SERVICES
Speak to an experienced mortgage advisor for clear, whole-of-market advice when buying your new home.
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“The service I was provided by Ian Smith was absolutely fantastic. We went through all our remortgage options and he kept me updated the whole time. He moved me onto better deals as interest rates dropped and then as mortgage rates went back up I was now locked into an excellent deal. His expertise really saved me a significant amount of money. Thoroughly recommend.”
– Google Review, Remortgage Client
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“Was a very smooth process from start to finish. Knowledgable on products and depth of lenders able to offer a taylor made mortgage that suited my requirements”
– Google Review, Home Mover
Whether you’re upgrading, relocating, or simply ready for a change, buying a new home comes with plenty to think about. Getting the right mortgage in place is a key part of the process, and having the right advice early on can make things much smoother.
I’m Ian Smith, a mortgage and protection advisor based in Essex. I provide clear, straightforward mortgage advice to clients across the UK, helping you understand your options, compare lenders, and secure a deal that suits your circumstances. From initial research through to application and completion, I handle the process for you so you can focus on the move itself.
If any of that sounds familiar, we’ll talk it through properly and work out the best way forward for you.
Every situation is different, which is why I take the time to understand exactly what you’re trying to achieve before recommending anything. You’ll get clear, straightforward advice, a proper comparison of your options, and support all the way through to completion.
The best way to work this out is to start with an estimated sale price of your current property and deduct your outstanding mortgage balance. This gives you your total equity.
From there, you’ll need to account for all the costs involved in moving, including estate agent fees, solicitor costs for both sale and purchase, broker fees, and general moving costs. One of the biggest costs to factor in is Stamp Duty, which can significantly reduce the amount you have available.
Once all of these costs have been deducted, you’ll be left with your usable equity. This is the amount you can put towards your next purchase and will form your deposit.
If you already have a mortgage, you may be able to transfer your current deal to your new property. This is known as porting.
It can be a good option if you’re on a competitive fixed rate, especially if current rates are higher. However, porting isn’t always straightforward. You’ll still need to meet the lender’s criteria again, and if you’re borrowing more, the additional amount will usually be on a new rate.
I’ll help you assess whether porting is actually the right move or if switching lender could work out better overall.
Use the calculator below to get a quick estimate of how much you could borrow, and what your monthly payments might be.
This will give you a rough guide before we go through the numbers properly together.
In many cases, moving home means taking out a completely new mortgage with a different lender. This gives you access to the full market, rather than being tied to your existing lender’s products.
A new mortgage can offer better rates, more flexibility, or a deal that better suits your current circumstances. I’ll compare a wide range of lenders and products to find an option that works for you, not just what’s easiest.
When buying a new home, your mortgage amount will often change. You might need to borrow more to move up the ladder, or less if you’re downsizing.
This affects your monthly payments, the lenders available to you, and the deals you can access. I’ll help you understand how much you can borrow, what it means for your budget, and how to structure the mortgage in a way that supports your plans now and in the future.
No jargon, no confusion. Just a clear explanation of your options so you can make the right decision.
I search across a broad panel of lenders to find a deal that fits your situation, not just one bank’s products.
It’s not just about the rate. I make sure the mortgage works for your goals now and in the future.
From initial enquiry through to completion, I’ll manage the process and keep everything on track.
Every lender is different. I match your situation to the right lender to avoid delays or declined applications.
If rates move or your situation changes, I’ll review your options and keep you in the best position.
When you’re buying a new home, it’s important to review your protection alongside your mortgage. A larger property often means a bigger loan and higher monthly commitments, so making sure you’re properly covered is essential. I’ll assess your current arrangements and make sure everything is aligned with your new situation, without you paying for anything you don’t need.
This includes reviewing your life assurance, income protection, and critical illness cover to ensure they reflect your new mortgage and financial responsibilities.
The aim isn’t to add unnecessary costs, it’s to make sure you’re protected in the right way. If something unexpected were to happen, the right cover can help you keep up with payments, protect your home, and support your family financially. I’ll talk you through your options clearly and make sure everything we put in place fits your budget and your long-term plans.
Buying a new home comes with plenty of questions, especially when it comes to your mortgage. Here are some of the most common things I’m asked.
Can I keep my current mortgage when I buy a new home?
In some cases, yes. This is known as porting your mortgage, where you transfer your existing deal to your new property.
However, you’ll still need to meet your lender’s criteria again, and if you’re borrowing more, the additional amount will usually be on a new rate. It’s always worth comparing this with switching lender to make sure you’re getting the best overall deal.
How much can I borrow for a new home?
This depends on your income, outgoings, and the lender’s criteria. Most lenders will offer around 4 to 4.5 times your income, but this can vary.
I’ll carry out a full assessment to give you a clear and realistic budget before you start viewing properties.
Can I borrow more than before?
Yes, in many cases you can, particularly if your income has increased or your financial position has improved. That said, affordability checks are stricter than they used to be, so it’s important to understand what’s realistically achievable.
I’ll help you work this out and what it means for your monthly payments.
Will I need a new deposit?
Your deposit will usually come from the equity in your current property. Once your home is sold and your existing mortgage and costs are paid off, the remaining amount can be used towards your next purchase.
If you’re moving to a more expensive property, you may need to top this up with additional savings.
How long does it take to get a mortgage when moving home?
On average, a mortgage offer is issued within around 5 to 10 working days, depending on the lender and how quickly documents are provided.
After that, the case moves into the legal process. This typically takes between 2 to 4 months, depending on factors such as the size of the chain, solicitors, and how smoothly the transaction progresses.
I’ll manage the process throughout to keep things moving and minimise delays where possible.
Should I port my mortgage or get a new one?
This depends on your current deal and what’s available on the market. Porting can be useful if you’re on a low rate, but it doesn’t always mean it’s the best option overall.
I’ll compare both routes so you can make a properly informed decision.
If you’re thinking about buying a new home, let’s have a quick chat about your mortgage options. You can book a call online or ring me on 01708 535 946