Buying a home
Residential mortgage advice in Bournemouth & Dorset
When you're buying a home, one of the first things you'll want to know is how much you may be able to borrow and what your monthly repayments could look like.
But with different lenders, affordability calculations and mortgage criteria to navigate, understanding your options isn't always straightforward.
Whether you're buying your first home, moving to your next property or your circumstances need a more tailored approach, we'll help you understand your position and find a mortgage suited to your circumstances.
That's where having the right mortgage advice can make the process much simpler.
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Find the right mortgage advice for you
Whether you're buying your first property or moving to your next home, we'll help you understand your options and what to do next.
First-time buyers
Buying your first home? Understand how much you may be able to borrow, your deposit and mortgage options, and what to expect as you take your first step onto the property ladder.
Moving home
Already own your home and planning your next move? Find out what could happen to your existing mortgage, whether porting may be an option and how much you may be able to borrow for your next property.
What if your circumstances aren't straightforward?
Your circumstances don't always fit neatly into a standard mortgage application. If you're self-employed, a company director, have experienced credit problems or have other circumstances that need a more tailored approach, we'll take the time to understand your situation and look at how different lenders may assess it.
Self-employed mortgage advice →
What to expect when you get in touch
First step - Understand your options with our free mortgage review
We'll start by understanding what you're looking to achieve. Then look at your income, outgoings, deposit or available equity, as well as any existing commitments. Then we can establish how much you could borrow.
We'll talk through what your monthly repayments could look like and consider any circumstances that may affect your options. As lenders assess applications differently, we'll look at the wider picture to help identify suitable options for you.
We'll explain everything clearly, answer your questions and make sure you understand your position before moving on to the next step.
We'll also let you know which documents you're likely to need, so you can get everything ready before your mortgage application.
Next - Decision in principle
Once we understand your circumstances and likely borrowing options, we can arrange an Agreement or Decision in Principle (DIP) with a suitable lender.
A DIP gives you an indication of how much the lender may be prepared to lend, subject to their criteria and a full mortgage application. It can give you a clearer idea of your position when viewing properties and making an offer.
We'll explain what the DIP means, any conditions you should be aware of and what you'll need when you're ready to move on to a full application.
Then - Full residential mortgage application to completion
Once you've found a property and had an offer accepted, we'll recommend a suitable mortgage, explain the costs and submit your full application to the lender.
We'll deal with lender queries, provide any additional information they request and keep you updated as your application progresses through valuation, underwriting and towards your mortgage offer.
Once your mortgage offer is issued, we'll stay involved through to completion, keeping in touch with the lender and, where appropriate, your estate agent and solicitor to help keep the mortgage side of your purchase moving.
After we’ve completed all the paperwork and submitted the application, we even chase the lenders, solicitors and estate agents involved to keep everything on track. So all that's left is to:
Get your keys and move in!
Whether you're buying your first home, moving to your next one or simply want to understand your options, we'll help you work out what you may be able to borrow and what to do next.
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Residential Mortgages - FAQ's
1. What is a residential mortgage?
A residential mortgage is a loan used to buy a property that you intend to live in as your home. The loan is secured against the property and is usually repaid through monthly payments over an agreed mortgage term.
Residential mortgages are available with different interest rates, repayment methods and product features, so the options suitable for you will depend on your circumstances and the property you're buying.
2. How much deposit do I need to buy a home?
The deposit you'll need depends on your circumstances, the property you're buying and the lender's criteria. Some residential mortgages may be available with a deposit starting from 5%, although a larger deposit can give you access to a wider range of mortgage options and potentially lower interest rates.
Your deposit also affects your Loan-to-Value (LTV), which is the percentage of the property's value you're borrowing.
Buying your first home? Read our first-time buyer mortgage guide →
3. Can I get a mortgage if my circumstances aren't straightforward?
Potentially. Being self-employed, having multiple sources of income, previous credit problems or other circumstances outside standard lender criteria doesn't automatically mean you can't get a mortgage.
Different lenders take different approaches, so we'll look at your circumstances and identify lenders whose criteria may be suitable rather than assuming that one lender's decision applies across the market.
Self-employed? Explore our self-employed mortgage advice →
Concerned about your credit history? Find out about mortgages with a low credit score →
4. How long does it take to get a residential mortgage application approved?
There isn't a fixed timescale for a mortgage application. How long it takes can depend on the lender, the property, valuation requirements, underwriting and whether the lender needs any additional information or documentation.
We'll make sure the lender has the information required, deal with queries as they arise and keep you updated as your application progresses towards a mortgage offer.
5. What's the difference between a fixed and variable rate mortgage?
With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate stays the same for an agreed period, which means your monthly mortgage payments remain predictable during that time.
With a variable-rate mortgage, the interest rate can change, so your monthly payments may increase or decrease. There are different types of variable-rate mortgages, including tracker and lender variable-rate products.
Which type may be suitable for you will depend on your circumstances, priorities and the mortgage options available at the time.
6. What's the difference between a Decision in Principle and a mortgage offer?
A Decision in Principle (DIP) gives you an initial indication of how much a lender may be prepared to lend, based on some information about your circumstances. It's subject to the lender's criteria and isn't a guarantee that your full mortgage application will be approved.
A mortgage offer comes later, after you've submitted a full application and the lender has assessed your circumstances and the property you're buying. Once approved, the mortgage offer sets out the terms on which the lender is prepared to provide the mortgage.
Helpful resources for home buyers
Residential mortgage calculators
If you’re at an early stage, our mortgage calculators can help you explore borrowing figures and potential monthly payments. They’re designed to give a useful starting point, helping you understand what may be realistic before you begin viewing properties or making offers.
Home-buyer success stories
See how we've helped buyers navigate different mortgage situations, from buying a first home to moving to a new property and dealing with circumstances that needed a more tailored approach.
Our residential case studies show how we've helped real clients overcome challenges and get their mortgage in place.
Buying a home in your local area
We help home buyers across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the surrounding areas. If you're looking to buy locally, you can explore our residential mortgage pages for some of the areas we serve:
Boscombe Boscombe East & Pokesdown
Ready to talk about buying a home?
Whether you're buying your first home, moving to your next property or your circumstances need a more tailored approach, we'll help you understand your mortgage options and what to do next.
Speak to us for clear, personal mortgage advice from your initial figures through to application and completion.
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