The maximum age at the point of application for new borrowing, remains unchanged and the eldest customer must submit any application before their 75th birthday.

Maximum mortgage term will remain at 40 years at application.

New maximum age policy applies to both BM Solutions mortgages held in personal names and those held by Limited Companies.

For Product Transfer applications the existing mortgage term can be amended up until the eldest applicant’s 99th birthday

For Further Advance applications the new borrowing mortgage term can be selected up until the eldest applicant’s 99th birthday

The post BM Solutions increase maximum age for borrowers appeared first on A Mortgage Now.

Accepting your NatWest mortgage product switch

We often find NatWest Clients get stuck when trying to accept a mortgage switch offer, either when trying to get access to the NatWest App or Website, or during the Acceptance process – we hope the information below will be of assistance to you.

When you request a new mortgage rate, NatWest will email an offer copy to each account holder.

You have 14 days to accept your NatWest mortgage offer. If you do not accept your Offer within that time, the Offer is cancelled.

The post NatWest accepting your mortgage switch Offer appeared first on A Mortgage Now.

BM Solutions launch Limited Company Buy To Let offering

BM Solutions has introduced a new Limited Company Buy to Let mortgage range, available from 28th July 2025. Offering competitive rates from 3.99% and generous affordability calculations, this launch creates new opportunities for borrowers to purchase, remortgage, or transfer existing properties into a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Limited Company. In this article, we explain the key features, eligibility rules, accepted company types, and important requirements, so you can decide whether BM Solutions’ latest offering is the right move for your property plans.

Important Director & Shareholder Requirements

• Each director/shareholder must act as guarantor for full amount
• Obtain independent legal advice on that guarantee
• Directors/shareholder to be prepared to undergo a soft credit search
• Directors/shareholder must each own UK property in own name
• No more than 4 directors/shareholders per application
• 100% of total shareholding must be held between the parties involved
• All directors and shareholders must reside in Great Britain
• Companies registered outside of Great Britain

The launch of the BM Solutions Limited Company Buy to Let range is a welcome addition for borrowers looking to invest through an SPV structure. With competitive rates, generous affordability calculations, and clear criteria for accepted company types, it opens the door to new opportunities for both purchasing and remortgaging.

However, Limited Company Buy to Let mortgages come with specific requirements, especially around director guarantees, company structure, and eligibility. So, getting the right advice from the outset is essential.

If you’re considering transferring property into a Limited Company, starting a new SPV, or expanding your portfolio, we can help you explore whether BM Solutions’ offering is the right fit for your plans and guide you through the application process from start to finish.

The post BM Solutions Limited Company Buy To Let appeared first on A Mortgage Now.

Deciding between a 2 or 5 year fixed mortgage rate depends on your financial goals, your market outlook, and your personal circumstances.

Below we outline the key things to consider (remember, your mortgage broker is always here to guide you):

The post 2 or 5 year fixed mortgage appeared first on A Mortgage Now.

What are lender’s mortgage product fees?

Lender’s mortgage product fees are fees charged by the mortgage lender at outset on a some mortgage products. These fees can be added to the mortgage lending, or paid upfront.

A lender’s mortgage product fee offers these benefits to the borrower:

1. Access to a lower interest rate
2. Lower initial payments

A lender’s mortgage product fee offers these benefits to the lender:

1. The income from the fee contributes to the cost of setting up the deal
2. Using a mortgage product fee to maintain profit enables a lower interest rate to be quoted in comparison tables

The post Mortgage Product Fees appeared first on A Mortgage Now.

Dreaming of your first home? Discover how a £5,000 mortgage deposit could open the door to homeownership

Read on to discover an exciting opportunity for first-time buyers.

What to expect from the mortgage application process

Navigating the mortgage application process for a £5k deposit mortgage is easier than you might think. First, you’ll begin by discussing your financial situation with us, where we’ll review your income, credit history, and any existing debts.

Once we’ve determined your eligibility, we’ll help you gather all the necessary documents, such as proof of income, bank statements, and identification. The next step involves completing a straightforward £5k deposit mortgage application, after which the lender will assess your credit profile and arrange a free valuation of your chosen property.

Throughout the process, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that the journey towards securing your first home is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Ready to take the next step with a £5k deposit mortgage?

