Mortgage & Protection Guides

Life insurance is not something most people enjoy thinking about, but it is one of the most important parts of sensible financial planning. With higher living costs, larger mortgages, and families relying on dual incomes, the financial impact of losing a partner or parent can be devastating without the right protection in place. Life insurance is designed to provide financial security for the people you care about most. It ensures that if the worst were to happen, your family

Getting a mortgage when you are self-employed often feels more complicated than it should be. Based on everything we are seeing in the market right now, 2026 is shaping up to be a far better year for self-employed applicants. Lenders have already begun modernising their criteria, and we expect this trend to continue as we move into the new year. One of the most significant shifts we predict for 2026 is how lenders assess income for limited company directors. Many lenders have

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

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

If your current mortgage deal is ending soon, you're not alone. Thousands of homeowners across Oxfordshire and the UK are coming to the end of their fixed rate and wondering what to do next. The big questions we hear every day include: Should I fix again or go on a tracker? Can I switch early without paying penalties? Are interest rates likely to drop later this year? In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option, explain what’s happening in the mortgage ma

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

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 overlook important details. Whether you’re viewing properties in Oxford, Bicester or beyond, asking the right questions can help you avoid costly surprises and make a more informed decision. Here’s a helpful list of thoughtful questions to ask during any property viewing 1. Why is the owner selling? This can give you insight into how motivated

Buying a home is exciting, but it can also feel confusing with all the jargon you come across. Two phrases that often cause a bit of head scratching are Mortgage in Principle  and Full Mortgage Offer . They sound similar, but they mean very different things, and it is worth understanding the difference so you know where you stand in the buying process. What is a Mortgage in Principle? A Mortgage in Principle, sometimes called an Agreement in Principle or Decision in Principle

Mortgages often feel complicated, not because they are impossible to understand, but because the information people find online is usually fragmented. You are given answers to individual questions, but rarely a clear picture of how everything fits together. Whether you are buying your first home, moving house, remortgaging, or investing in property, understanding how mortgages work will help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes. This guide is designed to be you

Drummonds Finance Group is a Mortgage Broker Firm based in Oxford and Bicester. We want to provide you with some developments happening...

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

💬 Quick Answer: As of 2025, over 80% of UK homebuyers now use a mortgage broker to help secure their mortgage — a sharp increase from...

If you’re unsure whether to buy or rent a home in 2025 , you're not alone. With fluctuating interest rates, a shifting property market,...

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...

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you'll ever make, and understanding the UK mortgage market is crucial. Whether you're a first-time buyer, moving home, or remortgaging, this guide will help you navigate the process and make informed decisions. 1. What is a Mortgage? A mortgage is a loan secured against a property. You borrow money from a lender (such as a bank or building society) and repay it over time, typically 25-40 years, with interest. If you fa