Being turned down for a mortgage because of your credit history can feel discouraging, but you are far from alone. In fact, research shows that around 38%* of UK adults with adverse credit have been declined by a mortgage lender. Adverse credit can include missed payments, defaults, CCJs, or debt management plans but having these on your credit file does not automatically mean homeownership is out of reach. The good news is that there are lenders who specialise in helping peo

Gen Z V The Housing Market If you’re in your 20s and thinking about buying your first home, chances are you’ve felt how tough the process can be. Many of us have entered adulthood during a global pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis, and a shortage of affordable homes - so it’s no surprise that getting on the property ladder feels more challenging than ever. Scroll through Rightmove and it can feel discouraging. Affordable homes are limited, and the ones that do fall within budg

Life insurance is one of those things we all know we should sort out but it often gets pushed down the to-do list. Like a dull household chore, it’s easy to put off. If you’ve started looking into life insurance, you’ve probably come across two common options: level and decreasing cover. They might sound similar, but they’re designed for very different purposes. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the difference. Level Life Insurance Level life insurance is the

Protection is something many people tend to put off—not because it isn’t important, but because life gets busy and thinking about “what ifs” isn’t fun. The truth is, protection policies aren't just another insurance policy. They are a safety net—one that helps keep your family, your income, and your future secure if life takes an unexpected turn. Why Protection Matters... Life Protection - It protects the people you love If the worst were to happen, life protection helps ensu

If you’re planning to buy a property, you’ve probably heard a lot about deposits but what actually counts as an acceptable one? It’s a question that often causes confusion, and sometimes frustration, especially when lenders start asking for detailed proof. Let’s break it down. Why does your deposit need to be proven? When you apply for a mortgage, your broker, lender, and solicitor will all want to see exactly where your deposit has come from. This isn’t just red tape - it’s

In short, yes. There are over 4 million self-employed people in the UK. This has dropped from over 5 million prior to the coronavirus pandemic. However, it is still a significant number for which there is a large appetite for this customer category from UK mortgage lenders. That’s good news if you’re self-employed and looking to borrow. Just like someone in full-time employment, you’ll need to meet a lender’s specific criteria. This typically includes an assessment of your