From “We Didn’t Think It Was Possible” to a Family Home That Fits
Mr & Mrs C came to us feeling stuck. With a small deposit and some previous credit blips, they had already started to believe that getting onto the property ladder just wasn’t an option for them, at least not anytime soon. But life doesn’t stand still. With a growing family and another young child, their […]
New Conveyancing Rules from May 2026: Why Stamp Duty Changes Could Impact Your Property Purchase
What’s Changing in May 2026? From 18 May 2026, the UK is introducing a major regulatory shift that will affect every property transaction involving Stamp Duty (SDLT). Under new rules brought in through the Finance Bill 2025–26: Conveyancers submitting SDLT returns will now be classed as “tax advisers”They must register with HMRC and meet minimum […]
Being self-employed shouldn’t stop you from owning your home.
At Oak Mortgages, we help sole traders, directors, and business owners secure mortgages every day, even when income is complex. The key isn’t whether you’re self-employed… It’s how your income is assessed. And that’s where expert advice makes all the difference. What Is a Self-Employed Mortgage? There’s no specific product called a “self-employed mortgage.” You’ll […]
The Sun Is Out… Could It Be the Perfect Time to Make Your Move?
There’s something about the first stretch of sunshine that changes everything. The days feel longer, the mornings feel brighter, and suddenly those plans you’ve been putting off, like moving home, upsizing, or finally getting on the property ladder start to feel a lot more possible. And you wouldn’t be alone. Spring and early summer are […]
Mortgage Rates in 2026: What’s Happening and What It Means for You
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the property market recently, you’ll know things have shifted. Mortgage rates have climbed back above 5% (depending on LTV), and for many buyers and homeowners, it’s raised a lot of questions. So, what’s actually going on and more importantly, what does it mean for you? Why Have Mortgage […]
Can You Get a Mortgage While on Probation in a New Job?
Starting a new job should feel exciting, not stressful. But if you’re also thinking about buying a home, it’s completely normal to wonder: “Will being on probation stop me getting a mortgage?” At Oak Mortgages, we speak to clients about this every week and the answer is: Potentially, you can get a mortgage while on […]
20 Questions to Ask When Buying a Home
Buying your first home is one of the biggest (and most exciting) decisions you’ll ever make… But in the middle of viewings, offers, and emotions, it’s easy to miss the important questions. At Oak Mortgages, we always say: 👉 The right questions don’t just protect you — they can save you thousands. So whether you’re […]
Why Specialist Lending Is So Important to the Housing Market
Over the last few years, the housing market has faced some real challenges. Rising interest rates, increased living costs, and tighter lending criteria have meant that more people are finding it harder to secure a mortgage with a traditional high street lender. But just because a bank says “no”, it doesn’t always mean home ownership […]
Can You Borrow More on Your Mortgage to Make Your Home Energy Efficient?
With energy bills still a big concern for many households, improving the energy efficiency of your home is becoming a priority for homeowners across the UK. The good news is that some mortgage lenders are now offering “green additional borrowing” options, allowing homeowners to borrow money at very low or even 0% interest, for a […]
2 or 5 Year Fixed Mortgage? What Should You Choose When Your Rate Is Ending Soon?
If your mortgage deal is coming to an end in the next 6 months, now is the perfect time to start planning your next move. Leaving it too late could mean falling onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR) which is usually much higher and can seriously bump up your monthly payments. One of the […]
Can First-Time Buyers Really Buy a Home with Just £10,000?
A Simple Guide to 98% Mortgages for First-Time Buyers Saving for a house deposit can feel like trying to fill a bath with the plug out especially when rent, bills and everyday life keep getting more expensive. If you’re a first-time buyer, it can sometimes feel like owning a home is always just out of […]
Completion Day Explained: What Happens When You Finally Get the Keys?
If you’re buying your first home (or moving up the ladder), completion day is the moment it all becomes real. It’s the day you officially become a homeowner, get your keys, and (hopefully) start unpacking boxes in your new place. But what actually happens on completion day?What time do you get the keys?And what can […]
Shared Ownership for First-Time Buyers
Buying your first home can feel impossible when house prices keep rising and rents eat into your savings. If you’re a first-time buyer who feels priced out of the market, Shared Ownership could be the stepping stone you’ve been looking for. Spring is traditionally one of the busiest times in the property market. More homes […]
Exploring All Options to Reduce Monthly Outgoings
The situation The clients approached us for mortgage advice, looking to reduce their monthly outgoings by consolidating several financial commitments, including an existing secured loan. Following a full review of their circumstances, it became clear that a remortgage or further advance was not suitable at this time due to: Being tied into a fixed-rate mortgage […]
Why Getting an Agreement in Principle Is One of the Smartest First Steps for First-Time Buyers
If you’re thinking about buying your first home, you’ve probably heard the term Agreement in Principle (often shortened to AIP or DIP) but what is it, and do you really need one? Short answer: yes. Long answer: getting an Agreement in Principle can save you time, stress, and disappointment and it puts you in a […]