Ben McGrath - Mallard Mortgages

05/08/2026

Bit of evening 🏏 with my team. 🚀💛❤️

02/08/2026

A very lucky pair of parents today — while we get a bit of time to ourselves, our boy is being looked after like royalty.

Yesterday was a full day out with his cousin ✈️ , then straight into a sleepover at his other grandparents, and now he’s being chauffeured to Mansfield for his game ⚽️

He’s living his best life, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

01/08/2026

Quite the journey. Worth every minute. Worth every penny. Memories. Kelly McGrath

01/08/2026

Some night watching Luke Combs with Kelly. Along time coming. Didn’t disappoint. 🤠

26/07/2026

Decent start. 🏏

10/07/2026

If you’re currently sat in front of a fan like it’s life support, let me take one more thing off your plate.

I’ll review your mortgage while you focus on not evaporating.

Hot weather. Cool advice.

😎🦆



📱 07535203005
📧 [email protected]

05/07/2026

💼 Thinking About Your First Buy‑to‑Let? Read This.

Getting into investment property can be a game‑changer — but only if you go in with your eyes open and your numbers tight. Here are the top tips every new investor should follow before pulling the trigger.

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🔑 Know Your Strategy

Are you aiming for monthly cashflow, long‑term capital growth, or a mix of both?
Your strategy decides everything — the area, the property type, the mortgage product, and even the tenant profile.

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📍 Choose the Right Location

Don’t just buy where you live. Look for:

• Strong rental demand
• Good transport links
• Regeneration zones
• Employment hubs
A great location can rescue an average property — a poor location can ruin a great one.

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📊 Run the Numbers Properly

Before you view anything, calculate:

• Expected rent
• Mortgage payment
• Insurance
• Maintenance
• Void periods
If the deal only works when everything goes perfectly… it’s not a deal.

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🏦 Understand Lender Criteria

Buy‑to‑let mortgages are different. Lenders look at:

• Rental income stress tests
• Your personal income
• Property type (flats, HMOs, ex‑local authority, etc.)
• Deposit size (usually 20–25%)
Knowing this upfront saves time — and avoids nasty surprises.

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🛠️ Factor in Refurb Costs

Most investment properties need some level of work.
Budget realistically and always add a contingency.
A tidy refurb can boost rent, valuation, and long‑term returns.

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👥 Know Your Tenant Market

Students, families, professionals — each group wants something different.
Match the property to the tenant, not the other way around.

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📑 Get Your Legal & Compliance Right

Gas safety, EPC, tenancy agreements, deposit protection — miss one and it can cost you.
Being compliant isn’t optional.

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🤝 Build Your Power Team

A solid team saves you money, stress, and time:

• Mortgage broker
• Solicitor
• Letting agent
• Builder
• Accountant
Investing is easier when you’re not doing it alone.

04/07/2026