Your questions, answered

Most lenders will lend around 4 to 4.5 times your income, and some will go higher for certain incomes and professions. What you can actually borrow depends on your income, outgoings, credit history and deposit. Try our affordability calculator, then speak to us for a proper figure.

Many lenders accept a 5% deposit, though a bigger deposit usually unlocks lower rates. Our loan to value calculator shows where you sit.

Yes, it is a good idea. An Agreement in Principle shows estate agents and sellers you are serious, and helps you know your budget before you start viewing.

Usually around six months before your current deal ends. Many lenders let you secure a new rate in advance, so you are protected if rates rise. We will contact you in good time.

Yes. You will normally need two or more years of accounts or tax calculations, and some lenders are more flexible than others. Knowing which lender suits your income is exactly where advice helps.

If you are using a government, shared equity or shared appreciation scheme, we advise on the mortgage itself but not on whether the scheme is right for you.

Death in service benefit usually ends when you leave that job and may not be enough to clear your mortgage and support your family. We will look at what you have and whether there are gaps.

Mortgage protection to clear the mortgage, Family Income Benefit to cover the rest of the bills, income protection to pay the bills if you are off work, and private medical insurance to get treated sooner. Read our full guide on the Protection page.

Your employer's sick pay decides when your income stops if you are off work. It affects how much income protection you may need and when it should start paying, which keeps the cost right.

Not necessarily. Insurers look at each case differently. Being honest about your health, including any waiting lists or results you are waiting on, is essential so your policy pays out when you need it.

Placing a life policy in trust can help a payout reach the right people quickly. We can give general guidance on how trusts work, but we do not give specific trust or tax advice.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend on your circumstances, with fees ranging from £0 to £495. For first-time clients our fee is usually £395, and fees are payable on application. Product transfers for existing clients are £0 to £195. We do not charge a fee for protection or insurance advice, as we receive commission from the provider.

Yes. We are an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of First Complete Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Most Buy to Let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA.

We hope that never happens, but if it does, contact us and we will work hard to put it right. Full details of our complaints process and the Financial Ombudsman Service are on our Complaints page.

It is our own branded app. It lets you message us, upload documents securely and follow your mortgage or protection case from your phone.

Yes. The app is free to download on iPhone and Android.

No. It is there to make things easier, but you can always call, email or see us in person if you prefer.