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

Moving home is exciting. It’s also incredibly stressful.I saw an article this week about the number of people expected t...
25/08/2026

Moving home is exciting. It’s also incredibly stressful.
I saw an article this week about the number of people expected to move house on Friday 28 August.
Nearly 23,000 households are expected to move that day – almost four times the daily average.

For us at Custom Mortgage and Finance, the summer is always one of our busiest periods. We're working hard behind the scenes to keep everything moving, while also constantly tracking mortgage rates right up to the last possible moment to make sure our clients have access to the best deal available to them at the time.

But there's another side to moving home that doesn't always get talked about.
The stress.

By the time completion day arrives, we've done much of our work. The mortgage is arranged, the paperwork is in place and the funds are being prepared.

But for our clients, that's when the reality of the move really hits.
Waiting for the solicitor to confirm that the funds have arrived.

Handing over the keys to their old home.

Waiting to collect the keys to their new one.
And somewhere in amongst all of that, there's usually a house full of boxes, a removal van to coordinate and a hundred other things to think about!

Research from Legal & General found that 57% of people surveyed ranked moving house as the most stressful life event – even above getting married or going through a divorce.
I can understand why.

Buying a home is a huge financial commitment, but moving is also a huge life change.
Our job isn't just about arranging a mortgage.
It's about keeping the stress to a minimum, keeping our clients informed and making sure communication between everyone involved keeps flowing.

We can't pack the boxes or carry the sofa.
But we can make sure that when the solicitor finally makes that call and says “completion has taken place”, our clients know that the mortgage side is taken care of.

And then it's time for the really important bit…
Collecting those keys. 🔑

Good luck to everyone moving home over the next few weeks – and remember, if it feels stressful, you're certainly not alone!


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

We're really pleased to welcome Louise Overthrow to our Windsor office this week.Louise has joined us as our new Client ...
11/08/2026

We're really pleased to welcome Louise Overthrow to our Windsor office this week.

Louise has joined us as our new Client Onboarding Administrator and is now getting stuck into her training programme.

As the business continues to grow, one of the things that matters most to us is making sure that growth doesn't come at the expense of the customer experience.

In fact, quite the opposite.

The customer is the most important person in the whole process.

Louise's role will be to work alongside our clients and advisers, helping to make sure that communication is clear, information is captured correctly and, importantly, that every new client gets the same high level of service from the moment they join us.

We've built our reputation around providing a 5-star service, and maintaining that standard as we grow requires continued investment in the people behind the business.

That's why bringing Louise into the team is an important step for us.

It's not simply about having another person in the office.

It's about making sure we have the right structure and the right people in place to give our clients the experience they deserve.

Louise is at the beginning of her journey with us, but she's already settling in well and we're looking forward to seeing her develop in the role.

Welcome to the team, Louise.

We're very pleased to have you with us.

Using Company Profits to Invest in Property – Where Do You Start?I've been speaking to more business owners recently who...
03/08/2026

Using Company Profits to Invest in Property – Where Do You Start?

I've been speaking to more business owners recently who are in a similar position.

Their business has built up healthy post-tax profits, the money is sitting in the bank earning very little, and they're asking the question:

"Could we use some of this to invest in property?"

In many cases, the answer may involve setting up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to purchase the property, with funding introduced from the trading company through an intercompany loan, alongside the right mortgage finance.

Every situation is different, and it's essential to involve your accountant from the outset to make sure the structure is right.

From my perspective, the first question isn't, "What property do you want to buy?"

It's, "How much surplus cash does the business actually have?"

Once we know that, we can start building a picture of what you may be able to borrow and whether a Buy to Let, Commercial or Residential investment mortgage is the right solution.

Too many people start looking at properties before they understand their borrowing capacity.

I'd rather help you understand what's possible first, so you can search with confidence.

If you're running a successful business and are thinking about putting surplus company profits to work through property investment, I'd be happy to have an initial conversation.

Disclaimer: This post is for general information only and should not be taken as tax, legal or financial advice. The suitability of any structure will depend on your individual circumstances. Always seek advice from your accountant and solicitor before proceeding. Mortgage lending is subject to status, affordability and lender criteria.

