Mary Balanda Just Mortgages

04/09/2026

If I had £50,000 saved today, would I buy a house in the UK in 2026?

Honestly… yes, I think I would.

But I wouldn’t rush into it just because everyone keeps saying, “You need to get on the property ladder.”

I’d take my time, find a house I actually loved and make sure I wasn’t stretching myself too far.

And I’d ask myself one simple question:
“Would I be happy living there even if the house didn’t make me any money for a few years?”

Because buying a home is about so much more than just finding a nice house on Rightmove. 😂
There’s the solicitor’s bill.
Moving costs.
Furniture you suddenly realise you need.
The boiler choosing the worst possible moment to break.
And somehow spending £300 in B&Q every weekend. 😅
But despite all of that…
I still think owning your own home is one of the best feelings.
Knowing it’s yours.

Decorating it exactly how you want.
Watching your family grow there.

And knowing you have somewhere that feels like home.

So if I had £50k sitting in my account today?

Yes — I’d seriously consider buying.

But I wouldn’t let TikTok, the news, my friends or anyone else make that decision for me.

I’d look at my life, my finances and my plans.

Because what works for your friend might be completely wrong for you.
And if you’re currently sitting there thinking:

“I have a deposit… but I honestly have no idea whether I should buy now or wait.”

You’re definitely not the only one. ❤️

So tell me — if you had £50k saved today, would you BUY or WAIT? 👇

I’d genuinely love to know.

29/06/2026

🏡 Great news for foreign nationals looking to buy a home in the UK!

A major lender has improved its mortgage criteria, making it easier for many foreign nationals without Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or permanent right to reside to purchase a property with just a 10% deposit.

✅ What's changed?

The lender can now consider applications up to 90% Loan-to-Value (LTV) for eligible foreign national applicants without permanent right to reside in the UK.

If you've lived in the UK for 1 year or more:
✔️ Up to 90% LTV
✔️ Minimum income:

£50,000 (single applicant)
£75,000 (joint applicants)

If you've lived in the UK for less than 1 year:
✔️ Up to 90% LTV
✔️ Minimum household income: £200,000

📋 For applications above 75% LTV, applicants will need:

3 months of UK bank statements showing salary credits into their UK bank account.
Evidence that the deposit is held in a UK bank account.
Bank statements showing regular household expenditure and any overdraft facility or limit.

This is particularly welcome news for:
🏠 First-time buyers
🏗️ New-build purchasers
🌍 Foreign nationals living and working in the UK without ILR or permanent right to reside.

19/06/2026

18/06/2026

03/02/2026

🚨 MEGA NEWS for First Time Buyers! 🚨
This is a BIG one 🏡✨

On Tuesday 3rd February, a brand-new mortgage product is launching — and it’s a game changer for people buying their first home.

👉 My First Mortgage – up to 98% LTV!

What does this mean for you?
✅ Deposit from just £10,000
✅ Get on the property ladder sooner
✅ Gifted deposits accepted💛
✅ 5-year fixed rate
✅ Mortgage term up to 40 years

🔑 Key criteria:
• First Time Buyers only (including joint applications)
• Maximum 98% LTV
• Minimum deposit £10,000
• Maximum loan £500,000
• Repayment mortgage only

⚠️ Please note:
• No flats, new builds or properties in Northern Ireland
• Self-employed applicants and Shared Ownership not available at this time

💬 If you thought buying your first home was out of reach — this could be your opportunity.

18/12/2025

25/11/2025

Here are 5 simple things to do first-so you’re ready, confident, and ahead of the crowd!
✅ 1. Check your credit
Go to Experian or ClearScore—see what lenders see.
Fix errors, get on the electoral roll, and try to improve your score gradually.

✅ 2. Know how much you really need It’s not just the deposit! Add:
→ Stamp duty (first-timers get a discount!)
→ Solicitor, survey, moving costs
→ A few months’ mortgage as a safety buffer 💷

✅ 3. Get properly pre-approved
An “AIP” (Agreement in Principle) is a start—but full pre-approval (with documents checked) makes your offer stronger.

✅ 4. Be honest about your spending
Lenders look at everything-subscriptions, shopping, gym, childcare.
Run a quick budget test: Could you still pay your mortgage if rates went up?

✅ 5. Ask: “Is there help for people like me?”
- First-time buyer? → Lifetime ISA (£1k bonus/year!)
- Key worker or under 40? → First Homes (discounted new builds)
-Lower deposit? → Shared Ownership could be an option