Mortgages Services in Cambridge with Debra Wait and Tony Esposito

There are no off-the-shelf mortgage solutions as our experience is that every single one of our clients has their own personal concerns, responsibilities and ambitions. The solutions that work for one, simply would not work for another.

Basing our service on this principle, we have built quite exceptionally strong, trusted and lasting relationships with our clients, businesses and introducers.

Fully qualified and trained staff to deal with every aspect of mortgages.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Residential mortgages
A mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments most of us are likely to face in our lifetime. That's why, with so many lenders offering so many products, it's important to seek the right advice.

With access to over 1,000 plus mortgage products from a bespoke panel of lenders from the whole of the market, including:

Alliance and Leicester
Cheltenham & Gloucester
Halifax
Nationwide
NatWest
Woolwich

We offer you mortgage solutions tailored to your individual needs, such as:

Fixed
Tracker
Offset
Flexible
Discount
Capped
First Time Buyer

We also have access to exclusive offers not available on the High Street - please contact us for further details

If you would like to know the approximate amount we could lend you, please click on the mortgage calculator link on the left hand side of this page.

Think carefully before securing other debts against your property, your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.

Commercial mortgages*
There are many reasons why you might need a business mortgage – to buy a property or to raise capital secured against your current premises. It could be for other business needs such as expansion, investment or consolidation.

Whether you are purchasing or remortgaging

Loans from £1,000 to £10,000,000+
All banks available subject to criteria
Commercial/ sole trader offset mortgages available
Loan to value up to 85% of the purchase price or market value, or even 100% with additional security
Terms available up to 30 years
Competitive interest rates
Fixed and variable rates
Interest only mortgages available
Mortgages for business start-ups, businesses with self-certified accounts and those of us with less than perfect credit histories
Fast decisions and rapid access to the money

Some of the property types we lend on are:

Bed & breakfasts
Investment property
Hotels
Factory units
Land
Agricultural buildings
Pubs
Retail units
Offices

Click here to fill in our enquiry form.

Buy to let*
Buying property to rent out?
Property can be a sound financial investment and could provide a good source of income. In fact, you may have first hand experience of making money on your own home. Now you're looking to take property investment a step further – by buying a house or flat to rent out.

As with any financial commitment, it pays to find out all you can before making the leap. With the right help it's really no more difficult than buying a home of your own.

Whether you're an experienced landlord looking to expand your portfolio or switch your current buy to let mortgage, or you're just starting out in the business, we've a range of buy to let mortgages that could be just what you're looking for. Buy to let mortgages available from the whole of the market. We can also assist in portfolio lending and block policy insurance.

Think carefully before securing other debts against your property, your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.