If you’re a first-time buyer dreaming of owning your own home but have been held back by high deposit requirements, now is your chance to make that dream a reality. This new £5k deposit mortgage is designed to help you get on the property ladder with ease. With competitive rates, minimal upfront costs, and clear eligibility guidelines, you could be one step closer to securing your first home.

Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and find out how you can take advantage of this breakthrough mortgage product. Let’s work together to help you start your journey towards home ownership.

The post £5K Deposit Mortgage for First Time Buyers appeared first on A Mortgage Now.

Many borrowers wait for Bank of England policy announcements before making a decision on their mortgage rate. Does this have any practical value?

The Bank of England reviews the base rate throughout the year at the Monetary Policy Committee meeting. Adjusting the BOE rate helps to manage inflation and the balance between spending and saving in the market.

These BOE base rate announcements have falsely become a touchstone for mortgage borrowers to make decisions on securing rates.

The post Watching the Bank of England Base Rate appeared first on A Mortgage Now.

Understanding the Key Changes to Stamp Duty

The UK government has announced amendments to the SDLT structure to address housing market imbalances and generate additional revenue. For buyers of second homes and landlords, these changes primarily affect the surcharge on additional properties, which, prior to the 2024 Autumn Budget was 3% of the purchase price.

This has now been written to 5%, making the acquisition of additional properties more expensive upfront. The base rates of SDLT, which are calculated on the purchase price thresholds, will remain in place but will also be subject to broader reforms aimed at lower-value properties.

Notable Stamp Duty Changes:

• Increased Surcharge on Additional Properties: As previously mentioned, the surcharge on second homes and buy-to-let properties will rise, increasing the costs of property purchases for investors.
• Streamlined Reliefs: For landlords purchasing properties under a limited company structure, SDLT reliefs are being re-evaluated, potentially tightening eligibility criteria.
• Changes for properties up to £250,000: The current sub £250,000 zero rate band is reducing on 1^st April 2025 to £125,000 with purchase prices from £125,001 to £250,000 taxed at 2%. This is an effective increase in standard rate stamp duty land tax of up to £2,500.
• Doubling – overall impact of budget changes – example: A £250,000 buy-to-let purchase in September 2024 would have incurred a £7,500 stamp duty land tax bill. From April 2025 the bill will be £15,000.

Impact of Stamp Duty Changes on Second Home Buyers and Landlords

Second Home Buyers

For those looking to acquire a holiday home or a secondary residence, the increased surcharge will require more careful budgeting. For instance, on a property priced at £500,000, the surcharge would increase from £15,000 to £25,000 under the new rules. This change underscores the importance of planning transactions strategically, potentially prioritising completions before the changes take effect.

Landlords

The increased surcharge also affects buy-to-let landlords. Combined with changes to mortgage interest relief and the potential for higher base rates on SDLT, landlords must assess whether their rental income can sustainably offset the higher upfront costs. Many are also looking into property portfolio diversification to balance risk and maximise returns.

Strategic Approaches to Stamp Duty Changes for Buyers

Exploring Product Transfers

If you already own a property and are considering refinancing to fund the purchase of an additional property, a further advance with a mortgage product transfer could provide a practical solution. Further advances can produce additional funds swiftly in the right circumstances. Product transfers allow you to switch to a new mortgage deal with your existing lender, often with reduced fees and faster processing. This can free up equity or lower your current mortgage payments, providing additional capital for your second home.

Limited Company Purchases

For landlords, purchasing properties through a limited company can be a tax-efficient strategy. While SDLT reliefs are changing, limited company structures can still offer advantages in terms of tax-deductible expenses and streamlined inheritance and succession planning.

Consider Offset Mortgages

Offset mortgages allow you to use savings to reduce the interest on your mortgage balance. This is particularly useful for landlords looking to maximise returns on their rental properties while keeping liquidity high.

Navigating Investment Opportunities in a Changing Market

Despite these changes, opportunities remain for savvy investors. Property markets often see adjustments before major policy shifts, with sellers potentially becoming more flexible on pricing. Timing your purchase strategically could help offset the increased SDLT costs.

Furthermore, areas with strong rental demand and growth potential may still provide profitable investment opportunities. Working with experienced mortgage brokers like A Mortgage Now ensures you receive tailored advice to navigate these changes effectively.

