TouchPoint Mortgages

TouchPoint Mortgages Follow us for updates and tips! We can help with First Time Buyers, Homemovers, Remortgages, Buy to Let and a range of insurances.

Welcome to TouchPoint Mortgagesβ€”your trusted local Mortgage Advisor, based in West Sussex 🏠

Drop us a message and say Hi πŸ‘‹πŸ» πŸ“²

Whether buying, refinancing, or investing, we make your mortgage journey seamless. At TouchPoint Mortgages Ltd, we specialise in providing tailored mortgage and insurance advice across a wide spectrum of services. Based in Littlehampton, our reach extends to various areas

including Angmering, Arundel, Bognor Regis, Chichester, Durrington, Goring, Pulborough, Rustington and Worthing.

20/08/2026

We’ve just got off the phone with a lovely client whose remortgage is due in January 2027 β€” and it was so refreshing to speak to someone who has had the foresight to get everything sorted well ahead of time. πŸ™Œ

In our experience, mortgages that are due in January and February are often left until much later than they need to be.

And we can understand why!

β˜€οΈ At the moment, it’s summer. People are away, enjoying themselves and making the most of the holidays.

πŸ“š Then September arrives, the kids go back to school and life suddenly gets a whole lot busier.

πŸ‚ Before you know it, we’re into autumn, the evenings are getting darker and the mortgage probably isn’t top of the list!

πŸŽ„ Then Christmas comes around, and suddenly January is just around the corner… cue the panic of trying to sort your mortgage within a month or so of your current deal ending!

Our client today has avoided all of that.

Their options have been reviewed, everything is in hand, and they can now sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the summer knowing their mortgage is sorted. 😊

And as we head into autumn, they’ve got one less thing to worry about.

So, if your mortgage is due for renewal in January, February or March 2027, why not start looking at your options now?

You don’t need to wait until the last minute.

πŸ“© Send us a DM
πŸ“± WhatsApp us
☎️ Give us a call

We’ll be happy to have a chat and see what options are available to you.

Future you will probably thank you for getting it sorted early! 😎

🏠 Be upfront about your credit historyWhen you get in touch about a mortgage, please be honest about your credit profile...
19/08/2026

🏠 Be upfront about your credit history

When you get in touch about a mortgage, please be honest about your credit profile from the start.

It really does make a difference.

βœ… It helps us narrow down the right lenders more quickly
βœ… It means we can be more accurate with our advice from day one
βœ… It saves time going back and forth later
βœ… And, importantly… **we’re going to find out anyway!** πŸ˜…

Things like missed payments, defaults, CCJs, payday loans or other credit issues **don’t necessarily mean you can’t get a mortgage.**

There are lenders who specialise in different circumstances β€” but we need to know the full picture so we can look at the right options.

So don't worry about telling us something you think might be a problem. We'd much rather know upfront and work out what we can do to help.

Honesty from day one = better, quicker and more accurate mortgage advice. πŸ‘

πŸ“© Got a question about your credit history? Get in touch.

🏑 What is a Decision in Principle (DIP) – and why should you get one?If you're thinking about buying your first home or ...
17/08/2026

🏑 What is a Decision in Principle (DIP) – and why should you get one?

If you're thinking about buying your first home or moving house, one of the best things you can do is arrange a **Decision in Principle (DIP)** before you start viewing properties.

Also known as an **Agreement in Principle (AIP)**, it's an indication from a mortgage lender of how much they may be willing to lend you, based on an initial assessment of your finances.

It's **not a mortgage offer**, but it can make your home-buying journey much smoother.

βœ… Why get a Decision in Principle?
πŸ’· **Know your budget** – You'll have a realistic idea of what you can afford before you start searching.
🏠 **Look more attractive to sellers** – Estate agents and sellers are more likely to take your offer seriously if you already have a DIP in place.
⚑ **Speed up the process** – You've already completed one of the first stages, making your mortgage application quicker once you've found a property.
πŸ” **Spot any issues early** – If there are any affordability or credit concerns, it's much better to find out before you've had an offer accepted.
πŸ’‘ **Buy with confidence** – You'll know you're searching within a price range that's realistic for your circumstances.
# # # Does it affect your credit score?
Many lenders only carry out a **soft credit search**, although some still use a hard search. Choosing the right lender can make a difference.

A Decision in Principle is usually valid for **30–90 days**, depending on the lender, and can often be renewed if needed.

If you're planning to buy a home, getting a Decision in Principle is one of the smartest first steps you can take.

