Lakewood Mortgage Solutions

Lakewood Mortgage Solutions Whole of Market Mortgage Specialists

CeMap Qualified, Whole-of-Market Mortgage Broker Based Just Outside Tunbridge Wells

Residential, Buy to let - Purchase/Remortgage Including Help to Buy and Shared Ownership

Commercial & Bridging Finance by Referral Only

Available Face-to-Face Throughout the South East, or Over the Phone/Video Call for Further Afield

Call/Email Now For a Free Initial Consultation

Note fees may be payable at a later stage

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

It can be tempting to delay taking out life insurance or other protection cover, particularly if you are young, healthy ...
07/09/2026

It can be tempting to delay taking out life insurance or other protection cover, particularly if you are young, healthy and do not feel an immediate need for cover.

Some assume that putting off taking out a policy means saving money because they will pay premiums for fewer years. However, prolonging the decision could make life insurance more expensive and reduce the options available to you in the future.

Every policy is different, depending on the policyholder’s specific circumstances. Your premiums will be calculated based on how much cover you need, your age and general health. As you get older, premiums tend to become more expensive to reflect the increased risk of mortality.

You might think that waiting six months won’t make much difference, but what if you had a health complication within that time? Even a minor change to your health can cause insurers to increase premiums, impose exclusions or reduce the level of cover. Getting a policy sooner rather than later can help secure lower premiums and provide long-term certainty for both you and your family.

Life insurance can also play an important role within a financial plan, particularly when it comes to preserving wealth for future generations. From April 27, unused pension funds will be treated as part of a person’s estate, prompting many to review their existing arrangements and consider writing life insurance in trust to ensure that beneficiaries are not taxed on the money received from their insurance policy.

Thinking of leaving the UK?
Life insurance is also worth considering if you may live abroad in the future. Whether you are planning to retire overseas or relocate for work, your residency status can affect your cover. Some policies only insure permanent UK residents, while others may be happy to keep existing cover in place. It’s therefore advisable to get cover as soon as possible and familiarise yourself with the policy terms.

Source:
https://www.ftadviser.com/content/47c79204-94cc-4a88-b7a3-de16d85d7846

www.lakewoodmortgages.co.uk
[email protected]
01892 582890

As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.

Whether you’re considering buying your first rental property, expanding your existing portfolio or looking to remortgage...
04/09/2026

Whether you’re considering buying your first rental property, expanding your existing portfolio or looking to remortgage a property you already let out, getting the right Buy to Let mortgage can make a big difference.

There are lots of things to consider, including:

💷 How much can you borrow?
📊 How is rental income assessed?
🏡 Do you need a minimum deposit?
🔄 Can you remortgage your existing Buy to Let?
👨‍👩‍👧 Can you use a limited company?
📈 What if you’re looking to grow your property portfolio?

And just like residential mortgages, Buy to Let mortgages aren't one-size-fits-all.

Lenders have different criteria around rental income, property type, experience, personal income and the number of properties you own.

If you're thinking about becoming a landlord or reviewing your existing Buy to Let mortgage, I can help you understand your options and find a mortgage that fits your circumstances.

www.lakewoodmortgages.co.uk
[email protected]
01892 582890

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

You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

Not all Buy to Let Mortgages are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

As the summer holidays wind down and the school bags come back out, it’s often a good time to get organised — and that c...
02/09/2026

As the summer holidays wind down and the school bags come back out, it’s often a good time to get organised — and that can include your mortgage.

If your current mortgage deal is coming to an end, now could be the perfect time to look at your remortgage options. A little preparation ahead of time could help you understand what’s available and avoid leaving things until the last minute.

Whether you’re looking to:

🏡 Secure a new mortgage deal
🔨 Release funds for home improvements
📊 Review your current mortgage strategy

It’s worth taking a look before the school-run chaos really kicks in!

If your mortgage deal is coming to an end, get in touch and let’s see what options may be available to you.

www.lakewoodmortgages.co.uk
[email protected]
01892 582890

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

You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

According to the Association of British Insurers, home insurers paid out a record amount for theft-related claims in the...
28/08/2026

According to the Association of British Insurers, home insurers paid out a record amount for theft-related claims in the first quarter of 2026.