How A Mortgage Now Can Help

Whether you’re purchasing a second home or expanding your buy-to-let portfolio, securing the right mortgage product is essential. At A Mortgage Now, we specialise in:

• Buy-to-Let Mortgages: Tailored solutions for landlords, including fixed-rate and variable-rate options.
• Product Transfers: Helping you switch to more favourable terms with your existing lender.
• Mortgage Pre-Approvals: Streamline your buying process with expert assistance in securing pre-approval, giving you a competitive edge in the market

Call us today on 020 8979 9684 for personalised advice and tailored solutions to meet your property goals.

Final Thoughts on Stamp Duty Changes for Landlords and Second Home Buyers

The stamp duty changes coming in 2025 might feel like a challenge, but they’re also a chance to reassess and refine your property plans. With the right strategy and advice, you can turn these updates into opportunities, keeping your investment goals firmly on track.

At A Mortgage Now, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with confidence. Whether you’re buying a second home or expanding your portfolio as a landlord, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.

The post Navigating Stamp Duty Changes in 2025: Opportunities for Second Home Buyers and Landlords appeared first on A Mortgage Now.

To obtain your credit report(s) click on the image below. Try it FREE for 7 days, then £14.99 a month – cancel online any time

Your credit report is held by three main Credit Reference Agencies in the UK.
These are:

All financial institutions have an agreement whereby they feed information back to these three Credit Reference Agencies about your history of applying for credit and paying for credit. From this information, other lenders can decide what level of risk you present when you apply for credit with them.

What does my credit report contain?

Your credit report contains a number of items, the main ones being:

Credit scoring

Lenders often use credit scoring to decide whether to consider you for credit. It is important to note that the lender’s credit score is not the same as the credit score that you may see on your credit report. Each lender has their own way of scoring an applicant. To help your case, ensure your credit report is clean, accurate, and presented in the best way possible.

Blacklists

There is no such thing as a credit blacklist. All Credit Reference Agencies do is hold information about individuals taken from public records, lenders, or the individual themselves. If you are declined for credit by a financial institution that is a matter for them only and does not mean you are on a ‘blacklist’.

Credit searches and multiple applications for credit

Making several applications for credit over a short period of time may have an adverse effect on the response you get from lenders as these build up and shown on your credit report. When looking at alternate offerings you should ask for quotations rather than making applications. An application or assessment for credit will be entered on your credit file and this is known as a ‘footprint’. Some lenders offer credit scoring with what is known as a ‘soft footprint’. A soft footprint is visible only to the lender that places it on your credit file.
It is important to remember that your credit report can only be searched with your permission. You provide this permission when you apply for credit.
Credit Reference Agencies are regulated under the OFT Consumer Credit Act 1974 and 2006. They have a legal right to hold information about you. If you have a complaint about any Credit Reference Agency look on their website for information on their complaint handling procedures.

The electoral roll

Being on the electoral roll enables you to be registered to vote in elections. This is the easiest way for a lender to check your address history and confirm your name and address. Therefore, being on the electoral roll assists your credit rating.
In order to register on the electoral roll you need to be a British, Commonwealth, or European Citizen over 18. The Electoral Roll is updated by your local authority every autumn, although you can contact them at any time and ask for your record to be added or updated.

Aliases

Credit Reference Agencies keep details of any aliases under which they have a record of any credit given to you, or applied for by you.

Associations

An association is a link you have with someone of a financial nature. Associations are not registered between business partners but are concerned with joint accounts and joint applications. If you are no longer linked to an associate you may contact the Credit Reference Agencies and have your credit report updated.

Court judgements

If you have a court judgment on your credit record, it indicates you have been taken to court as you have not made payment on the money that you owe. Credit Reference Agencies obtain information on all people who have been taken to court for debt. If you believe a judgement has been wrongly recorded on your credit record you need to contact the court. Your credit record will show the case number of the relevant case.
If you pay any court judgement you can obtain a letter of satisfaction to prove it has been paid. A court judgment will remain on your credit record for six years even if you have paid it.

Bankruptcies

Bankruptcy information (known as Sequestrations in Scotland) is provided by the Insolvency Service to Credit Reference Agencies. At the end of your Bankruptcy order, or when you are discharged, Credit Reference Agencies are notified. If this does not happen you can obtain a copy of your discharge order from the Official Receiver and provide it to the reference agency. A Bankruptcy appears on your credit record for six years unless it is cancelled or annulled.
If you are the subject of a Bankruptcy Restriction Order, your Bankruptcy can stay on your file throughout that restriction order.