Overseas's Mortgages*

Changes in the Exchange Rate may increase the Sterling equivalent of your debt.
Buying a property abroad is an exciting prospect, but one important rule applies – don’t let your heart rule your head. The principles you would stick to in the UK also apply when buying overseas.
Follow the Top Tips’ to ensure that your buying experience is as hassle-free as possible.
1. Contracts
Never sign a contract that you do not understand (e.g. if it’s in a foreign language). If two versions are provided, i.e. English & local language, ask your solicitor to confirm the English version is a true translation.
Always read the contract! Ensure you are fully conversant with the terms and conditions you are about to agree to. Specific points to be clear about include:
What deposit is required? Is it refundable and under what circumstances?
For new properties, what stage payments are required and when?
What is included in the price and what is the cost of the extras?
Check the due completion date
2. Arranging Finance
If you require mortgage finance, obtain an ‘Agreement in Principle’ for your mortgage before agreeing to purchase the property, or before signing any contracts and paying a deposit.
If you are arranging finance on the property, ensure that this is stated in any contract and, where possible, seek an ‘opt-out clause’ if the loan is not agreed (which will ensure any deposit paid is refunded).
Remember your mortgage will probably be in the local currency and you must consider the impact of fluctuations in exchange rates. However, if the intention is to receive rental income from the property, this may be in the local currency.
3. Specialist Advice
Always ensure that you seek specialist advice from independent solicitors, valuers, architects and surveyors before considering a purchase overseas. They should be proficient in your chosen country's laws and processes and also know the specifics involved in buying a property there. It is essential they confirm to you that all required permissions, licences and planning consents have been obtained.
4. Valuation
Before proceeding with the purchase (especially with a re-sale property, regardless of age), ensure an independent valuation of the property is carried out, which should point out any problems with the property – e.g. subsidence, damp, wiring defects - and could also highlight any possible boundary disputes.
5. New Build
If buying from a developer, what’s their track record and how long have they been trading? Are references available from previous buyers? Check comparable properties in the area and any re-sales offered on the same development.
If the developer mentions ‘rental returns’, what are these based on? Check they’re feasible and have been achieved in the past.
Before making any commitment, try to give yourself a `cooling off ’ period if you see a `must-have’ property and are tempted to put down a deposit there and then. You must be sure that you’re making the right choice.
6. Title/Property Ownership
Does the developer or seller have full title to the land or property? Ensure you do not inherit a debt on the property before you purchase, which your solicitor should also be able to check. For example, if the developer has borrowed money to build the development and this amount has been allocated against each plot as additional security to the developer’s bank.
7. Location, Location, Location
Conduct thorough research about local facilities and transport. People gravitate to locations with a nearby airport, especially if it’s served by a budget airline. But remember there are no guarantees that cheap flights will continue indefinitely in one location. Proximity to basic facilities like restaurants, shops and a beach are also important.
Talk to people who already live/own property in the area you like to get a better understanding of what it’s like to live there. And consider the property off-season - many resorts (beach and ski) are seasonal and practically shut down when the tourists return home.
8. Local Money
Open a bank account in your chosen country and, where relevant, ensure you obtain a Certificate of Importation for the money you bring in from your home country.
Set up standing orders in your local bank account to meet local bills and taxes. Failure to pay your taxes in some countries such as France, Portugal and Spain, could lead to action by the authorities.
9. Extras
Bear in mind that bills don’t end at the asking price. Lawyer’s fees, IVA, local and national taxes, insurance, etc must all be met in your host country and can often add at least a further 10% to your cost of acquisition. Ensure you are, therefore, aware of the costs charged by the legal and government authorities for purchasing a property in your chosen country.
10. Tax
Check the inheritance and capital gains tax laws of the country where you are buying. For example, in France your children automatically inherit rights to your house; your estate may not automatically pass to your spouse and you may, therefore, need to compile a separate will.
If you take a mortgage out on a property in France or Spain, it may reduce your inheritance tax liability as there is a debt on the property.
If you rent out your property you will be liable for income tax
Conclusion
Remember - remain clear about your objectives. You must be sure about why you’re buying and what you’re hoping to achieve. Is it for retirement purposes, purely for holidays, or an investment! You may be undecided, e.g. had planned to buy in Spain for holidays and eventual retirement, but now have decided to go for an emerging market like Montenegro, where you hope to profit from the investment. Can you really afford the risk associated with this change of decision?
Specialist lenders are available who would be able to assist you in arranging mortgages secured on overseas residential property in more than 45 countries. Our specialist lenders will also work with you to ensure that your purchase goes through as smooth as possible.

Click here to fill in our enquiry form.

Secured and Unsecured Loans*
Unsecured Loans

An unsecured loan, or an unsecured personal loan, does not use your home or vehicle as collateral for the loan. An unsecured loan is best suited to people who do not own their own property, such as council or private tenants or people living with parents, although they are also available to homeowners.

Unsecured loans may appear in many different forms depending on your unsecured loan requirements:

Loans For Tenants
Unsecured Tenant Loans
Tenant Loans
Unsecured Personal Loans
Unsecured Car Loans

Secured Loans
A secured loan, or a home loan, is tied to your property, this enables lenders to offer a higher loan amount often at lower interest rates. However, you will need to be sure that you can re-pay the loan as your property may be at risk if you cannot repay the amount you borrow.

A secured loan may be a good way of reducing your outgoings by consolidating more expensive borrowing, such as credit cards or store cards. You may also be able to raise more money than if you take out an unsecured loan. Remember think first about taking an unsecured loan and securing it against your property. Your repayments may be lower but you will pay more as you have borrowed over a longer term.

