Matthew Tansley

There is a common misconception that it is now very hard to get a mortgage in the UK if you are self-employed. It is true that self-certification mortgages are no longer available due to them being banned in 2011 after wide misuse by lenders and borrowers. These mortgages were previously very popular with self-employed people and quite easy to get, but in their absence, there are still other options on the market for self-employed borrowers.

Buying a property is probably the largest purchase most people ever make so it requires careful consideration and decision making. Getting the right mortgage to fund the purchase is as equally important and forms a vital element of the property buying decision-making process.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer starting out on your property buying journey or looking to move up the property ladder after many years of owning a property, it is good to know or have a reminder of the ins and outs of buying a home.

Are you wanting to add value to your home but don’t have a large budget to fully renovate? Even if you aren’t planning on selling your property in the near future, it is advisable to keep your home up to date and maintained so it doesn’t catch up with you all of a sudden when it is time to sell. And if you’re planning on staying put for a while, these small improvements will make your home more comfortable and appealing. You can read more in our guide to how much your house is worth.

While there are obviously no guarantees that selling your house at a particular time of year will be successful, some months do tend to be better than others in the UK. Easter time and spring, in general, have traditionally proven to be a good time of year for successful house selling and buying.

Buying a property at auction can be quicker, easier and significantly cheaper than when buying a property through a regular sales process. Buyers do need to be aware however, that the property is theirs as soon as the hammer comes down so it is essential to be well informed about the process and have everything in order beforehand.

If you’re looking into buying a new property to let it out, or you are thinking of letting out an existing property you already own, there are several things you need to consider and look into before you take the leap as a landlord.

Whether you’re a first time buyer or an experienced property investor, a property purchase needs careful consideration and there are a range of potential defects that you need to be mindful of. It is important to look past the cosmetics of the property to see any underlying issues that may be present.

Moving house is costly and with so much uncertainty in the market at the moment, there is a growing trend for homeowners to improve their current properties rather than moving. Home improvements are not just a short term solution however, because making improvements now to your home adds value to your property in the long run.

Buying your first home is an exciting time but it can also be stressful with so much to prepare ahead of taking that first step onto the ladder. Securing a mortgage for the first time requires good knowledge of what’s available and what’s required to present to potential mortgage lenders.