Mortgage & Protection Guides

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Mortgages, deposits, surveys, solicitors, and unfamiliar terminology can make the process seem far more complicated than it needs to be. This guide explains the mortgage journey for first-time buyers in clear, simple terms, so you know what to expect and how to prepare before you start viewing properties. Step one: understanding what you can afford Before looking at properties, it is important to understan

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

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

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 your first home is exciting, but it can also feel like stepping into a world full of terms, criteria and decisions you have never dealt with before. This is where professional mortgage advice can make a huge difference. A skilled adviser helps you understand the process and guides you through every stage so you can move forward with confidence. In this blog, we explore why first-time buyers benefit so much from expert guidance and how the right advice can save money, t

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. Whether it's your first step on the ladder or you're...

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

Owning property has long been regarded as one of the most secure ways to accumulate wealth. But with soaring property prices in many...

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...

By Drummonds Finance Group – Local Mortgage Experts Buying your first home in Oxford can feel overwhelming, especially in 2025, with...

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

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

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