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Mortgage & Protection Guides
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First Time Buyers
Taking your first step onto the property ladder? You're in the right place.
Our First-Time Buyer section is packed with simple, clear advice to help you make informed decisions — from understanding how much you can borrow, to finding the right mortgage deal, and everything in between.


The 25 Most Asked Mortgage Questions in the UK in 2025
Buying a home, remortgaging, or investing in property can feel overwhelming, especially with the amount of information online. At Drummonds Finance Group, we work with clients across Oxford, Bicester and the UK, and we hear the same core questions again and again. This guide answers the twenty-five most asked mortgage questions in clear English. Each section is short enough to read quickly and detailed enough to help you make informed decisions. If you want personalised advic
Liam Drummond
Nov 245 min read


How Parents Can Help Their Children Buy Without Going on the Deeds
Making home ownership possible without co-owning the property Getting onto the property ladder has never been easy, and for many young buyers in today’s market, a bit of help from family makes all the difference. But what if you want to help your child buy a home without owning part of it yourself? That is where a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgage (JBSP) can be an innovative solution. Let’s look at how it works, why it is different from gifting money, and how it mig
Liam Drummond
Nov 173 min read


Get a Mortgage in Principle Fast: Why It Matters and How We Can Help
Contact Us now If you're searching for a mortgage in principle (also called an Agreement in Principle or AIP), you're likely about to start viewing properties, or you’ve just found one you want to offer on. In today’s fast-moving market, having your mortgage in principle ready is more important than ever. In this post, we’ll explain exactly what a mortgage in principle is, why it matters, how it helps your offer stand out, and how we at Drummonds Finance Group can help you
Liam Drummond
Oct 183 min read


Renting vs Buying in Oxford: What’s the Best Option in 2025?
The decision between renting and buying a home is one of the biggest financial choices people face, especially in a high-demand area like Oxford. With property prices still above the national average and the rental market remaining competitive, many people in and around Oxfordshire are wondering whether it makes more sense to buy a home or keep renting in 2025. As mortgage brokers based in Oxford, we speak to first-time buyers, renters, and investors every week who are trying
Liam Drummond
Oct 163 min read


Key Things to Consider When Buying a Property in the UK
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. Whether it's your first step on the ladder or you're...
Liam Drummond
Sep 93 min read


15 Questions to Ask When Viewing a House
House viewings are exciting, especially if it’s your first time buying or investing. But it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and...
Liam Drummond
Sep 63 min read


First-Time Buyer, First-time Buy-to-Let as Your First Property?
Owning property has long been regarded as one of the most secure ways to accumulate wealth. But with soaring property prices in many...
Liam Drummond
Jul 23 min read


What Counts as Income on a Mortgage Application
It’s Not Just About Salary Let’s be honest, applying for a mortgage can be a confusing process. One of the first things a lender will ask...
Liam Drummond
Jun 134 min read


Oxford First-Time Buyer Mortgages: 2025 Guide
By Drummonds Finance Group – Local Mortgage Experts Buying your first home in Oxford can feel overwhelming, especially in 2025, with...
Liam Drummond
May 183 min read


Mortgages Made Simple: Your Essential 2025 Guide to Home Loans
Understanding mortgages doesn’t have to be confusing. At Drummonds Finance Group , we believe in mortgages made simple, transparent, and...
Liam Drummond
Apr 233 min read


Is It Better to Use a Mortgage Broker or Go Directly to the Bank?
Quick Answer: Yes — in most cases, it’s better to use a mortgage broker than to go directly to a bank. A broker can compare deals from multiple lenders, offer tailored advice, and often save you both time and money. 🤔 Why? Let’s Break It Down: 🧑💼 What’s the Difference? Mortgage Broker: A mortgage broker works for you — not a specific bank — and searches a wide panel of lenders to find a mortgage that suits your personal circumstances. Bank: A bank only offers its own
Liam Drummond
Apr 172 min read


Can a Mortgage Broker Get Me a Better Rate?
✅ Quick Answer: Yes — in many cases, a mortgage broker can get you a better mortgage rate than you’d find on your own. Brokers often...
Liam Drummond
Apr 152 min read


First-Time Buyer Mortgage Guide:
Buying your first home is exciting, emotional and slightly overwhelming all at once. If you are feeling unsure or wondering where even to begin, you are not alone. Every first-time buyer goes through the same mix of excitement and confusion. The good news is that with the proper guidance, the process becomes transparent and manageable. At Drummonds Finance Group, we help first-time buyers across Oxford, Bicester and nationwide understand the process step by step. This guide g
Liam Drummond
Apr 143 min read


Can a Mortgage Broker Help If I Have Bad Credit?
Many people ask, Can I get a mortgage with bad credit? If you’ve got a less-than-perfect credit score, applying for a mortgage might feel...
Liam Drummond
Apr 133 min read


What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Mortgage?
Applying for a mortgage can feel overwhelming, but being well-prepared with the right paperwork puts you in a strong position and helps...
Liam Drummond
Apr 114 min read


How Many People Use a Mortgage Broker? (And Why You Probably Should)
💬 Quick Answer: As of 2025, over 80% of UK homebuyers now use a mortgage broker to help secure their mortgage — a sharp increase from...
Liam Drummond
Apr 112 min read


How Much Does a Mortgage Broker Charge in the UK? (2025 Guide)
💡 Quick Answer: In 2025, mortgage broker fees in the UK typically range from £0 to £995. Fees depend on your circumstances, the...
Liam Drummond
Apr 92 min read


What Does a Mortgage Broker Do?
A mortgage broker helps you find the best mortgage deal by comparing offers from multiple lenders and guiding you through the entire...
Liam Drummond
Apr 92 min read


First-Time Buyer Mortgages Oxford
First-Time Buyer Mortgages in Oxford Thinking about buying your first home in Oxford? With house prices remaining competitive and...
Liam Drummond
Apr 72 min read


How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage in 2025?
Whether you're a first-time buyer, moving home, or remortgaging, one of the first questions you're likely to ask is: "How much can I...
Liam Drummond
Mar 313 min read
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