Johnny Lancaster - Mortgage and Protection Adviser

24/03/2026

If you’re considering purchasing a property, it’s important to understand how an Agreement/Decision in Principle (AIP/DIP) works.

An AIP/DIP is typically valid for 60 to 90 days and provides an indication of how much you may be able to borrow, based on your current financial circumstances. While it is not a formal mortgage offer, it can be a valuable tool when demonstrating to sellers and estate agents that you are a serious buyer.

Having an AIP/DIP puts you in a stronger position with sellers, showing that you’re a serious and prepared buyer, while helping to speed up the mortgage process once you find the right home. It can highlight any affordability or credit issues early, allowing you to address them in advance and is usually completed using a soft credit check so it won’t impact your score.

Most importantly, it gives you confidence and clarity in your financial position and that feeling when your AIP is agreed is a genuinely exciting moment, knowing you’re one step closer to securing your new home.

Taking a proactive approach to your finances can help avoid delays, strengthen your position as a buyer and support a smoother property purchasing process.

📩 Drop me a message, I'm always happy to help.
📞 07920 812172

Follow me on our social media channels and stay ahead with the best mortgage advice! 🌟📊

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Finance Planning is a trading name of The Finance Planning Group Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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22/03/2026

Well worth a read if you’re considering the current direction of travel. 🚗

Remember that you can only make a decision based on the information available to you at the time. 🕰️

There is a big difference between a bad decision and a bad outcome. 🤔

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8d5dee3ep8o

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

Policymakers vote unanimously to hold rates at 3.75% after the Iran war prompts a reversal in the debate over borrowing costs.

17/03/2026

🏡 What is Stamp Duty?

If you buy a property in England or Northern Ireland, you may have to pay stamp duty land tax.

It’s a tax paid by the buyer when purchasing a home.

Current rates (March 2026):

• £0 – £125,000 → 0%
• £125,001 – £250,000 → 2%
• £250,001 – £925,000 → 5%
• £925,001 – £1.5m → 10%
• £1.5m+ → 12%

This is cumulative, eg. if you buy a home for £300,000, the stamp duty is about £5,000.

💡 First-time buyers get relief:

• £0 – £300,000 → 0%
• £300,001 – £500,000 → 5%
• Over £500,000 → normal rates apply

⚠️ Buying a second home or buy-to-let?
You’ll usually pay an extra surcharge on top of these rates.

There is a great online tool for calculating Stamp Duty via the gov.uk. website: https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/ #!/intro

13/03/2026

Many lender's rates have risen in the last week; today one high street lender has implemented their second set of rate rises in the same period. 📈

The future has become more uncertain. 🔮

If you have a remortgage coming up in the next 6 months, securing a reviewable backstop is not a bad idea. If you would like a chat, then please do get in touch. 📞

Your home may be at risk if you do not keep up the payments on your mortgage. 🏠

20/02/2026

🏡Have you got a question about the renewal of your mortgage?
🏡Do you know what borrowing might be achievable for you as a first-time buyer?
🏡Do you have a property dispute that you’re keen to chat to someone about?
🏡Are you looking to buy a property and don’t know how the conveyancing process works?
🏡Buying a property and considering a Home Survey, but not sure what level to go for?
🏡Looking to sell a property and have not found the right partner yet?

There is now a place you can come and have an informal chat with an expert in each of the above areas at the One Stop Property Hub, Arun Leisure Centre. No appointment necessary.

Initially running at Arun Leisure Centre every Tuesday from the 25th February to the 31st March between 4.30-5.30pm.

Please get in touch for more info or if you need a chat outside of these times.

Disclaimer: Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage

19/02/2026

Our first event will be next week at the the Arun Leisure Centre in Felpham and then weekly thereafter - we'll be ready and waiting for your questions..... more to follow!

13/02/2026

A new project coming to Felpham very soon.... more to follow over the next week....