and which mortgage options are likely to be suitable and affordable for your situation.
How We Can Support You
Explaining How Lenders Assess Self-Employed Income
We will explain, in plain language, how lenders typically assess:
- Sole traders and partners: Usually based on your net profit from tax returns
- Limited company directors: Often using salary, dividends, or retained profit
- Contractors or freelancers: Day rates, contract history, or sector considerations
We will also talk you through:
- How many years of accounts or tax returns you are likely to need
- How recent changes in income (up or down) can affect what is possible
Preparing Your Financial Information
We will guide you on the documents that normally strengthen a self-employed application:
- Tax calculations (SA302s) and tax year overviews
- Business accounts (often 2–3 years, where available)
- Personal and business bank statements
- Details of any existing credit commitments and regular outgoings
We will help you organise everything so your case can be presented clearly and professionally to potential lenders.
Affordability and Stability
We will assess:
- Your average income over recent years (and any trends)
- Your current and expected outgoings
- Any existing borrowing and financial commitments
From this, we will work out what appears realistically affordable, not just what is technically possible on paper.
Recommending Suitable Mortgage Options
Based on your profile, we will:
- Identify lenders comfortable with your type of self-employed income
- Compare suitable products (rates, fees, fixed vs variable, terms)
- Recommend specific options we believe are suitable and affordable
- Explain features, benefits, risks and costs clearly
You get clear advice, not just a list of products.
Guiding You Through the Process
We will support you through every stage:
Decision in Principle
So you know roughly what you can borrow
Full Application
Including responding to lender questions and further information requests
Through to Offer & Completion
So you understand what is happening at each step
Our Approach
We know that self-employed income does not always fit neatly into a box. Our approach is:
Supportive and Pragmatic
We work with the way your business and income actually operate.
Clear and Realistic
We will be honest about what is achievable and what may be more difficult.
Important Information
CHFinance provides regulated mortgage advice, including advice for self-employed clients. We are an Appointed Representative of Clarke Hendrik Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We will:
- Assess your needs, circumstances and objectives.
- Recommend suitable mortgage products from the range we are able to access.
- Explain the features, benefits, costs and risks of the options we recommend.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other loan secured against it.
Adverse Credit Mortgages
Having missed payments, defaults, CCJs or other credit issues in your history can make applying for a mortgage feel daunting. Lenders may view your application as higher risk, and criteria can vary widely. At CHFinance, we provide regulated mortgage advice for clients with adverse credit. We help you understand how lenders are likely to view your situation, what may still be possible, and how to prepare a stronger application.
If you have missed any payments or had defaults in the last 2 years, we can still help. It is important you tell us about this as early as possible in the process, so we can look at the right lenders and criteria from the start.
How We Can Support You
Understanding How Lenders View Adverse Credit
We will explain, in clear terms:
- What lenders mean by "adverse credit" (missed payments, defaults, CCJs, IVAs, bankruptcy)
- How the recency, severity and type of issues affect your options
- Which types of lenders are more open to historic or lighter adverse credit
Preparing Your Financial Information
We will guide you on the documents that typically help in adverse credit cases:
- Recent bank statements
- Details of all existing credit commitments and regular outgoings
- Any settlement letters or evidence that issues have been resolved
- Proof of current income (payslips, tax returns, etc.)
Credit Improvement – General Good Practice
While we cannot remove past credit events, we can give general guidance on good ongoing habits:
- Making all current payments on time, every month
- Avoiding multiple new credit applications in a short period
- Reducing balances on credit cards and overdrafts where possible
- Being registered on the electoral roll at your current address
Exploring and Recommending Suitable Mortgage Options
Based on your credit history, income and outgoings, we will:
- Assess what is realistically affordable for you
- Identify lenders and products that are more accommodating of adverse credit
- Consider the balance between interest rate, fees, deposit size, and product flexibility
You will have clear advice, not just a list of products.
Supporting You Through the Process
We will:
Application Steps
Talk you through from Decision in Principle to full application and completion
Underwriting Support
Help you understand potential questions and how best to respond
Ongoing Contact
Stay in contact so you know what is happening and what is needed next
Our Approach
We understand that adverse credit can feel stressful and sometimes embarrassing. Our approach is:
Supportive and Nonjudgemental
We focus on solutions, not blame.
Honest and Realistic
We will be clear about what is and is not likely to be possible.
Important Information
CHFinance provides regulated mortgage advice, including advice for clients with adverse credit. We are an Appointed Representative of Clarke Hendrik Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We will:
- Assess your needs, circumstances and objectives.
- Recommend suitable mortgage products from the range we are able to access.
- Explain the features, benefits, costs and risks of the options we recommend.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other loan secured against it.