Simon Thornton Mortgages

Simon Thornton Mortgages Helping first-time buyers, home movers, remortgage clients and landlords find the right mortgage. Friendly, personal advice across Bournemouth and the UK.

One thing I’ve realised as a mortgage adviser is just how personal this job actually is. 🏡On paper, mortgages are number...
01/09/2026

One thing I’ve realised as a mortgage adviser is just how personal this job actually is. 🏡

On paper, mortgages are numbers, interest rates, lender criteria and affordability.

But when you actually speak to people, you realise it’s about so much more than that.

It might be someone trying to buy their first home after years of saving, a family wanting somewhere with a bit more space, or someone who simply wants to know if moving home is even possible.

Sometimes people come to me worried about their credit history or convinced they won’t be able to get a mortgage.

Being able to sit down with them, look at everything properly and give them a clearer idea of where they stand is probably one of the parts of the job I enjoy most.

And it doesn’t always end with me saying “Great, let’s apply for a mortgage.”

Sometimes the answer is that now isn’t quite the right time. But even then, I can hopefully give someone a plan and help them understand what they can do to put themselves in a better position.

That’s a big part of why I wanted to be a mortgage adviser.

For me, mortgages are my job. But for the person I’m speaking to, it could be one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll make.

I never want to forget that.

I genuinely enjoy what I do, and if I can make a living helping people understand their options and hopefully make some pretty big things happen in their lives, I’ll be very happy with that. 🏡

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

”What does a mortgage broker actually do when they're not talking to clients?" 🏡Quite a lot, as it turns out! 😂A big par...
26/08/2026

”What does a mortgage broker actually do when they're not talking to clients?" 🏡

Quite a lot, as it turns out! 😂

A big part of my job happens behind the scenes.

When I'm researching a mortgage, I'm not simply looking for the lender offering the lowest interest rate.

I'm looking at affordability, lender criteria, income, existing commitments, credit history, the property itself and, importantly, what the client actually wants to achieve.

Two people with the same income and deposit can have completely different mortgage options depending on their circumstances.

That's where the research comes in.

It might mean comparing different lenders, digging into their criteria, running affordability calculations or speaking directly with a lender before deciding which route looks most suitable.

The lowest rate on a comparison table isn't much use if the lender isn't right for your circumstances.

Finding the right fit is the important bit.

So while the client conversations are probably the most visible part of what I do, there's usually plenty happening in the background too.

If you're buying, moving home or remortgaging and you'd like some help working through your options, feel free to get in touch.

📍 Bournemouth & Dorset
💻 Appointments available remotely across the UK

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

🏡 You don't need to be ready to apply for a mortgage before speaking to a broker.I think this is something that's easily...
25/08/2026

🏡 You don't need to be ready to apply for a mortgage before speaking to a broker.

I think this is something that's easily misunderstood.

A lot of the conversations I have aren't with people who are ready to make an offer on a house tomorrow.

Sometimes it's someone wondering whether they could afford to move next year.

Sometimes they're worried about their credit history.

Sometimes they're trying to work out how much deposit they'll need.

And sometimes they just want to know, “What do I need to do over the next 6–12 months to put myself in the best position?”

That's actually a big part of what I do.

I'd much rather have a conversation early and help someone understand their options than have them wait until they've found the perfect property before discovering something they could have dealt with months earlier.

So if buying or moving home is somewhere on your horizon — even if it's not happening just yet — you're always welcome to have an initial chat.

And yes, I do occasionally leave the laptop and get some Bournemouth sea air! 😂

📍 Bournemouth & Dorset
💻 Appointments available remotely across the UK

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

🏠 Think past credit problems mean you can't get a mortgage?Not necessarily.Missed payments, defaults or a CCJ can affect...
25/08/2026

🏠 Think past credit problems mean you can't get a mortgage?

Not necessarily.

Missed payments, defaults or a CCJ can affect your mortgage options, but they don't automatically mean that getting a mortgage is impossible.

Lenders can look at things such as how long ago the issue occurred, the amount involved, whether it's been settled and how you've managed your credit since.

And importantly, different lenders have different criteria.

So if you're thinking about buying or moving but you're worried about something on your credit file, don't automatically assume the answer will be no.

Feel free to get in touch for an initial chat and we can look at your circumstances.

📍 Bournemouth & Dorset
💻 Appointments available remotely across the UK

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

🏡 Thinking about your next move?Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move somewhere new, remortgage, or simply...
22/08/2026

🏡 Thinking about your next move?

Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move somewhere new, remortgage, or simply want to understand what your options look like, I'm always happy to have an initial chat.

I'm a local mortgage adviser based here in Bournemouth, helping people across Dorset and further afield with their mortgage and protection needs.

Sometimes the best place to start is simply finding out what's possible.

📩 Feel free to drop me a message if you'd like a chat.

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

🏡 Thinking about moving home?You don't need to wait until you've found the house before looking at your mortgage options...
17/08/2026

🏡 Thinking about moving home?

You don't need to wait until you've found the house before looking at your mortgage options.

Having a chat earlier can help you understand things like:

• Roughly how much you may be able to borrow
• What your monthly payments could look like
• How much equity you might have to put towards the next property
• Whether there are any potential issues worth dealing with beforehand

It means that when the right property does come along, you're already a little more prepared.

If you're considering a move - even if it's still a few months away - feel free to get in touch for an initial chat.

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

🏡 First-time buyers: Freehold vs Leasehold — what’s the difference?If you’re scrolling through property listings, you’ve...
11/08/2026

🏡 First-time buyers: Freehold vs Leasehold — what’s the difference?

If you’re scrolling through property listings, you’ve probably seen the words freehold and leasehold… but what do they actually mean?

In simple terms 👇

🏠 Freehold – you own the property and the land it sits on.

🏢 Leasehold – you own the property for the remaining term of the lease, but not usually the land or building it sits within.

Leasehold is particularly common with flats, and there can be a few extra things to consider, such as the length of the lease, service charges and the terms of the lease.

It doesn’t mean you should automatically rule out a leasehold property — it just means it’s important to understand exactly what you’re buying.

Buying your first home can come with a lot of unfamiliar terminology, so never be afraid to ask questions. There really is no such thing as a silly question when you’re making such a big decision!

If you’re thinking about buying your first home and want to understand your mortgage options, feel free to get in touch. 😊

📍 Bournemouth & Dorset
🏡 Home appointments available locally

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

🍻 Local recommendation – Old Parlour SpetisburyHad a really nice Saturday evening at Old Parlour in Spetisbury.It’s a gr...
10/08/2026

🍻 Local recommendation – Old Parlour Spetisbury

Had a really nice Saturday evening at Old Parlour in Spetisbury.

It’s a great local spot with a really friendly, community feel, a good selection of drinks and different food pop-ups on Saturday evenings. They regularly have live music too!!

It’s also just a short stroll from the river, so perfect for a lovely riverside walk before stopping in for a drink and something to eat.

Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

Always nice to support brilliant independent local businesses around Dorset. 🙌

07/08/2026

Buying your first home? 🏡

One of the biggest myths I hear is that you need a 20% deposit before you can get a mortgage.

The reality is that many first-time buyers are able to purchase with a 5% deposit, although the amount you'll need depends on your individual circumstances and the lender's criteria.

Saving a larger deposit can often give you access to a wider choice of mortgage products, but don't assume home ownership is out of reach without speaking to a mortgage adviser first.

If you're wondering how much deposit you might need, or whether you're ready to buy your first home, I'd be happy to talk you through your options.

📍Based in Bournemouth & Dorset

📩 Feel free to get in touch if you'd like to discuss your options.

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

📍 Local Area Spotlight – Southbourne (SOBO)This week I spent some time exploring Southbourne, affectionately known by ma...
05/08/2026

📍 Local Area Spotlight – Southbourne (SOBO)
This week I spent some time exploring Southbourne, affectionately known by many locals as SOBO.
It doesn't take long to see why it's one of the most sought-after places to live in Bournemouth. From the independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants to the beautiful beach just a short stroll away, Southbourne has a fantastic atmosphere and a real sense of community.
Whether you're grabbing a coffee, browsing the local shops or enjoying a walk along the clifftop, it's easy to see why so many people choose to call this place home.
If you're thinking about buying or moving to Southbourne, you'll also find some brilliant local professionals who are passionate about helping people move, from estate agents and solicitors to the many independent businesses that make the area so special.
As a local mortgage adviser, I love getting out and discovering the communities where my clients are looking to buy. If you're planning a move to Southbourne and would like to chat about the mortgage side of your purchase, I'd be delighted to help.
A big thank you to some of the local businesses featured during my visit today:
📍 Richard Godsell Estate Agents
📍 Mr Green Estate Agents Southbourne
📍 Matthew & Matthew Limited Solicitors
📍 Syds Slaps
Have I missed your favourite Southbourne spot? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for somewhere new to visit on my next trip!
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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Wareham
BH19 3

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