Mortgage & Protection Guides

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Whether you are a first-time buyer, moving home, or investing in buy-to-let, there are several key things you need to think about before committing. At Drummonds Finance Group, we speak to buyers across Oxford, Bicester and the wider UK every day, and many of the same questions come up time and time again. Getting these right early on can save you money, reduce stress, and help you avoid costly mi

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,

Can a first-time buyer get a buy-to-let mortgage? Explore deposits, lender rules, rent stress tests and the often-misunderstood Stamp Duty rules.

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...

Many people assume that once you hit your 60s, your chances of getting a mortgage drop dramatically. In reality, age isn’t the barrier...

Planning to invest in a House in Multiple Occupation in Oxford? Here’s what to expect and how to finance it properly. What will be...

If you are considering buying a rental property, one of the first decisions you face is whether to purchase it in your personal name or through a limited company. It is a question we get asked regularly at Drummonds Finance Group, and there is no universal right answer. What works well for one landlord can be the wrong structure for another. This guide explains the key differences from both a mortgage and a tax perspective so you can have a more informed conversation with you

If your mortgage fixed rate is ending in the next few months, you could not have picked a more eventful time to be making this decision. Rates that looked like they were heading down at the start of 2026 have moved sharply upward following the Iran conflict in February, and the Bank of England rate cuts that borrowers were counting on have been put on hold. This guide explains what remortgaging means, when it makes sense, how it compares to a product transfer and what to do r

Helping NHS Workers Secure the Right Mortgage Nationwide Are you an NHS professional looking to buy your first home, move house, or remortgage? At Drummonds Finance Group , we specialise in NHS mortgages and understand how to make your unique income structure work in your favour. Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, paramedic, healthcare assistant, midwife or support staff—we’re here to help you secure the mortgage you deserve. With access to over 100 UK lenders , including many

Finding a mortgage can be challenging, especially if part or all of your income includes Universal Credit. But the good news is that there are a number of lenders who accept Universal Credit as part of your income assessment in 2025. At Drummonds Finance Group, we regularly help clients secure mortgages while receiving Universal Credit. But it’s important to understand that lender criteria can be complex and change frequently, so getting professional advice is crucial. ✅ Whic

Should you use a mortgage broker or go straight to a bank? Compare lender choice, fees, mortgage rates and when independent advice is worth it.

Drummonds Finance Group is a Mortgage Broker Firm based in Oxford and Bicester. We want to provide you with some developments happening all around Oxfordshire. Hopefully, this will help you decide what area might be a good or bad property investment. Oxfordshire is experiencing a significant wave of residential, commercial, infrastructure, educational, healthcare, and innovation-driven development. Here's a sector-by-sector overview of the most impactful projects: 🏡 Major Ho

If you have bad credit and you're wondering whether getting a mortgage is even worth attempting, the short answer is yes, and a broker is almost always the right starting point. Bad credit does not automatically close the door on homeownership or remortgaging. What it does is narrow the field of suitable lenders, and that is precisely where a specialist broker adds the most value. What Counts as Bad Credit? Bad credit is not a single thing. It covers a wide spectrum of credit

Understanding How Mortgage Transfers Work in the UK A mortgage transfer, often called a transfer of equity, is the process of changing who owns a property and who is responsible for the mortgage. It is a standard solution during life changes and can be far more straightforward than selling or taking out a brand-new mortgage. Below is a clear, human-focused explanation of how the process works, why people do it, and what lenders look for. What Does a Mortgage Transfer Actually

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 borrow for a mortgage?" In 2026, with interest rates still fluctuating and lenders tightening affordability criteria, understanding how borrowing capacity is calculated is more critical than ever. In this blog, we explain what lenders look for, how much you could borrow, and how to maximise your mortgage options, with expert guidance from Drummo

Can You Still Get a Mortgage with Adverse Credit? In many cases, yes. Having adverse credit does not automatically stop you from getting a mortgage, but it does affect which lenders are suitable. Some high street lenders may say no straight away. Others, including specialist lenders, will look at the full picture. That includes how long ago the credit issue happened, whether it has been settled, and how your finances look today. This is where a whole of market broker makes a