Custom Mortgages & Finance

Custom Mortgages & Finance Custom Mortgages is here to help find the right mortgage for you. We specialise in residential & BTL

CM Finance Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Connect IFA Limited 441505 which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register (https://register.fca.org.uk/s/) under reference 970470. The FCA does not regulate some forms of Business Buy to Let Mortgages and Commercial Mortgages to Limited Companies. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

"Why do I need a solicitor? I’m not moving house!"Earlier this year, a new client was referred to me, and it really high...
02/06/2026

"Why do I need a solicitor? I’m not moving house!"

Earlier this year, a new client was referred to me, and it really highlighted a common misconception about the remortgage process.

Back in June 2021, he had managed to buy his very first home in Berkshire. He’d stayed at home with his family until he was 28, saved incredibly hard, and also benefited from his mum releasing equity from her own property sale to help him out. Landing his first home when interest rates were at historic lows was a dream start.

Fast forward to late last year. We always encourage our clients to start the conversation with us at least 7 months before their current deal ends. This gives us plenty of time to review what their existing lender is offering and shop the market to lock in a competitive rate early.

By January, we had successfully secured a new rate with a new provider. Even better, we structured the deal to include additional borrowing so he could fund an extension and upgrade the home he loves.

But then came the hurdle.

When I explained the next steps, he was deeply concerned about why we were asking him to engage a solicitor. His logic made total sense: "Toby, I'm not moving home, so why do I need a lawyer?" Like many homeowners, he completely associated solicitors with moving boxes.

I talked him through the reality of remortgaging. When you switch to a completely new lender, you are legally replacing one massive financial charge on your property with another. Because it’s a brand-new legal contract, a solicitor is mandatory to check the deeds, request the final payoff from the old lender, safely transfer the funds, and update the HM Land Registry.

Whether you opt for the lender’s chosen legal team or appoint your own independent solicitor, that legal process has to happen.

The great news? We are now in June, and his new 5-year fixed provider is officially taking over this month. His extension plans are green-lit, his rate is secure, and most importantly, he now has the knowledge and confidence for when his next remortgage comes around in a few years' time.

If your fixed rate is due to expire in the next 7 months, don't wait until the last minute. Let's start the conversation early so we can secure your rate and guide you seamlessly through the entire finance and legal process.


YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR LOANS

National headlines vs. Local reality: What’s really happening with mortgage demand in Windsor?A recent article by What M...
22/05/2026

National headlines vs. Local reality: What’s really happening with mortgage demand in Windsor?

A recent article by What Mortgage highlighted a massive national trend: demand for tracker and variable-rate mortgages has officially doubled across the UK. (Read the full piece here: https://www.whatmortgage.co.uk/home-buying/news-home-buying/demand-for-tracker-and-variable-mortgages-doubles/)

The national logic makes sense. Borrowers are looking for flexibility, avoiding Early Repayment Charges (ERCs), and betting that the Bank of England base rate will drop in the near future.

But as an independent mortgage adviser based on the ground in Windsor, my day-to-day conversations with clients are telling a very different story. In our Windsor office, this pivot to trackers isn’t happening. Instead, our local buyers and homeowners are still overwhelmingly choosing the certainty of a fixed-rate mortgage. Why the disconnect between the national headlines and our local Berkshire market? It comes down to two major factors:

Higher Asset Values: Windsor is a premium property market. When you are managing a larger mortgage balance, even a minor fluctuation in the base rate can cause a massive jump in your monthly outgoings. The Premium on Certainty: Whether it's families moving nearer to Windsor or professionals commuting into London, local borrowers value long-term budgeting. For them, the peace of mind that comes with a fixed monthly payment outweighs the gamble of a tracker.

There is no such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" mortgage.

What this contrast proves is that what works for a buyer in Manchester or Birmingham might be completely wrong for you in Windsor. This is exactly why we provide every single prospect with a comprehensive, whole-of-market review.

As independent brokers, we aren't tied to a single high-street bank. We look at thousands of deals across the entire market—fixed, tracker, and niche lenders alike—to find the specific product that aligns with your risk appetite and financial goals.

Whether you want to follow the national trend into a variable rate or secure long-term stability with a fix, don't just follow the headlines. Get the data for your specific situation.

Are you reviewing your mortgage options this quarter? Let’s connect for a full market review tailored to your property and your plans.

Your Mortgage Journey Starts Sooner Than You Think Whether you’ve just landed your first job at 18 or you’re planning a ...
05/05/2026

Your Mortgage Journey Starts Sooner Than You Think
Whether you’ve just landed your first job at 18 or you’re planning a remortgage, there is one number that holds the keys to your front door: your credit score.
At Custom Mortgage and Finance, we see many people wait until they’ve found their dream home before checking their credit. By then, it can sometimes be too late to fix simple errors.

The Digital Footprint
Your credit score is essentially a financial diary. From your mobile phone contract to every online credit search, the "Big Three" agencies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—are watching.
Our Top Tip: We use CheckMyFile. It’s the best way to see exactly what all three agencies are saying about you in one place, ensuring there are no nasty surprises when you apply.

Start Early
If you are 18+ or just starting your career, start building your "track record" now. Small, regular payments made on time and in full are the best way to prove to lenders that you are a safe bet.