🏑 Thinking about Shared Ownership?For many buyers, Shared Ownership can make getting onto the property ladder much more ...
14/08/2026

🏑 Thinking about Shared Ownership?

For many buyers, Shared Ownership can make getting onto the property ladder much more achievable. But like any home-buying option, it's important to understand both the benefits and the drawbacks before making a decision.

βœ… The Benefits
πŸ’° Lower deposit*– Your deposit is based on the share you're buying, rather than the full property value.
πŸ“‰ More affordable mortgage – Borrowing less can make monthly payments more manageable and improve affordability.
πŸ“ˆ Increase your share over time – Many schemes allow you to buy a larger percentage of the property in the future, known as "staircasing".
🏘️ Access to modern homes– Shared Ownership properties are often newly built and finished to a high standard.
πŸ”‘ A helping hand for first-time buyers – It can be an excellent option if buying outright isn't currently possible.
⚠️ Things to Consider
πŸ’Έ You'll usually pay rent on the share of the property you don't own.
πŸ”§ **Additional costs** such as service charges and staircasing fees should be factored into your budget.
🚫 Restrictions may apply – Alterations, pets or subletting may require permission, depending on the lease.
πŸ” Selling isn't always straightforward – Housing associations often have the first opportunity to find a buyer.
πŸ“œ Most properties are leasehold so it's important to understand the lease and any ongoing charges before committing.
🏠 Shared Ownership can be a fantastic stepping stone into homeownership, but it isn't the right solution for everyone. Understanding how it works can help you make the best decision for your circumstances.

πŸ“© If you're wondering whether Shared Ownership could work for you, get in touch for friendly, straightforward advice.

Buying a home? 🏑It's easy to focus on saving your deposit, but don't forget to budget for the extra costs that come with...
12/08/2026

Buying a home? 🏑
It's easy to focus on saving your deposit, but don't forget to budget for the extra costs that come with buying a property.

Here's a rough guide to some of the most common expenses:

🧾 Solicitor / Conveyancing Fees
Around Β£800–£1,500 depending on the property and whether it's freehold or leasehold.

πŸ” Survey Costs
Typically Β£250–£800, depending on the level of survey you choose. While many lenders offer a free mortgage valuation, it's worth considering a more detailed survey for added peace of mind.

🏠 Stamp Duty (where applicable)
This can be one of the biggest costs, so it's worth checking how much you'll need to pay before making an offer.

πŸ’³ Lender Arrangement Fees
Usually Β£0–£999+. Some mortgage deals include no fee, while others allow you to add it to the mortgage.

πŸ’Ό Mortgage Advice Fees
Some advisers charge a fee, while others don't. Make sure you understand what's included before you commit.

🚚 Removal Costs
Expect anywhere from Β£300–£1,500, depending on how much you're moving and the distance involved.

🏚️ Buildings Insurance
Usually around Β£150–£300 per year, and your lender will normally require this to be in place before completion.

πŸ“‘ Leasehold Costs (if buying a leasehold property)
Ground rent and service charges can vary significantly, so always check these carefully before proceeding.

Buying a home is exciting, but planning for these costs early can help avoid any unwelcome surprises later on.

πŸ’¬ Which of these costs surprised you the most when you bought your home?

10/08/2026

πŸ’‘ **3 Unusual (But Really Important) Mortgage Tips That Most People Don't Know**

Everyone knows they need a deposit and a decent credit history... but here are three tips that often catch people out.

**1️⃣ Don't change jobs at the wrong time**
A new job isn't always a problem, but changing employer just before or during a mortgage application can limit your lender options. If you're thinking of moving jobs, speak to your mortgage adviser firstβ€”you might be better off waiting a few weeks.

**2️⃣ Avoid buying big-ticket items before completion**
That new sofa, kitchen or car on finance can wait! Lenders can carry out final credit checks before releasing your mortgage funds. Taking on new borrowing could affect your affordability or even delay your mortgage.

**3️⃣ Keep your bank statements 'mortgage ready'**
Lenders don't just look at your incomeβ€”they'll often review your spending too. Regular gambling transactions, unarranged overdrafts, missed direct debits or frequent Buy Now, Pay Later payments can all raise questions. A few months of tidy banking can make a real difference.

Every mortgage application is different, but planning ahead can make the process much smoother and help avoid unnecessary surprises.

Thinking of buying or remortgaging? Get in touch and I'll help you prepare before you apply.

