Mortgage & Protection Guides

The biggest Oxfordshire developments in 2026, with exact locations and the latest updates on housing, transport, science, Bicester, Oxford and major new projects.

How does shared ownership staircasing work? See 1%, 5% and 10% rules, example costs, rent savings, valuations, mortgages and Stamp Duty.

Hundreds of thousands of interest-only mortgages taken out in the late 1990s and 2000s are now reaching the end of their terms, and a lot of the people holding them are discovering that the repayment plan they had in mind, an endowment, an investment, a future property sale, has not quite delivered what was expected. If you have had a letter from your lender reminding you that your term is ending and the balance is due, this guide explains what actually happens next and what

How Long After a Default or CCJ Can You Get a Mortgage? When people ask us about getting a mortgage with bad credit, the question is almost never really "can I?". It is "how long do I have to wait?". And the honest answer is that there is no single waiting period, because lenders do not treat adverse credit as one thing. A £150 default on a mobile phone contract from four years ago and a £6,000 CCJ registered last month are completely different cases, even though both technic

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

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

If you have ever considered buying a flat in a block with cladding, you already know how confusing the EWS1 situation can be. Some people say you need it. Some say you do not. Some say it is impossible to get. Others say their mortgage sailed through without anyone mentioning it. So, what is actually true in 2026, and can you still get a mortgage without this form? Let’s clear it all up in simple, friendly language. So What Is the EWS1 Form and Why Does Everyone Mention It An

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...

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

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