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We Know Mortgages

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We Know Mortgages

Independent mortgage brokers at 111 Piccadilly, Manchester (M1 2HY). Expert advice for first-time buyers, BTL investors, and remortgages. FCA Regulated: 498238.

We offer whole-of-market access and bespoke protection. 2 mins from Piccadilly Station. All mortgage brokers are qualified with Cemap or the equivalent. We Know Mortgages Ltd is an appointed representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd which is authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales no: 6755755. Registered address 111 Piccadilly, Ducie Street, Manc

hester M1 2HY. YOUR HOME (OR PROPERTY) MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Some forms of Buy to Let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority .You may be charged a fee for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.

25/04/2026

Your mortgage questions answered: A friendly guide from your mortgage broker, in plain English.

How much can I realistically borrow?

Lenders typically offer 4–4.5x your annual income, but it's more nuanced than that. They'll look at your outgoings, debts, credit history, and income type. I'll do a thorough affordability assessment, so we know what's achievable before you fall in love with a property just out of reach.

Which type of mortgage suits me?

A fixed rate gives you certainty. Your payments stay the same for 2, 5, or even 10 years, great for budgeting. A tracker moves with the Bank of England base rate, so it can go up or down. It depends on your plans and your appetite for risk. We'll talk it through together.

What deposit do I need, and how does it affect my rate?

The more deposit you have, the better the rate. Key thresholds sit at 90%, 85%, 80%, and 75% loan-to-value. Even nudging from 90% to 85% can unlock significantly better deals and save you thousands over the term.

How long should my mortgage term be?

The longer the term, the lower your monthly payment. But the more interest you'll pay overall. A 25-year term is traditional. But we're seeing more first-time buyers stretching to 30 or even 35 years to keep monthly costs manageable. The good news is that you can often overpay or remortgage later to shorten the term. I can model a few different scenarios for you, say, 25, 30, and 35 years, so you can see exactly what the trade-offs look like in pounds and pence.

What happens at the end of my initial deal?

When your deal ends, you roll onto your lender's Standard Variable Rate, which is usually much higher. I'll be in touch around 6 months before that happens to make sure we get you onto something competitive before your payments jump. Let me know if you are approaching the end of your deal and want to get organised.

Are there early repayment charges?

Most fixed deals carry Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) of 1–5% if you pay off or remortgage early. If you're likely to move in the next few years, we'll look at shorter fixes or more flexible products. I'll always flag charges clearly. No nasty surprises.

What protection products do I need?

Getting the mortgage is just one piece of the puzzle. Protecting it is equally important, and it's something I take seriously. I'll always have a conversation with you about life insurance (to pay off the mortgage if you pass away), critical illness cover (pays a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious condition), and income protection (replaces your income if you're unable to work). These aren't just add-ons, they're genuinely important, and the right cover can be more affordable than you'd think. I'll never push you into anything, but I do want to make sure you and your family are protected.

Have any more questions? Or are you ready to evaluate your current mortgage? Give us a call today. Don’t forget to forward this to anyone looking to get on the property ladder, purchase a new home, or remortgage.

Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.

31/03/2026

Navigating Mortgages for Northern Quarter Flats

Manchester’s Northern Quarter (M4) is the city's soulful heart, but securing a mortgage here in 2026 involves more than just a credit check. From industrial loft conversions to modern glass blocks, the "NQ" presents unique challenges that high-street banks sometimes struggle to categorize.
Why the M4 Postcode is Unique

Lenders view the Northern Quarter differently than a suburban semi. Many buildings are converted warehouses featuring "non-standard" materials like exposed brick and timber beams. While stunning, these require specialist lenders who understand historic urban architecture.

3 Essentials for Your NQ Purchase:

The "Commercial" Proximity: Living above a bar on Tib Street or a restaurant in Stevenson Square is part of the charm, but some lenders shy away from "commercial adjacency" due to noise or fire risk. We know which banks are "city-center friendly."