Think carefully before securing other debts against your property, your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.

Click here to fill in our enquiry form.

Life Cover - What is it?
A policy that pays out a lump sum or income to dependants in the event of your death.

Why do you need it?
The loss of a spouse or parent can leave dependants with even more problems to cope with than the emotional. If you are inadequately insured, your dependants could be left with a dramatically reduced household income, and therefore quality of life, reduced opportunities for children such as the ability to pay for a university education and even no home if mortgage payments can’t be maintained on the reduced income!
In the event of your death, a lending institution is not going to write off any of your debt. Rather, they will continue to pursue the debt through your dependants and could, ultimately, foreclose on the loan meaning the loss of the family home.

What will the State provide?
The main benefits the State may provide are the Widowed Parent’s Allowance and Child Benefit. Depending on whether the widow(er) qualifies for Income Support, the State may or may not help with paying the mortgage interest. The method for calculating which benefits an individual may qualify for is extremely complicated. More information is available at the Department of Work and Pensions website www.dss.gov.uk

Things to bear in mind
There are many different types of plan, designed to address different shortfalls, these include:
* Level Term Assurance – Pays out a set amount of money in the event of a successful claim. These are good for personal or family protection or to protect interest only mortgages

* Decreasing Term Assurance – Pays out a lump sum that decreases annually as the policy term progresses. These are good for repayment type mortgages.

Critical Illness - What is it?

A policy that pays out a lump sum or income on diagnosis of one of a list of specified illnesses.

Why do you need it?
Advances in medical science mean that more people are now surviving serious illness than in previous years. While this is good news, many people are faced with the realisation that they may not be able to return to work, or indeed, wish to. Critical Illness is, in many ways, similar to Life Insurance with one big difference – the insured is still alive!

Things to bear in mind
Critical Illness plans are built around the most common serious conditions anyone may suffer, such as:
* Cancer*
* Coronary artery by-pass surgery
* Heart Attack*
* Kidney Failure
* Major Organ transplant
* Multiple Sclerosis
* Stroke

Some policies may include other illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Others include a list of other, less common, conditions, such as blindness or coma.
Critical illness is often bought as an optional extra on a life insurance contract.
*Not all types of heart attacks are covered
*Not all types of cancer are covered

Income Protection - What is it?

A policy that provides a regular income if you are unable to work because of sickness or disability.

Why do you need it?
Income Protection should be considered if you would not be able to maintain your standard of living on State Benefits alone. If your regular outgoings are normally met from income, then taking away that income can have drastic and wide ranging implications including inability to meet mortgage and loan payments, as well as basic household bills and living costs. Plans are available for employees, self-employed people and even those who do not work but are responsible for managing a home.

Things to bear in mind
When taking a policy out you can normally set it up in a variety of ways – each will pay out in a different way and therefore has an effect on the monthly premium. The different criteria include:
* Occupation definition
* Deferred period
* Guaranteed or Reviewable premiums
* Increasing or level benefits

It is important to ensure you take out the policy that best suits your circumstances, NOT the one that provides the cheapest premium!

Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover (ASU) - What is it?

For ASU we offer products from a selected panel of providers. A policy that provides a tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work as a result of medium term sickness, incapacity or unemployment (normally 30 days or more)

Why do you need it?
Many people make the mistake of thinking that should they fall ill, have an accident or lose the ability to work,the State will step in and sort it all out. Wrong - the rules governing sickness benefit claims have changed dramatically. Before April 1995, you could qualify for long-term sickness benefit if you were rendered incapable, by illness or disability, of doing your own job of work. Now the rules state that you will only qualify for long-term sickness benefit if you cannot do any job of work. In other words, only if you are completely incapacitated will the State pay you any benefits. This means that, to all intents and purposes, there are currently no long-term sickness benefits in the UK. If you do qualify for getting long-term sickness benefit from the State - currently 2011/12 statutory sick pay figures (£81.60).

Things to bear in mind
This policy is similar to Permanent Health Insurance (PHI) with two main exceptions:
* Unemployment cover can be included
* The policy normally only pays out for a specific period (e.g. 1 or 2 years)