What Happens Behind the Scenes When You Apply for a Mortgage? – Part 2Most buyers think the hard work is over once they'...
14/07/2026

What Happens Behind the Scenes When You Apply for a Mortgage? – Part 2
Most buyers think the hard work is over once they've received their Decision in Principle (DIP).

In reality, that's when another important stage begins.

Once you've found your dream home, your mortgage adviser doesn't simply send the property details to the lender and hope for the best. A significant amount of research takes place behind the scenes to ensure the property is suitable and meets the lender's criteria.

Our team carefully reviews factors including:
✔️ EPC rating
✔️ Construction type
✔️ Flood risk
✔️ Local area and demographics
✔️ Google Street View
✔️ Crime statistics
✔️ Nearby commercial properties
✔️ Owner occupier vs Buy to Let ratios (for flats)
✔️ Floor level restrictions
✔️ And many other lender-specific requirements.
The aim is simple: identify any potential issues before the lender does and give your application the best possible chance of receiving a Mortgage Offer.

Most clients never see this work taking place—but it's one of the reasons why having an experienced mortgage adviser can make such a difference.

Read Part 2 of our Behind the Scenes series on our website and discover what really happens after your Decision in Principle is approved.

What happens behind the scenes when you apply for a mortgage? (Part 1: You, the applicant)When people think about applyi...
30/06/2026

What happens behind the scenes when you apply for a mortgage? (Part 1: You, the applicant)

When people think about applying for a mortgage, they usually picture viewings, offers and getting the keys.

But before an application is even submitted, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.
A mortgage journey really has two parts:

The applicant

The property

This post is all about the first stage — you.

When a new client comes onboard, my team and I start by getting everything in place before approaching lenders.

That process typically includes:

✔️ Providing our Terms of Business for review and signature

✔️ Carrying out identity verification (IDV) and KYC checks for anti-money laundering purposes

✔️ Collecting proof of income

✔️ Reviewing existing credit commitments and financial commitments

✔️ Completing an affordability assessment based on individual circumstances

Once we have that information, we can assess which lenders may be prepared to lend based on their criteria and identify suitable options.

The next step is issuing an offer letter and arranging a Decision in Principle (DIP), giving clients a clearer understanding of their borrowing position before they begin searching seriously.

A lot of people think the mortgage application starts once they find a property.

In reality, some of the most important work happens before that stage.

Next time, I’ll talk about what happens once a property has been found — and the checks that happen behind the scenes before a lender makes their final decision.



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

“You’ve protected the house… but have you protected the plan?” You’ve just bought a new home. Or perhaps you’ve recently...
16/06/2026

“You’ve protected the house… but have you protected the plan?”
You’ve just bought a new home. Or perhaps you’ve recently remortgaged and increased your borrowing.

The mortgage is sorted, the keys are within reach, and it feels like the hard work is finally done.
But there is one vital conversation that often gets pushed aside during the excitement: protection.

If your mortgage debt has increased, or your monthly outgoings have changed, it is well worth asking yourself a few key questions:
Would your current life cover still be enough to clear the balance? If your income stopped unexpectedly due to illness or injury, how long could you sustain the repayments? Has your family situation evolved since you last reviewed your cover?

Putting protection in place isn’t about expecting the worst — it’s about ensuring that the people you care about most have options and security if life takes an unexpected turn.

Depending on your circumstances, safeguarding your plan might look like:
✔️ Life cover to clear the debt. ✔️ Critical illness cover to provide a financial cushion when it's needed most. ✔️ Income protection to cover monthly outgoings. ✔️ Simply reviewing existing policies to make sure they are still fit for purpose, rather than starting from scratch.

A new mortgage or a remortgage is the ideal trigger to check whether your financial protection still matches your real-world commitments.

Which is exactly why I want to introduce you to Gill!
Gill is our fantastic new Independent Protection Adviser here at Custom Mortgage and Finance. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, she is an absolute expert at tailoring the right safety net for your needs.

Once you receive your formal mortgage offer, Gill will be your first point of call to guide you through these options, review what you already have, and make sure your new home is fully safeguarded.

When was the last time you reviewed yours?
If you want to ensure your plans are fully protected, feel free to drop me a message, or look out for a call from Gill once your offer is in!

"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.

Address

Windsor
SL44PZ

Opening Hours

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

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+441753358007

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