Mortgage & Protection Guides

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

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

Buying a property to live in is out of reach for a lot of people right now, particularly in areas like Oxford, where average prices sit well above the national average. But some first-time buyers are asking a different question: what if I buy a property to rent out rather than live in? It is a perfectly legitimate strategy and one we help clients with regularly. The short answer is yes, you can get a buy-to-let mortgage as a first-time buyer, but the criteria are stricter tha

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

Drummonds Finance Group – Your Oxford Mortgage Specialists Oxford remains one of the UK’s most sought-after cities for landlords...

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

Mortgage Advice for the Self-Employed in Oxford If you’re self-employed and looking to buy, remortgage, or invest in property in Oxford...

What is Critical Illness Cover? Critical Illness Cover is a type of insurance that pays out a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness or medical condition listed in your policy. It's designed to help ease the financial burden during one of the most stressful times of your life—so you can focus on recovery, not money. Unlike income protection (which pays a monthly income), critical illness insurance provides a one-off tax-free payment. This payout can be used howev

What is Income Protection? Income protection is a type of insurance that pays you a regular income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Unlike critical illness cover or life insurance, income protection is designed to help replace your monthly earnings , so you can keep up with your mortgage, bills, and everyday expenses if the unexpected happens. At Drummonds Finance Group , we believe protecting your income is just as important as securing your mortgage. We he

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...

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

If you’re buying a home or remortgaging, one of the first questions people often ask is whether it’s better to use a mortgage broker or go straight to a bank. There’s no pressure either way, but for many buyers, using a broker can make the process simpler, clearer, and less stressful. Rather than trying to compare mortgage deals on your own, a broker helps you understand what’s available, what’s realistic, and which options actually suit your situation. What Does a Mortgage B

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