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Mortgage & Protection Guides
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How the War in Iran Is Affecting UK Mortgage Rates in 2026
A lot has changed very quickly for UK mortgage borrowers over the past six weeks. Since the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on 28 February 2026, mortgage rates have jumped, hundreds of products have been pulled from the market and the Bank of England rate cuts that everyone was expecting have been put on hold. If you are coming to the end of a fixed-rate deal, thinking about remortgaging, or trying to buy a home right now, this guide explains what is happ
Liam Drummond
5 days ago7 min read


My TML Fixed Rate Is Ending. What Should I Do?
If you have just received a letter from The Mortgage Lender telling you your fixed rate is coming to an end, do not panic. But do act quickly. This guide walks you through your options, what happens if you do nothing, and how to make sure you do not end up paying more than you should. First Things First: Why Has TML Written to You? The Mortgage Lender is required to let you know when your mortgage deal is coming to an end. They will typically write to you at least one month b
Liam Drummond
6 days ago6 min read


The Truth About Protection: Why Most UK Homeowners Are Underinsured.
Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments you will ever make. Yet surprisingly, many people focus heavily on securing the mortgage, but barely think about protecting it. Across the UK, from London to Leeds and here locally in Oxford and Bicester, I regularly speak to homeowners who assume they are “covered” when in reality they are not. This is not about scare tactics. It is about being realistic. If your income stopped tomorrow, how long would your mortga
Liam Drummond
Mar 93 min read


A First-Time Buyer’s Guide to the Mortgage Process
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
Liam Drummond
Dec 22, 20253 min read


What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Mortgage?
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
Liam Drummond
Dec 19, 20252 min read


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


Why Mortgages Above Shops Are Harder to Get & How to Improve Chances
Summary: Mortgages for flats above shops offer convenience and passive income. But they are harder to secure due to higher fire risk, noise, mixed-use classification, and lower demand. Improve approval chances by using a specialist broker, offering a larger deposit, and providing clear lease details early. ---------------------------------- Are you a businessman who is looking for a passive income, or operate your shop while living in the same building? Then, mortgages above
Liam Drummond
Dec 13, 20253 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


Can You Get a Mortgage Without an EWS1 Form in 2025
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 2025, 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
Liam Drummond
Nov 17, 20253 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


My Mortgage Rate Is Ending Soon – Should I Fix, Go Tracker or Wait? (2026 Guide)
If your mortgage deal is coming to an end, you are in good company. Thousands of homeowners across Oxford, Bicester and the wider UK are facing the same decision right now: do you fix again, jump on a tracker, or sit tight and see what happens? It is one of the most common questions we get at Drummonds Finance Group, and the honest answer is that it depends on your circumstances. But there is a lot we can explain about the current market and what each option actually means fo
Liam Drummond
Oct 20, 20256 min read


Renting vs Buying in Oxford: What’s the Best Option in 2025?
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
Liam Drummond
Oct 16, 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


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


Limited Company vs Personal Name Buy-to-Let Mortgages: Pros and Cons Explained
If you’re planning to invest in a buy-to-let property in Oxford or anywhere in the UK, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is...
Liam Drummond
May 31, 20253 min read


Student Let Mortgages in Oxford: A Complete 2025 Guide for Landlords and Investors
Drummonds Finance Group – Your Oxford Mortgage Specialists Oxford remains one of the UK’s most sought-after cities for landlords...
Liam Drummond
May 29, 20252 min read


Should I Remortgage in 2026? Everything You Need to Know Right Now
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
Liam Drummond
May 27, 20257 min read


Oxford First-Time Buyer Mortgages: 2025 Guide
By Drummonds Finance Group – Local Mortgage Experts Buying your first home in Oxford can feel overwhelming, especially in 2025, with...
Liam Drummond
May 18, 20253 min read
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