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Mortgage & Protection Guides
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Can I Get a Mortgage with 1 Year's Accounts: A Complete Guide
Summary: Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage with just one year’s accounts. Well, you will have fewer options available to you in comparison to someone with three or more years. Getting it can be difficult, but not impossible, because expert lenders will help you in this process. But not everyone can get it. If you are a sole trader, company, contractor, or self-employed individual, then you will be able to apply for this self-employed mortgage. Money issues make it difficu
Liam Drummond
Dec 19, 20254 min read
Self-Employed Mortgages: How Lenders Really Assess Your Income
If you are self-employed and trying to get a mortgage, you have probably heard something along the lines of "it is harder for you than someone who is employed." That is partially true, but it is also a bit misleading. The reality is that self-employed mortgages are not harder; they are just different. The lender is doing the same assessment; they just need to look at your income differently. And how they do that varies enormously from one lender to the next. This guide explai
Liam Drummond
Dec 11, 20257 min read
Most Asked Mortgage Questions UK – Answered by a Mortgage Broker (2026 Guide)
These are the questions we get asked most often at Drummonds Finance Group. Some are from first-time buyers just starting out. Some are from landlords, people coming off fixed rates or borrowers who have hit a wall somewhere in the process. We have tried to answer each one properly rather than just giving you a vague two-line response. If your specific situation is not covered here, call us and we will give you a straight answer. 1. How much can I borrow? Most lenders use a m
Liam Drummond
Nov 24, 202512 min read
Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor Mortgages: How Parents Can Help Their Child Buy
Getting onto the property ladder has never been easy, and for a lot of young buyers right now, it is genuinely hard. Mortgage affordability is tight, property prices in areas like Oxford and Bicester are well above the national average, and saving a deposit while paying rent takes years. Many parents want to help, but going on the deeds of their child's property brings its own complications. A joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage, which solves this problem neatly, lets you
Liam Drummond
Nov 17, 20255 min read
Mortgage Rate Ending in 2026: Fix, Tracker, Product Transfer or Remortgage?
Your mortgage deal is ending in 2026. Compare fixed rates, trackers, product transfers and remortgages, including fees, ERCs and when waiting could cost more.
Liam Drummond
Oct 20, 20254 min read
Buying Property in Oxford & Bicester: 12 Things to Check in 2026
Buying in Oxford or Bicester? Check affordability, mortgage criteria, new-build issues, leasehold costs, surveys, local development and the true cost before you offer.
Liam Drummond
Sep 9, 20254 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 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
Liam Drummond
Sep 6, 20253 min read
What is the difference between a mortgage in principle and a full mortgage offer?
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,
Liam Drummond
Aug 27, 20253 min read
Can a First-Time Buyer Get a Buy-to-Let Mortgage? UK Guide
Can a first-time buyer get a buy-to-let mortgage without owning a home? Learn how deposits, rental stress tests, income, limited companies, HMOs and Stamp Duty can affect your options.
Liam Drummond
Jul 2, 20257 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 13, 20254 min read
Is It Ever Too Late to Get a Mortgage?
Many people assume that once you hit your 60s, your chances of getting a mortgage drop dramatically. In reality, age isn’t the barrier...
Liam Drummond
Jun 4, 20254 min read
Oxford HMO Investments: Why the Right Mortgage Matters More Than Ever
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...
Liam Drummond
Jun 2, 20254 min read
Limited Company vs Personal Name Buy-to-Let Mortgages: Which Is Right for You?
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
Liam Drummond
May 31, 20255 min read
NHS Mortgages UK | Specialist Mortgage Advice for NHS Staff
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 who
Liam Drummond
Apr 28, 20254 min read
Lenders Who Accept Universal Credit: What You Need to Know in 2025
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
Liam Drummond
Apr 24, 20253 min read
Mortgage Broker vs Bank: Which Is Better for Your Mortgage?
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.
Liam Drummond
Apr 17, 20254 min read
Oxfordshire's Biggest Developments in 2025
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
Liam Drummond
Apr 16, 20254 min read
Can a Mortgage Broker Help If I Have Bad Credit?
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
Liam Drummond
Apr 13, 20255 min read
Can You Transfer a Mortgage to Another Person?
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
Liam Drummond
Apr 3, 20252 min read
How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage in 2026?
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
Liam Drummond
Mar 31, 20253 min read
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