EWS1 & Cladding: Even in 2026, building safety remains a priority. Ensuring your chosen block has a clear EWS1 certificate is the first step to avoiding a declined application.

Service Charge Impact: High service charges in luxury developments can eat into your "affordability" score. We calculate these costs upfront so there are no surprises during the valuation.

Expert Local Advice

As Manchester-based brokers at 111 Piccadilly, we don't just see a postcode; we see the street. Whether you’re a first-time buyer eyeing a studio or an investor looking at Ancoats-border apartments, we provide the whole-of-market access needed to navigate the NQ market.

Ready to move? Contact We Know Mortgages today.

14/03/2026

What New Products Are Out There for You?

It’s a busy time for changes in the mortgage world. Are you up to date? We are seeing lots of exciting advancements for you, from helping to secure that first mortgage to supporting those who are ready to remortgage this year. But don’t forget, professional advice is essential to get the most out of your policy. Contact us today to see how we can help.

Let’s dive in and have a close look at these changes:

Some lenders have launched 100% Loan-to-Value (LTV) deals, meaning buyers can borrow the full purchase price with no deposit required. These often include features such as automatic rate reductions as you pay down the loan and penalty-free overpayments.

Following regulatory changes, several lenders have expanded high-LTV lending (e.g., 6× income) and improved stress-test criteria, enabling greater borrowing capacity.

Part & Part mortgages for borrowers (blending interest-only and repayment options) are available, offering repayment flexibility.

Delayed Start mortgages with new 1–3-month payment deferrals. Mortgage repayments aren’t due for up to the first three months (one, two, or three months) after completion, but note that interest does accrue from day one.

Specialist products aimed at borrowers with complex finances are evolving.

So why are we seeing all these new changes? Simply put, the product choice is high. The banks want your business and are recognising that not every situation is black and white. Equally, the industry is increasingly adopting digital underwriting and automation tools, boosting efficiency in paperwork and affordability checks. This is potentially speeding up approvals and broadening product access. Finally, we are seeing regulatory changes under discussion. The Financial Conduct Authority is consulting on future mortgage market rules, which could lead to more flexible products or different lending criteria.

To sum up:

More accessible options for first-time buyers (high LTV, reduced deposit requirements).
More product choices and flexible structures (e.g. Part & Part, specialist lender deals).
Technology enhancements are improving turnaround times.
Regulatory shifts may bring broader changes in loan features and affordability criteria.

Let’s chat today to see what these changes mean for you!

Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.

28/02/2026

Biography

Ansar Afsar | Director & Independent Mortgage Specialist

Ansar Afsar is a highly experienced mortgage professional and the Director of We Know Mortgages Limited. Based in the heart of Manchester at 111 Piccadilly, Ansar has been a driving force in the regional property finance sector for over 16 years.

Professional Expertise

Since being appointed as Director in November 2008, Ansar has dedicated his career to providing transparent, expert advice to homeowners and investors. His extensive background in FCA-regulated environments allows him to navigate the complexities of the mortgage market with precision.

His core areas of expertise include:

Regulated Mortgage Contracts: Expertly advising on and arranging mortgage deals tailored to individual financial circumstances.

Market Strategy: Leveraging 16+ years of industry experience to help clients find competitive rates in a shifting economic landscape.

Comprehensive Protection: Through his leadership at We Know Mortgages, he ensures that clients' homes and lifestyles are fully protected alongside their property investments.

A Trusted Manchester Leader

Ansar is well-known in the North West for his "straight-talking" approach. He has successfully led We Know Mortgages through various market cycles, maintaining a focus on accessibility and client success.

Under Ansar’s leadership, We Know Mortgages has become a go-to firm for those seeking whole-of-market access combined with deep local knowledge of the Manchester property scene.

Key Credentials

Role: Director, We Know Mortgages Limited

Experience: 16+ years in FCA-regulated roles.

