Independent James

15/10/2026

We hear some version of this more often than you might think:
“The estate agent said getting the mortgage should be easy.”

And sometimes it is. But mortgage lending rarely comes down to a simple yes or no.

Income, affordability, credit history, deposit size, property type and individual lender criteria can all affect what’s possible.

Estate agents naturally want to keep a transaction moving, but they’re not the ones assessing the mortgage application - so a reassuring conversation shouldn’t replace proper mortgage advice.
Our job is to give clients a realistic picture from the outset, identify any potential complications early and find the most suitable route forward.

If you’re planning a move and want to know where you genuinely stand, speak to us before you get too far down the line.

020 3848 6500
[email protected]



T&C'S: SUBJECT TO INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS.

12/10/2026

Here's one you might not expect … 👀

If you're a first-time buyer being added to a property owned by your unmarried partner, the fact that they already own the property doesn't necessarily mean First-Time Buyer SDLT relief is off the table.

Depending on how the transfer is structured and your individual circumstances, relief may still be available.

And if you've already completed a transfer and paid SDLT at the standard rate? It may even be worth checking whether you've overpaid and could be entitled to a refund from HMRC.

Transfer of equity and SDLT rules can get complicated very quickly, so individual circumstances matter and specialist tax advice may be needed.

🏡 Thinking about a transfer of equity? Talk to us about the mortgage side and we'll help you understand your options.
020 3848 6500
[email protected]

Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change. Independent James does not provide tax advice.


T&C'S: SUBJECT TO INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS.

08/10/2026

Mortgage rates have hit 6%… or have they? 👀
You may have seen the headlines reporting that the average five-year fixed mortgage rate has reached 6%.
But the key word here is average.
As Dan explains, there are still mortgage rates available below 6%, subject to your circumstances and lender criteria.
So, before assuming the headlines apply directly to you, it’s worth finding out what your own options actually look like.
Your deposit or equity, loan-to-value, borrowing requirements and individual circumstances can all affect the rates available to you.
🏡 Buying, moving or coming to the end of your current deal?
Don’t let the headline make the decision for you. Talk to us about what’s actually available to you.

T&C’S: SUBJECT TO INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS.

08/10/2026

“Mortgage rates hit 6%.”

It’s a headline that’s understandably going to concern borrowers - but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

The 6% figure being reported is an average five-year fixed mortgage rate. It does not mean that all five-year fixed rates are now 6%.

As our mortgage adviser Dan explains, rates below 6% are still available, subject to individual circumstances and lender criteria.
The rate available to any borrower can depend on a range of factors, including loan-to-value, deposit or equity, borrowing requirements and the type of mortgage needed.

So if you’re buying, moving or approaching the end of your current deal, don’t assume a national headline tells you what your mortgage will cost.

Speak to us and find out what the market actually looks like for you.

Mortgage advice that’s about you, not just the headline.
020 3848 6500
[email protected]



T&C'S: SUBJECT TO INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS.

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

67% of UK adults either don’t have a Will or have one that’s out of date. 🤔

It’s one of those jobs that’s very easy to put off - particularly when you’re busy thinking about mortgages, insurance, moving home and everything else life throws at you.

But your Will and your financial protection are two important parts of the same bigger picture.

This can be particularly important if you’re not married, own a property with a partner, have children or have experienced a significant change in circumstances.

Will Aid takes place throughout November, when participating solicitors waive their usual fee for writing a basic Will and instead invite clients to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid.

And although November might sound a little way off, appointments are open now and availability is limited.

You can find participating solicitors at willaid.org.uk.

And if this has prompted you to think about whether your life insurance still reflects your mortgage, family and current circumstances, Lorna and the Independent James team are always happy to help.

020 3848 6500
[email protected]



T&C'S: SUBJECT TO INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS.

02/10/2026

Yesterday we celebrated Tom and Alishba’s birthdays (slightly belatedly 🎂), along with Dan’s 7-year IJ anniversary! 🥳

September was a romper of a month, so our ever-frugal MD James Carter merged all three celebrations in style - with a fabulous cake from and a few games of pool at the brilliant in the City. 🎱

He even let the others beat him. Apparently. 👀

Happy birthday Tom & Alishba, huge congratulations to Dan, and as ever, a big thank you to the whole IJ team. 💚

02/10/2026

Yesterday we celebrated Tom and Alishba’s birthdays (slightly belatedly 🎂), along with Dan’s 7-year IJ anniversary! 🥳
September was a romper of a month, so our ever-frugal MD Carter merged all three celebrations in style - with a fabulous cake from and a few games of pool at the brilliant in the City. 🎱
He even let the others beat him. Apparently. 👀
Happy birthday Tom & Alishba, huge congratulations to Dan, and as ever, a big thank you to the whole IJ team. 💚

01/10/2026

Anyone who’s been through the home-buying process will probably recognise this. 😂

Finding the house might feel like the big moment, but there’s plenty still to happen before somebody hands you the keys.

That’s where having a good mortgage team behind you can make all the difference – helping to keep things moving, keeping you updated and being there for all those inevitable “Any news?” moments.

How accurate is our breakdown? Would you change the percentages? We’d love to hear your home-buying experiences in the comments.

Found the house? Let us handle the “what happens now?” 🏡🔑
020 3848 6500
[email protected]



T&C'S: SUBJECT TO INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS.

28/09/2026

Why do we have Mortgage Case Progressors rather than Mortgage Administrators?

Because at Independent James, we wanted the role to be about much more than administration.

Our Mortgage Case Progressors support clients from application through to completion, liaising with lenders and solicitors, keeping everyone updated and monitoring changing rates for potential savings along the way.

They’re a central part of the client journey – and a pretty important part of the Independent James team too.

Planning a move or remortgage? Get in touch and get ready to meet your very own Mortgage Case Progressor. 🔑

020 3848 6500
[email protected]



T&C'S: SUBJECT TO INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS.