At what stage of buying a home should I contact a mortgage broker?

It’s actually best to talk to a mortgage broker right at the beginning of the process, so that you know what your borrowing capacity is. We’ll explain exactly what your situation is, how much you can borrow and the types of mortgage to look at. That then sets your property budget so you can start looking for a home.

In addition, when you want to put in an offer on a home, a lot of estate agents require what’s called a Mortgage Decision in Principle. This is where you’re credit-scored by a lender and provisionally approved for a mortgage loan amount. This is an important part of how a broker can help.

The Decision in Principle tells the estate agent that you are serious, can get a mortgage and are a credible buyer. Sometimes the estate agent will send you straight to a mortgage broker before you can even view a property.

Why is London such a popular location to buy property?

London is just so vibrant It’s multicultural. It appeals to a lot of people. If you buy in the London area, the property market is quite robust. It’s just a really lively place to be. Obviously the job market is huge in London. There are lots of career opportunities, and all kinds of options for properties to buy – including a lot of homes that are part of government schemes.

There’s a wide range of types of properties, and different people and cultures, and so much to do in your free time. Transport links are amazing – you can get anywhere you want to go with buses, trains, tubes, boats… There’s a reason why London is our biggest city.

Tell us about Mortgage Broker Services and how you got started.

I am a senior broker at Mortgage Broker Services, which is part of a larger firm of financial advisers. I’ve been a qualified mortgage broker since 2010 and worked in mortgage introduction before that – so I know the industry pretty well!

I started Mortgage Broker Services in 2020 and we’re here to help anyone that’s looking to buy a home or get a mortgage. We find suitable deals and take all the stress out of buying a home.

Is there a fee to talk to a Mortgage Broker?

An initial consultation with myself or with any other broker at MB Services is free. It’s your opportunity to get initial advice and recommendations to help you achieve your plans.

Once you go past that stage, and the broker starts working on your behalf, there will be a fee – but never before the point when we have recommended a suitable mortgage product (providing you with a detailed quote) and you are ready to apply. We’ll be really clear about what the cost will be and when it becomes payable – so there are no surprises.