Location: 111 Piccadilly, Manchester.

FCA Regulated Functions: Advising and arranging regulated mortgage contracts; Director (AR).

16/02/2026

Why Protecting Income Matters More Than Ever

We read something shocking recently. Recent figures show that around 40% of UK adults have less than £1,000 in savings. For many households, that would cover only a few weeks of bills. Nowhere near enough to keep up with mortgage repayments if their income stopped unexpectedly. How do your savings look? Do you think you could last three months without your income?

As brokers, we spend a lot of time helping clients secure the right deal, stress-testing affordability and planning for interest rate changes. But one risk is often underestimated: what happens if the income paying the mortgage disappears due to illness or injury? Think, it could be as simple as kicking a football in the garden and breaking your ankle, or the more devastating effects of cancer and rounds of chemo.

From our perspective, discussing income protection isn’t about scaring you. It’s about responsible, holistic advice. Mortgages are paid from income, not from good intentions or long-term plans. Protecting that income helps protect the home you’ve worked so hard to secure. Unfortunately, in our line of work, we see these things more than we’d like to.

Savings can run out quickly. Statutory Sick Pay is limited, and for the self-employed, it may not exist at all. Yet the mortgage payment doesn’t pause just because life takes an unexpected turn. This is where income protection plays a vital role.

Income protection is designed to replace a portion of your income if you’re unable to work, helping you continue to meet essential commitments such as your mortgage, utilities, and everyday living costs. For many clients, especially first-time buyers or those stretching affordability, this can be the difference between staying on track and falling into financial difficulty.

With so many people holding minimal savings, income protection should be seen not as an optional add-on, but as a natural part of the conversation. We are helping you build resilience.

Let’s see how a policy can slot into your life, budget, and protect your future

02/02/2026

What does the changing base rates mean for your mortgage in 2026?

You might have seen our emails about the Bank of England base rate, or you have been watching it very closely yourself! It’s an important one as it’s the benchmark for borrowing costs across the UK. Lenders use it as one of the inputs when pricing mortgage products. As of early 2026, the base rate has been cut to around 3.75%. It’s the lowest it’s been in nearly three years, after we saw the previous increases, which were aimed at tackling inflation. Economists and lenders are saying they expect one or more rate cuts during 2026 if inflation continues to ease. Although remember, forecasts vary, so further cuts are never guaranteed! We’ll hear more on 5th February.

How is your mortgage type affected by the base rate?

• Tracker mortgages: move in line with the base rate (your rate = base rate + a fixed margin). If the base rate falls, your monthly payments usually fall too.
• Standard Variable Rate (SVR) / discount deals: not directly tied but often influenced by the base rate. Lenders may pass cuts on to you, but they don’t have to.
• Fixed-rate deals: your rate won’t change during the fixed term. But when you come to remortgage, the deals available are shaped by base rate expectations.

Let’s go deeper…

 If the base rate falls further toward ~3.0–3.5% by late 2026:
• Some mortgage interest rates, especially tracker and some variable deals, are likely to fall too. Experts suggest typical mortgage rates could drift into the low-3s (%) by the end of 2026, which is historically cheaper than recent years.
• If fixed rates fall too, monthly payments on new deals could be lower than they were in 2024–2025. Becoming more affordable for buyers or those remortgaging.
 If the base rate stays relatively flat or only modestly lower (e.g., ~3.5–3.75%):
• Mortgage rates may not fall much, and lenders may compete more on product features such as fees.
• Some borrowers won’t see much difference in monthly costs compared with a year earlier.

If you are a first-time buyer or new borrower, the lower base rates often reduce the headline cost of new mortgage products. It could improve affordability and encourage more borrowing if wages and deposit requirements also move in your favour.

For those remortgaging, if your fixed deal expires in 2026, the rates you’re offered may be lower if base rate cuts have been passed through by lenders. But remember, mortgage pricing also reflects market conditions and lender strategy, so deals can vary widely.