The average sum paid out for a theft claim at the start of the year was £4,350, which is 14% higher than last year’s average. Meanwhile, separate data from the police force shows that garage thefts increased by 13% across Britain between 2022 and 2025. Two in five of these break-ins were preventable, as the door was left open at the time of the theft.

It’s easy to get complacent and think it won’t happen to you, but these statistics highlight the importance of making sure your home is secure. Take the time to lock up your garage and outbuildings as they can be easy targets.

Sources:
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-15801151/Home-insurance-payouts-theft-hit-record-high-start-2026-spike-garage-break-ins-revealed.html

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-15758603/Home-garage-thefts-rising-five-steps-turn-garage-fortress.html

www.lakewoodmortgages.co.uk
[email protected]
01892 582890
As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.

Saving a deposit can be one of the biggest hurdles when buying a home — which is why some buyers get a helping hand from...
26/08/2026

Saving a deposit can be one of the biggest hurdles when buying a home — which is why some buyers get a helping hand from family.

A gifted deposit is money given to you by someone else to help towards your house deposit, usually a parent or close family member.

But there are a few important things to know 👇

💷 It must usually be a genuine gift
The money shouldn't be expected to be repaid. If it's actually a loan, this needs to be declared to the lender.

👨‍👩‍👧 Who can gift the money?
This depends on the lender. Many will accept gifts from close family members, but each lender has its own rules.

📝 You'll normally need a gifted deposit letter
The person giving the money will generally need to confirm that the funds are a genuine gift and that they won't have any ownership rights in the property.

🔍 The source of the funds may need to be evidenced
Your solicitor and mortgage lender may need evidence showing where the gifted money has come from as part of the usual anti-money-laundering checks.

🏠 You can still have your own savings too
A gifted deposit doesn't necessarily have to make up your entire deposit. It can be combined with your own savings, subject to the lender's criteria.

⚠️ Not every lender treats gifted deposits in exactly the same way.
If you're lucky enough to have family willing to help with your deposit, it's worth getting advice before the money is transferred, so you know what your mortgage lender and solicitor will require.

www.lakewoodmortgages.co.uk
[email protected]
01892 582890

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

Buying a home is exciting, but it can also come with stresses. According to research, 60% of UK homeowners said that the...
24/08/2026

Buying a home is exciting, but it can also come with stresses.

According to research, 60% of UK homeowners said that the homebuying process took a toll on their mental wellbeing with legal or conveyancing delays found to be the biggest source of stress.

If you too are feeling stressed by the homebuying process, here are some top tips:

Expect the unexpected
There is a lot of uncertainty when buying a home - it can be hard to predict exactly when you will be able to move, particularly if you are part of a chain. Therefore expect delays so that you don’t feel disappointed if the process takes longer than anticipated.

Try not to cut costs
We understand that buying is a very expensive process. However, it is important not to skip over certain parts of the homebuying process, as this could cost more further down the line. For example, a house survey may feel like an avoidable expense, but this vital step highlights any issues with the property that could be costly to repair. Identifying defects early may prompt you to renegotiate the purchase price, budget for repairs or even change your mind about buying the property.

A step at a time
It can be overwhelming to think about the whole homebuying process, so take it a step at a time rather than worrying about moving day before you’ve even placed an offer. That will allow you to focus on what you need to do right now, like attend a viewing or make a mortgage application.

Remember why you’re doing it
If you’re ever feeling frustrated, remind yourself of the end result. Make sure to celebrate the small milestones, because each step takes you closer to collecting your keys and moving into your new home.

You don’t have to navigate the homebuying process alone – we can help alleviate the stress and support you every step of the way.

Source:
https://www.mpamag.com/uk/news/general/homebuying-takes-a-mental-toll-on-three-in-five-uk-buyers-research-finds/576591

https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/advice-and-inspiration/is-buying-a-home-stressful/

www.lakewoodmortgages.co.uk
[email protected]
01892 582890

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

Many prospective buyers feel ready to move in 2026, but affordability concerns and uncertainty are still causing hesitat...
21/08/2026

Many prospective buyers feel ready to move in 2026, but affordability concerns and uncertainty are still causing hesitation.