Voluntary Arrangement

If you are the subject of a formal voluntary arrangement from the court to pay off your debts, this information will be notified to the Credit Reference Agencies who will keep it on your credit record for up to six years.

Repossessions

Details of any property you have owned that has been repossessed.
In Scotland, the equivalent system of Trust Deeds is logged in the same way.

Main information on your credit account

All Lenders in the UK share information via Credit Reference Agencies. Your credit record shows details of every credit account you hold or have held in the past six years with information as to how much is outstanding, what the payment rate is set at, and your history of payments.

Credit Report Status Codes

Your Credit Reference Agency will typically use a status code to indicate what has happened with each account. If, for example, you have a credit card, your credit file will show payments over the last 36 months with a focus on the past 12 months’ payments. Payments monthly will be shown with a status code which shows if the payment has been made on time. A status code of ‘0’ under each month shows all payments have been made on time.

A status code of ‘1’ shows that a payment was one month late. If payment is not made the following month the status code is shown as 2.
Late payment status codes run up to 6 when they then revert to status 8.

Status 8

Status 8 on an account shows it to be in default.
A default means you did not keep to your credit agreement, and you have not responded to requests to bring your account up to date. A status 8 against one of your accounts on your credit report will make it difficult for you to arrange a mortgage with mainstream lenders.

Status D

Status ‘D’ indicates that an account is dormant and nothing is owed.

Status U

Status U means the lender cannot provide information on the account as it is newly set up or subject to dispute.

Status “?”

Status ‘?’ means the lender cannot provide information at this time.

Defaults

A default will stay on your credit report for six years after it has been registered.
We often have clients who believe that paying off a defaulted account removes the default from the report. This is not the case and those with a default on their credit report need to make their mortgage broker aware of this at the outset when applying for a mortgage as it will cause problems.

Notes on your account

You may see a variety of notes added to your account. Here are some of the common ones and what they mean.

Financial Associates

We often find clients concerned that their credit file has been damaged by them sharing an address with someone who has a poor credit record. This should not be the situation unless there is a case of mistaken identity. Another person is listed as a financial associate only if you have applied for credit together. A financial associate is typically a former partner or spouse.

One of the most common problems we see is where a relationship has broken down and one partner leaves credit in the hands of another partner to be repaid, but this has not happened. Where a credit agreement has your name on it, any failure to pay will reflect on your credit file regardless of any private agreement you may have with the other party.

Linked addresses

A linked address is an address to which you have had a financial connection in the past, perhaps using it to apply for credit. When you apply for a mortgage, a lender may query a linked address if it comes up on a credit report.

GAIN information

GAIN information is held on customers with debts who have moved home without providing a new address. For this reason, any GAIN information on a credit report is of concern to a potential lender.

CIFAS information

CIFAS is the UK’s fraud prevention service, CIFAS was set up to prevent people from having their names, addresses, or other details used by criminals to obtain goods, services, credit, or insurance. If there is a CIFAS note on your report this does not mean you are being accused of anything, but it is a matter of concern for a lender as there may have been suspicious activity on your record.

Notice of correction

A notice of correction is a note of up to 200 words on your credit file to clarify information. Credit reference agencies will only add notices of correction on your credit file if you can evidence there is good reason to do so.

Our main tips for improving your credit file

Step out the back Jack

Clients often ask if their ex-partner’s poor credit file can damage their own.

When you apply for credit in your own name only, the poor credit file of an ex-partner can affect your result if you are still ‘associated’. You are ‘associated’ if you have applied for credit together in the past.

If you are no longer associated with an ex-partner who has a poor credit file you should request ‘disassociation’ from that individual with the credit reference agencies. It is quite easy to do, for example, Experian has a financial disassociation questionnaire online that you can use to do this.

Finally

Your credit report and its condition greatly affect your ability to obtain credit and the rate you pay for it. Take some time and ensure it is in the best state possible.

The post How to check your credit report appeared first on A Mortgage Now.

The post How to download your Checkmyfile credit report appeared first on A Mortgage Now.