If you have an existing tracker or variable-rate holder, your payments could drop quickly following a base rate cut – often within a couple of months. But it all depends on how your lender manages the change. If you are an existing fixed-rate holder, your payments won’t change until your deal ends. However, when it comes to an end, you may find new options priced with the 2026 base rate outlook built in.

So where does this leave you?

We can help match the right mortgage type to your circumstances as rates continue to shift. Chat with us today to find the best deal for you.

Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.

26/01/2026

Small Tweaks, Better Balance

January is a natural time to get organised. Budgets are under review, paperwork is being sorted, and many people are looking for ways to rebalance monthly spending. One area that often benefits from a quick check at this time of year is general insurance. Particularly, home, contents and car cover.

These policies are usually set to auto-renew, which makes them easy to overlook. Over time, this can mean paying more than necessary or holding cover that no longer reflects your circumstances.

Home and contents: has anything changed?

If you’ve renovated, upgraded furniture, bought jewellery or invested in new technology, your contents sum insured may need updating. Or you might find you’re paying for cover levels or add-ons you don’t need. A short review can offer a good moment to check excess levels and confirm that high-value items are correctly specified.

Car insurance: not just about price

With car insurance, the cheapest premium isn’t always the most suitable option. Details such as excess amounts, mileage limits, courtesy car cover and optional add-ons all matter at the claim stage. Changes like working from home, driving fewer miles or changing vehicles can affect whether your policy still fits.

Small tweaks, better balance

General insurance reviews don’t always lead to switching providers. Often, small adjustments can improve value and keep cover aligned with your current lifestyle and budget. It’s important to remember that policies vary in terms, conditions and exclusions, and they may not be suitable for everyone. Any changes should be made with a clear understanding of what is and isn’t covered.

Part of your January financial tidy-up

When reviewed alongside your mortgage and protection cover, general insurance becomes part of a wider financial reset. Let’s get 2026 off to a great start. We can help with a full policy update. Or just a small refresh. We are here to help.

19/01/2026

Is Your Protection Still Fit for Purpose? January Is the Time to Review Income & Life Cover

January is often when people take a step back and look at their finances with fresh eyes. Once the festive period has passed, it becomes easier to focus on what really matters. Keeping income flowing, protecting family finances and ensuring plans stay on track if the unexpected happens. This is where protection insurance plays an important role.

Protection is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the right mix of cover can change as your circumstances evolve. A review at the start of the year can help ensure everything remains aligned with your current needs.

Income Protection
Income protection is designed to provide a regular income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, helping to cover everyday living costs while you recover. It can be particularly important for those who are self-employed or whose employer’s sick pay is limited, as it helps maintain financial stability during uncertain times.

Critical Illness Cover
Critical illness cover pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a specified serious illness, which can be used to reduce financial pressure at a difficult time. This type of cover can help with mortgage payments, household bills or adapting to lifestyle changes, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than finances.

Life Insurance
Life insurance provides financial support to loved ones if you were to pass away, helping to protect dependents, repay debts or maintain household stability. It is often closely linked to mortgages and family responsibilities, and reviewing cover ensures it continues to reflect current commitments.

Business Protection
Business protection is designed to safeguard a business if a key person, owner or partner becomes seriously ill or dies, helping the business continue to operate and protect its value. For business owners, this cover can be essential for maintaining continuity and providing reassurance to employees, partners, and family members.

Reviewing protection as part of your wider plan
Protection policies vary in scope, definitions and exclusions, and they are not suitable for everyone. A January review does not necessarily mean making changes, but it can provide reassurance or highlight areas that may need adjusting as part of your wider financial planning.

If one of your goals this year is to feel more organised and financially resilient, reviewing your protection cover with us can help you feel supported in the lifestyle and security you are working towards. Simply hit reply to this email, and we can get started.

