Mortgage Planning

Navigating the mortgage market can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Our professional mortgage advisers are here to make the process straightforward and stress-free. We’ll take the time to understand your financial situation, goals, and preferences, then search the market to find the most suitable mortgage deals tailored specifically to you. As mortgage advisers we have access to a comprehensive range of UK mortgages and re-mortgage products from many different lenders across whole of market.

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up the ladder, remortgaging, or investing in a buy-to-let property, we offer expert, jargon-free advice every step of the way. Plus, we handle the paperwork and liaise with lenders on your behalf—saving you time, money, and hassle.

If you are looking for a mortgage, please call us today on 0131 322 7360 or email us at info@scwm.co.uk and we can provide you with further information.

First Time Buyer

Buying your first home can be very daunting. Our aim is to guide you through the process from start to finish so you fully understand exactly what the purchase entails and how much it will cost. Many first buyers don’t factor in Solicitor fees, stamp duty or potential budget and costs to furnish their new property.

Deposits

One of the most significant costs associated with buying a property is the deposit. This is a lump sum of money you’ll pay towards the purchase price of your property and is usually a percentage of the overall cost.

The size of deposit required will depend on several factors, including the price of the property and the mortgage product you choose. Typically, lenders will require 5-10%, but some may ask for a larger deposit.

Saving for a deposit can feel overwhelming but with time and making some important changes to your budget to cut down on unnecessary spending, it is very achievable.

Gifted deposits is when someone, usually a family member gives you a sum of money to put towards your deposit. If using a gifted deposit, you will be required to provide evidence to the lender proving where the money came from and confirmation that this was not a loan.

Remortgaging

Whether you are looking at consolidating your debts, raising money for home improvements, looking for a better monthly payment than you currently have, or want to restructure the terms of your current loan – we can help.

Many borrowers choose to review their mortgage every few years in order to take advantage of the new rates on offer. Those who remain on the same deal for the full term of their loan could lose out by paying more money than they need to. They could also miss out on the chance to finish their mortgage term earlier than originally planned.

Buy-To-Let

Buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages are designed specifically for individuals looking to purchase residential property with the intention of renting it out to tenants. While they share some similarities with standard residential mortgages, there are a number of key differences to be aware of.

Some Buy to Let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 

Who Can Apply for a BTL?

Most banks, building societies, and some specialist lenders offer BTL mortgages, but the criteria can vary significantly. Common eligibility requirements include:

• Minimum age & income: Many lenders require borrowers to be at least 25 years old and have a minimum annual income of £25,000.
• Maximum age: Lenders often set an upper age limit, typically requiring the mortgage to be repaid before the borrower reaches 70.
• Deposit: Expect to put down a larger deposit than for a residential mortgage—usually 25% or more of the property’s value. Borrowers who are able to put a more substantial deposit down will qualify for more favourable interest rates.
• Rental income: The mortgage is usually assessed based on the rental income the property is expected to generate, rather than just your personal income. 

A Note From The Adviser

To make the process run as smoothly as possible, it would be helpful if you were prepared with the following documents and information in advance of any meetings:

• Identification
• Proof of Income (Payslips) – 3 monthly or 13 weekly
• Bank Statements – 3 months
• Credit Report (some lenders may get this themselves)
• Debt Information
• Expenditure