Absolutely Mortgages

17/02/2026

Mortgages for the self-employed - what you need to know.

Although lending criteria for self-employed people has eased up since the Covid pandemic, mortgage applications will still undergo detailed underwriting checks. With more than 4 million + people in the UK now self-employed and lender requirements continuing to evolve, there has never been a better time for self-employed borrowers to work with a mortgage broker.

Lenders take different approaches when assessing self-employed income, depending on whether you are a Sole Trader, Partner, or Director of a Limited Company (holding more than a 20% share). Most lenders require at least two years of trading history along with two years of tax calculations or SA302s and/or two years of company accounts. A small number of lenders will consider just one year of accounts. Many will also request up-to-date trading information such as business bank statements or an accountant’s letter to build a clear picture of your current financial position.

As an experienced mortgage broker with a strong overview of the market and a proven track record of supporting self-employed applicants, we can guide you through the most suitable options before you commit to moving. Contact us for a free consultation.

07/01/2026

Speaking to a mortgage broker first is always recommended. At Absolutely Mortgages, we have extensive knowledge of the mortgage market and can guide first-time buyers through what lenders expect and how to improve the chances of approval. This consultation is free, and many clients find it extremely useful.

If you are a first-time buyer with a 5–10% deposit, the following steps can help you secure approval:

• Ensure you are registered on the electoral roll at your current address. If a lender cannot verify this, it may affect their decision.
• Review your most recent credit report. Reports that cover all credit reference agencies—such as those provided by checkmyfile—are the most comprehensive. Your broker can review this with you and highlight anything that may cause concern.
• Sensible use of a credit card can demonstrate good financial management, but avoid having it at or near its limit, as this will negatively affect your credit score.
• Keep all payments up to date, including overdrafts, mobile phone bills, and utilities. Even one late payment can lead to a declined application.
• Be prepared to show proof of your deposit. If it comes from savings, lenders will want to see a steady build-up of funds. Any large, unexplained deposits will need clarification. Gifted deposits from family are usually acceptable, including those from overseas, but confirm this with your broker.
• If you receive additional income such as bonuses, commission, overtime, or allowances, these may be used to increase your borrowing capacity. Each lender has different rules on what they accept, so you will need guidance from your broker.

These steps can significantly strengthen your application and improve your chances of securing a mortgage as a first-time buyer.

To explore mortgage options, contact us to discuss your requirements.
020 8393 9222 | [email protected]

05/12/2025

We live in a time where ethical awareness is higher than ever. People are more socially conscious, more mindful of how they spend their money, and more selective about the organisations they support. As a result, many are choosing to make financial decisions that align with their values.

Ethical banks operate with social and environmental responsibility at the forefront. They carefully consider where their money is invested, avoiding industries that harm the environment or engage in practices that are not in society’s best interests. Their choices reflect a commitment to positive impact and transparency.

But does this apply to mortgage lending and home buying?

In today’s economic climate, ethical financial decisions matter. Choosing a mortgage from an ethical lender ensures your money does not support fossil fuels, human rights abuses, harmful lobbying, or other practices you may object to. In doing so, you contribute to the transition toward a more sustainable and responsible financial system.

How Absolutely Mortgages can help

An independent mortgage broker like Absolutely Mortgages is well placed to help home buyers find ethical mortgage options. Our independent status gives us access to a wide range of products across the market, including exclusive deals. We have the expertise to identify lenders committed to social and environmental responsibility, giving you the opportunity to secure a mortgage that aligns with your values.

To explore ethical mortgage options, contact us to discuss your requirements.

020 8393 9222 | [email protected]

17/11/2025

If your fixed-rate mortgage is due to end within the next four months, contact us so we can help you decide whether to stay with your current lender and secure a new deal (product switch) or remortgage to another lender offering more competitive rates.

If you don't secure a new rate before your current deal expires, your mortgage will move onto the lender’s standard variable rate, which is usually much higher. Many homeowners allow this to happen and end up paying far more than necessary.

Remortgaging may be the better option if you want to restructure your mortgage, such as releasing funds for home improvements or investment, changing your mortgage term, or switching between interest-only and repayment.

As an experienced mortgage broker with a comprehensive view of the market, we can guide you toward the most suitable options. Get in touch for a free consultation.

020 8393 9222 | [email protected]

07/11/2025

As you are now aware, the Bank of England has held the base rate at 4%. Although, some people were expecting it to drop, several lenders have already reduced rates over the last week.

If your rate is now due for review and you are eligible to do so, I would encourage you to secure the new rate before the Autumn Statement - 26th November. We live in unpredictable times and whatever decision is made could result in a negative market reaction. Consequently the mortgage market might put rates back up again as a result.