12/01/2026

New Year, New Mortgage Plan

January is often seen as the month for fresh starts. We declutter our homes, reset routines and take a closer look at our spending after the festive season. But one area that’s often overlooked is the mortgage, even though it’s likely to be your most significant monthly commitment.

If you haven’t reviewed your mortgage in the last couple of years, January is a great time to check whether it’s still working as hard as it could for you.

Many homeowners are now coming to the end of fixed-rate deals or sitting on variable rates without realising it. When that happens, monthly payments can creep up quietly, putting pressure on household budgets just as people are trying to regain control after Christmas. A mortgage review can help identify whether a better rate, a different term, or a more suitable product is available.

Remortgaging isn’t always about chasing the lowest rate. For some, it’s about certainty. Fixing payments to help plan ahead. For others, it might mean consolidating other borrowing, releasing funds for home improvements. Or simply ensuring the mortgage aligns with changing life circumstances, such as a growing family, self-employment, or the future.

January is also a sensible time to get organised. Lenders usually ask for documents such as payslips, bank statements and ID, and having these ready early in the year can make the process smoother and less stressful. A review now also gives you time to get organised if your current deal isn’t ending immediately.

It’s worth remembering that not everyone will benefit from switching. Early repayment charges, affordability checks and product fees all need to be considered carefully. That’s where advice comes in. A broker can assess whether staying put, switching lenders, or moving to a new deal with your existing lender is the most suitable option for your circumstances. As with any financial decision, your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with your mortgage repayments, so taking a balanced and informed approach is essential.

If one of your New Year goals is to feel more in control of your finances, a mortgage review can be a practical first step. Contact us today to hear how we can help.

Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.

14/12/2025

The Hidden Benefits of Using a Broker for Your Protection Policy

When it comes to protecting yourself and your family, choosing the right insurance can feel a bit overwhelming. There are so many options. Life cover, income protection, critical illness, and health insurance – every provider seems to promise something different.

Did you know that nearly one in five adults in the UK who start looking into protection insurance don’t complete the process? Among those under 35, this rises to one in four. Many stop after receiving a quote, while some don’t even begin their application. We’ve looked at the research. Around 70% of consumers value speaking with an expert.

That’s exactly where a broker comes in. Working with a protection broker isn’t just about getting a quote. Instead, we ensure you end up with the right cover, at the right price, with the right support.

1. We Work for You, Not the Insurers: Unlike going directly to one company, a broker is completely independent. We compare a wide range of options across the market, whether you’re looking for the best value, the most flexible terms, or specific benefits (like mental health support or family add-ons).

2. Life Isn’t “One Size Fits All”: Your protection needs are personal. It all depends on your age, income, dependents, debt, lifestyle, and goals. It can be easy to underinsure yourself or even pay for cover you don’t need. But a broker takes the time to understand your whole picture.

3. We Explain the Jargon: Insurance language can be tricky. “Level term,” “decreasing cover,” “own occupation,” “waiver of premium”… it’s a lot. We translate that into plain English so you can make an informed choice.

4. We’re There When You Need to Claim: The real test of a protection policy isn’t when you buy it - it’s when you need to use it. A broker supports you through the claims process, helping you gather documents, talk to the insurer, and get your claim paid smoothly.

5. Ongoing Support as Life Changes: Getting married? Buying a home? Having a baby? Starting a business? Life changes fast, and your cover should change with it. We’ll keep your policies up to date.

Protection insurance is about peace of mind. Knowing you and your loved ones are covered, whatever happens. We’ll look after the details, so you can focus on living your life, knowing you’re protected.

If it’s been a while since you reviewed your cover, or you’re not sure what protection you actually have, get in touch for a quick, no-obligation chat. I’ll help you make sure your policy still fits your life today.

Address

111 Piccadilly Ducie Street
Manchester
M12HY

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 7pm
Tuesday	9am - 7pm
Wednesday	9am - 7pm
Thursday	9am - 7pm
Friday	9am - 7pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441612749555

Website

http://www.weknowmortgages.co.uk/

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