πŸ“ž TouchPoint Mortgages

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

06/08/2026

πŸ“‹ **Getting a mortgage? Here's a handy checklist of the documents you may need!**

One of the biggest causes of delays with mortgage applications is missing paperwork. Getting everything ready before you apply can make the whole process much smoother.

# # # πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’Ό If you're employed:

βœ… Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
βœ… Proof of address (if required)
βœ… Your latest 3 months' payslips (sometimes up to 6 months depending on how you're paid)
βœ… Latest P60
βœ… Last 3 months' bank statements showing your salary being paid in
βœ… Proof of your deposit (savings statements, gifted deposit letter if applicable)
βœ… Details of any bonuses, overtime or commission (where relevant)
βœ… Evidence of any benefits or other income you receive
βœ… Details of any existing loans, credit cards or mortgages (if requested)

# # # πŸ’Ό If you're self-employed:

βœ… Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
βœ… Proof of address (if required)
βœ… Last 2 years' SA302 Tax Calculations
βœ… Last 2 years' HMRC Tax Year Overviews
βœ… Last 2 years' business accounts (if applicable)
βœ… Business bank statements (if requested)
βœ… Personal bank statements (usually the latest 3 months)
βœ… Accountant's reference (some lenders may ask for this)
βœ… Proof of your deposit
βœ… Details of any existing borrowing

# # # 🏑 You may also need:

βœ”οΈ Memorandum of Sale (if you've had an offer accepted)
βœ”οΈ Proof of any gifted deposit
βœ”οΈ Details of any maintenance payments
βœ”οΈ Pension statements (if using pension income)
βœ”οΈ Visa or residency documentation (where applicable)

Every lender has slightly different requirements, so don't worry if your list looks a little different.

The good news? I'll let you know exactly what you need before we submit your application, helping everything progress as smoothly as possible.

Need mortgage advice? Get in touch today.

πŸ“ž TouchPoint Mortgages

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

🏑 **Don't skip the survey... your future self will thank you!** πŸ‘€Buying a home is probably one of the biggest purchases ...
03/08/2026

🏑 **Don't skip the survey... your future self will thank you!** πŸ‘€

Buying a home is probably one of the biggest purchases you'll ever make. So, while it's tempting to save a few hundred pounds by skipping a survey, it could end up costing you thousands later.

A survey can uncover things you might not spot during a viewing, such as:
πŸ”¨ Hidden structural issues
πŸ’§ Damp or roof problems
⚑ Electrical or plumbing concerns
🌳 Subsidence or movement

Think of it this way... you wouldn't buy a used car without checking under the bonnet, so why buy a house without checking what's behind the walls? πŸ˜‰

A survey doesn't mean there's something wrong with the property. It simply gives you peace of mind and, if it does uncover issues, it gives you the opportunity to renegotiate the price or budget for repairs before it's too late.

Don't let a small saving today turn into a very expensive surprise tomorrow.

Thinking of buying or moving home? I'd be happy to help guide you through the process from mortgage to completion.

πŸ“ž TouchPoint Mortgages

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

πŸ’­ **Mortgage Myths... Busted!**There are plenty of misconceptions about getting a mortgage, and they often stop people f...
30/07/2026

πŸ’­ **Mortgage Myths... Busted!**

There are plenty of misconceptions about getting a mortgage, and they often stop people from making the move they'd love to.

In this carousel, we're tackling three of the most common myths:

🏑 **Myth 1:** You need a 20% deposit.
πŸ“Š **Myth 2:** You need a perfect credit score.
πŸ”„ **Myth 3:** Remortgaging is too much hassle.

The truth? Every situation is different, and getting the right advice can make all the difference.

If you're thinking about buying your first home, moving, or remortgaging, get in touch. I'd be happy to answer your questions and help you understand your options.

πŸ“ž TouchPoint Mortgages
πŸ“ Independent, whole-of-market mortgage advice

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

27/07/2026

πŸ’· Can you always borrow 4.5 times your salary?
❓ The short answer is... no.
Many people believe there's a fixed rule that you can borrow 4.5 times your income, but that's only a guide.
Lenders also consider:
βœ”οΈ Your monthly outgoings
βœ”οΈ Existing loans and credit commitments
βœ”οΈ Household expenditure
βœ”οΈ The number of dependants you have
βœ”οΈ Your overall financial situation
This means two people earning the same salary could be offered very different mortgage amounts.
The best way to find out what you could borrow is to have a personalised affordability assessment before you start viewing properties.
πŸ’¬ Have a question about mortgage affordability? Drop it in the comments or send me a message.

Address

15 Amsbridge Crescent
Littlehampton
BN177GE

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