Dealing with "Bruised" Credit?
Life happens. If you’ve had a poor credit history, please don't let it put you off.
We have a specialist in our team, Lee, who dedicated to helping clients with complex credit backgrounds. While it might mean looking beyond the high-street lenders or initially paying a slightly higher interest rate, we can often find a path forward.
is
If your situation is difficult right now, we will work with you to improve your rating so you can reach your goals in the future.

The "Wait and See" Re-Mortgage Trap If you are a homeowner with a mortgage deal ending in 2026, the standard "three-mont...
21/04/2026

The "Wait and See" Re-Mortgage Trap

If you are a homeowner with a mortgage deal ending in 2026, the standard "three-month notice" from your lender is no longer your best friend.

At Custom Mortgages and Finance, we are seeing a clear trend: the clients who act 7 months in advance are the ones securing the most stability.

Why re-mortgage early?

Rate Protection: Most lenders allow you to secure a new rate up to 6 months before your current one ends. Think of it as a "safety net"—if rates climb due to global volatility, your lower rate is already locked in.

Avoid the "Market Shock": We started 2026 with a downward trend, but as the recent situation in the Middle East has shown, the market can pivot in a heartbeat. Waiting until the last minute leaves you vulnerable to whatever is happening in the news that week.

Time for a Full Review: Re-mortgaging isn't just about the rate; it’s about your circumstances. If you've changed jobs, become self-employed, or seen a change in income, we need that extra time to find the right lender who fits your new life.

The Reality Check: We spoke with a homeowner this week who waited for their lender’s 3-month renewal letter. By the time they called us to compare the market, the global economic shift had already pushed available rates higher. Had we acted 3 months earlier, the saving would have been significant.

Don't wait for the letter. Let us do the heavy lifting now.



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

Why "Waiting and Seeing" is a Risky Strategy for Homeowners.With interest rates seeing another uptick this month, the mo...
07/04/2026

Why "Waiting and Seeing" is a Risky Strategy for Homeowners.
With interest rates seeing another uptick this month, the mortgage landscape is moving faster than ever. If your fixed-rate deal is due to expire in 2026, the decisions you make today will directly impact your family’s financial security for years to come.

I recently worked with a fantastic couple in their 30s who are the perfect example of why proactive advice beats "market watching" every time.

The Story: Beating the Rate Rise
This family—a dad in construction and a mum balancing a hybrid role in London—originally bought their home in June 2021 when rates were at historic lows. They knew their 5-year fixed deal was set to end in June 2026.
Instead of waiting for the bank's "renewal reminder" in the spring, they sat down with Toby in early December 2025—six months ahead of time.

The Result:
By working closely with Toby, they navigated the market before the April hikes took hold. Toby secured a competitive rate with a high-street lender that is now locked in and will hold until their current deal expires.
Despite the recent volatility, they have total peace of mind knowing their monthly outgoings are protected for the next few years.

The Power of Choice
Why did this work? Because at Custom Mortgages and Finance, we aren't limited to one bank's criteria. We have access to a panel of over 200 lenders.

Whether you are self-employed, a contractor, or have a complex hybrid income, our network allows us to: Find the specific lender that fits your life. Pivot quickly as rates change. Secure deals before they are withdrawn from the market.

Don’t leave your mortgage to chance. The six-month window to secure your next rate is either open or opening very soon. Let us do the heavy lifting and find the security your family deserves.

Ready to lock in your future? Message me directly or contact the team today:
📞 01753 358007 📧 [email protected]
www.custommortgages.co.uk

Thinking of remortgaging in 2026? Here is what you need to know! The Bank of England just announced they are keeping int...
24/03/2026

Thinking of remortgaging in 2026? Here is what you need to know!

The Bank of England just announced they are keeping interest rates where they are for March. While that sounds like "no news," there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that could affect your monthly payments!

What is "Trumpflation"? It sounds like a buzzword, but it’s affecting your mortgage! It’s the term used for how US economic changes are pushing up global prices. Combined with the unsettled situation in the Middle East, it means some big UK banks are getting a little nervous and raising their rates slightly—even though the Bank of England didn't!

What should you do? Don't wait for the "perfect" time—in this market, the perfect time is usually "now."

If your current deal ends this year, get in touch with the team at Custom Mortgages and Finance. We can scan the market and navigate you through these tricky times and make sure that before your mortgage completes, you are on the best possible rate.

📩 Message us for a quick chat or tag a friend who is moving house soon!



https://custommortgages.co.uk/

"Would strongly recommend them"Another 5-star Google review from one of our many happy customers! 😊
30/06/2023

"Would strongly recommend them"

Another 5-star Google review from one of our many happy customers! 😊

When was the last time you reviewed your mortgage?You could be saving £££’s per month.Email or call us, or better still ...
26/06/2023

When was the last time you reviewed your mortgage?

You could be saving £££’s per month.

Email or call us, or better still pop into our Old Windsor branch, and we will do the research for you!

We would love to meet you 😊

YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

Think carefully before securing any other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage

"Excellent professional service "Another 5-star Google review from one of our many happy customers! 😊
23/06/2023

"Excellent professional service "

Another 5-star Google review from one of our many happy customers! 😊

Well done Toby! Another 5-star Google review from one of your many happy customers! 😊
19/06/2023

Well done Toby! Another 5-star Google review from one of your many happy customers! 😊

Address

Windsor
SL44PZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30am
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+441753358007

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