Mortgage & Protection Guides

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments most people will ever make. Yet for all the time spent comparing mortgage rates, reviewing solicitor quotes and saving for a deposit, protection is often the last thing people think about, and sometimes not at all. At Drummonds Finance Group, we speak to homeowners and buyers across Oxford, Bicester and the UK every week. One of the most consistent things we find is that people either have no protection in place, or th

Applying for a mortgage can feel overwhelming, especially when lenders start asking for documents. Knowing what is required in advance can make the process far smoother and reduce delays or stress. While exact requirements vary between lenders and individual circumstances, most mortgage applications in the UK follow a similar structure. Below is a clear guide to the documents you are likely to need and why lenders ask for them. Proof of income Proof of income is one of the mo

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

The short answer In many cases, yes. A mortgage broker can often find you a better deal than going straight to your bank . That might be a lower rate, lower fees, or simply a lender that suits your situation better. At Drummonds Finance Group , we spend our time comparing the market properly, not just showing you what one bank is willing to offer. Why brokers often find better mortgage deals We look at more than one lender Your bank can only offer its own mortgages. A whole o

First-Time Buyer Mortgages in Oxford Thinking about buying your first home in Oxford? With house prices remaining competitive and...

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...