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

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

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

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

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

As the leaves begin to fall and the property market settles into the final quarter of the year, many buyers, sellers and homeowners in Oxford are asking the same questions. What is happening in the mortgage market? Are interest rates coming down? Is now a good time to buy, sell or remortgage? In this Autumn 2025 update, we take a local and national look at what is driving mortgage decisions across Oxford and Oxfordshire, and what it could mean for you. Where Are Mortgage Rate

If your current mortgage deal is ending soon, you're not alone. Thousands of homeowners across Oxfordshire and the UK are coming to the end of their fixed rate and wondering what to do next. The big questions we hear every day include: Should I fix again or go on a tracker? Can I switch early without paying penalties? Are interest rates likely to drop later this year? In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option, explain what’s happening in the mortgage ma

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 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

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...

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...

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

From Drummonds Finance Group | Trusted Mortgage Broker in Oxfordshire If your current mortgage deal is coming to an end or you’re paying more than you need to, now is the time to review your options. Whether you're looking to remortgage  or simply switch your current mortgage deal , understanding your choices can help you save thousands and regain control of your finances. At Drummonds Finance Group , we help clients across Oxford, Bicester and Oxfordshire  remortgage with co

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...