Tying in to a new deal now protects you from any unforeseen rate increases. If time allows and rates reduce later, we can always re-switch you to the better deal before the new rate starts.

If you want to discuss this or any other mortgage issues, please get in touch.

29/04/2025

🏡 Did you know interest only mortgages are available through most lenders?

You may have a very good reason for requiring an interest only mortgage. It may be that you have a repayment plan in place, or you have a lot of equity and plan to downsize in the future 🔻🏠.

Many older people want to use the equity in their properties to help their children onto the property ladder 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🔑, or to raise a deposit for a rental property. A repayment mortgage would be costly and may not be affordable.

Lenders will need to ensure you have a viable repayment strategy in place ✅. Some lenders require a minimum income or a minimum amount of equity remaining in the property.

Interest Only is generally available up to 50% of the property value 📊—anything over that would need to be on repayment. However, a few lenders will go a bit higher.

📞 If you would like to discuss your options in more detail, contact us for a free initial consultation on 020 8393 9222 or 📧 [email protected].

01/04/2025

It’s always a good idea to speak to a mortgage broker first. At Absolutely Mortgages we have an in-depth knowledge of the mortgage market and we can help first time buyers understand what they need to do to get accepted by a lender. This is a free consultation and many of our clients have found this to be very helpful.

If you are a first-time buyer with a 5 - 10% deposit, here are some tips to make sure you get approved.

➡️ Check you are on the electoral role at your current address. If the lender can’t find you registered at an address it can impact on a lending decision.

➡️ It’s always a good idea to check your latest credit report. The best reports to use are ones that capture all credit referencing agencies – like checkmyfile. Your broker can always check this through and look for anything that might be of potential concern.
Having a credit card that’s used sensibly can show that you are able to maintain financial agreements. However, make sure it's not up to its limit. If it’s up to or close to its limit this will have a negative affect on your credit score.

➡️ Keep up to date on all payments, not just credit cards, but also overdrafts, mobile phone bills and utilities. One late payment on your account could result in your application being declined.

➡️ When the time comes to apply for a mortgage, the lender will want to see proof of your deposit. If it’s from savings, the lender will want to see a gradual build-up of funds. Any large deposits will need to be explained. Lenders will usually accept gifted deposits from family and will consider them from abroad but you should clarify this with your broker first.

➡️ If you earn bonuses, commission, overtime, allowances or any additional income you should be able to use these to help with affordability and therefore borrow more. Every lender has different rules on what and how much of these they will accept, so once again, you will need to take advise from your broker.

If you would like to discuss your options in more detail, contact us for a free initial consultation on 020 8393 9222 or [email protected]

25/03/2025

Spring is just about here so it’s out with the old and in with the new, that could be the case for your mortgage too!

Just because you took your mortgage out with a particular lender, it doesn’t mean you are tied to them for life. Lenders are in constant competition with each other, and they want your business. By shopping around, you may find a better deal elsewhere.

As a whole of market broker, this means we have access to the widest choice of lenders. We can do the shopping around for you and if it turns out your current lender can still offer you the best deal, then we can often change this over for you to save you the hassle.

If you would like to discuss your options in more detail, contact us for a free initial consultation on 02083939222 or [email protected]

05/03/2025

19/02/2025

Choosing the right mortgage can be a daunting and stressful exercise whether you're a first time buyer, landlord, existing homeowner or simply looking for a better mortgage. You can spend hours searching online and speaking to different lenders to see if you are eligible and to find the best rates. At Absolutely Mortgages we do all the hard work for you; with a complete overview of the mortgage market and an in-depth knowledge of the different lender's rates and criteria, we are best positioned to guide you through the mortgage maze.

As your mortgage broker, we have your best interests at heart. From the initial consultation through to offer, we will keep you updated on the process of your application. If you have any questions, we are just a phone call or email away, no holding on the phone for hours waiting to speak to the lender, we do that for you. We will make the entire process easier for you as well as stress free.

Not all mortgages are straightforward, when faced with an unusual or difficult case, we will do all we can to find a lender who will fit. From newly self-employed with only one year’s accounts, to those who have faced credit problems in the past, whatever the obstacle, we will strive to find the right solution for you.

All initial consultations with us are free of charge. A fee of £299 - £499 may apply depending on your circumstances. This will be discussed with you at the initial meeting. If a fee applies you will not be required to pay this until we have a secured a mortgage offer for you. We never charge fees up front. If we cannot get you a mortgage there is no charge.

Please get in touch with us on 020 8393 9222. Or email [email protected]

07/02/2025

As a mortgage broker with a great reputation for delivering quality advice and help, much of our business comes via referrals. If you have any family, friends or colleagues looking to buy their first home, move house or remortgage, please feel free to recommend our services. As an added incentive, when you refer someone to us and they complete, we will send you a £50 gift voucher of your choice!