Confidence versus action
Research shows that 52% of prospective buyers believe they are ready to purchase a property this year. However, there remains a significant gap between confidence and actually making a move.

High property prices and the challenge of saving for a deposit continue to be major barriers for many households. Rising living costs and uncertainty around mortgage affordability have also made it harder for some buyers to feel financially prepared.

For first-time buyers in particular, balancing rental costs with saving for a deposit continues to be a significant challenge, despite improving confidence across parts of the housing market.

Understanding the process
The research also found that 31% of respondents felt they lacked understanding of the homebuying process itself. Many prospective buyers are also unclear about the different mortgage products available.

We can help
Seeking professional mortgage advice can help buyers better understand their options and feel more confident. We can help you explore suitable mortgage options.

www.lakewoodmortgages.co.uk
[email protected]
01892 582890

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

If you’re packing for a holiday, it’s important to remind yourself which items would be covered if you take them away. W...
19/08/2026

If you’re packing for a holiday, it’s important to remind yourself which items would be covered if you take them away.

When taking your possessions out of the house, it is easy to assume they will automatically be covered under your contents insurance. However, you usually will need to purchase additional cover to insure belongings that you take away from home. Even then, there are times when you won’t be covered, so it’s important to check your specific policy.

For example, an item must be carried by you or someone who lives with you in order to be covered. So, if you leave your phone in the care of your friends while you’re on holiday and it gets stolen, you might not be able to make a claim. Or if you drop your phone in the sea, you may not be covered because some insurers don’t pay out for liquid damage. Additionally, possessions left in a hotel room are not always insured, except in cases of forced or violent entry. It’s therefore advisable to keep valuables in a hotel room safe and make sure you have appropriate travel insurance.

Don’t leave it to chance - get in touch with us to ensure your possessions will be fully covered while you are out and about in the summer months.

Source:
https://www.admiral.com/resources/home-hub/claiming/personal-possessions-cover-what-youre-covered-for-away-from-home

www.lakewoodmortgages.co.uk
[email protected]
01892 582890

As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.

Research from Yopa indicates that the majority of buyers are looking for homes that require little to no work. According...
17/08/2026

Research from Yopa indicates that the majority of buyers are looking for homes that require little to no work.

According to the survey, 54% of people who bought a home in the last year were only prepared to make minor cosmetic changes to their new home. Meanwhile, 23% were looking for a fully modernised ‘turnkey’ property that was ready to live in. Only 3% were actively seeking a full renovation project and a further 3% were willing to buy a home that needed structural changes.

When asked why they did not want to renovate, 21% said they would rather avoid the disruption and 17% wanted to move in quickly. Of the people who were up for a project, 21% said it was so they could benefit from a lower purchase price, while 19% wanted the opportunity to create their own style.

Sources:
https://theintermediary.co.uk/2026/06/77-of-homebuyers-seek-properties-requiring-no-work-finds-yopa/

https://londonlovesproperty.com/homebuyers-shun-renovation-projects-as-77-seek-homes-requiring-little-or-no-work/

www.lakewoodmortgages.co.uk
[email protected]
01892 582890

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

Home insurance premiums have continued to fall, with average UK premiums dropping by 9% year-on-year in January 2026, ac...
14/08/2026

Home insurance premiums have continued to fall, with average UK premiums dropping by 9% year-on-year in January 2026, according to recent analysis.

The improvement follows a significant reduction in severe weather warnings across the UK. Red storm warnings reportedly fell from 18 in 2022 to just four in 2024, while amber warnings also declined sharply over the same period.

However, insurers are cautioning households about the risk of wetter-than-average weather and the potential for property damage later in the year. This means reviewing cover levels and policy terms remains important, even as premiums begin to ease.

We can help review your options and ensure you have suitable cover in place.

Sources:
https://theintermediary.co.uk/2026/04/home-insurance-premiums-ease-as-storm-warnings-fall-compare-the-market/

https://www.comparethemarket.com/inside-ctm/media-centre/home-premiums-continue-to-fall-as-households-urged-to-brace-for-wetter-than-average-autumn/

www.lakewoodmortgages.co.uk
[email protected]
01892 582890

As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.

Address

93 Bridger Way
Crowborough
TN62XD

Telephone

+441892582890

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