MORTgAGES

MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS FOR first-time buyers, HOMEOWNERS AND PROPERTY INVESTORS

• How much can I borrow?

• What will it cost?

• How do I remortgage my current home?

• What information do I need to get a mortgage?

• What do first-time buyers need to know?

do you have mortgage questions we can help answer?

Mortgage & Protection advice tailored to YOU. Stratton Thorpe Mortgage Solutions is an Oxfordshire-based mortgage and protection ​broker with over 85 years of property industry experience. We help homeowners and investors to smooth the process of securing ​their ​next mortgage. With this in mind, we put YOU at the heart of everything we do.

Save YOU time

We look after the complete mortgage process for you, including all application paperwork and admin - for instance, ​liaising​ ​with your lender, solicitors, estate agent, or new home builders. 

Save YOU money

We search from a comprehensive range of mortgage lenders and insurance products based on an analysis of a number of insurers, including exclusive products. As a result, you could potentially save over your mortgage term or protection product.

Save YOU stress

We liaise with all parties in your application to keep the process smooth, stress-free and prevent delays. In other words, you can relax knowing everything is under control. 

Furthermore, our support doesn't end with your mortgage completion. We continue to help our clients for the long term and commit to helping you find suitable borrowing and protection solutions as your life and needs evolve.  

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

Stratton Thorpe Mortgage Solutions will:

• Make the whole process of securing your mortgage as smooth and straightforward as possible

• Find lenders and mortgage rates to suit YOU

• Explain fully the mortgage options available

• Provide a full ‘Advice and Recommendation’ service

• Keep you updated at each key stage of your transaction

MORTGAGES WE CAN OFFER

We search from​ a comprehensive range of lenders​ with access to exclusive products, including:

*This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.

Different types of mortgages explained

Please visit our Glossary page for mortgage and protection terms, words, products, and phrases to help you understand your options.

ABOUT STRATTON THORPE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS

As a broker without bias to any specific lenders, our primary commitment is to you. We source from a comprehensive range of products to find suitable lenders and rates. As your dedicated broker and adviser, we will personally guide you through every stage of the home buying process, from first enquiry through to completion and beyond.

Free ​No-Obligation initial Consultations

We offer free no-obligation initial consultations. Based in Oxfordshire, we operate in Banbury, Brackley, Bicester, Kidlington, Oxford and all surrounding areas. We guarantee a free no-obligation​ initial​ consultation with flexible appointments to suit you and your busy lives. In short, your convenience is our priority. Whatever your preference, we offer telephone and video calls and face-to-face meetings within Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas. Thanks to remote technology, we also serve UK wide clients via telephone and video appointments. Our objective is to build up a full understanding of you and your priorities to provide a tailored borrowing solution and we are available at a time that is convenient for you.

YOUR MORTGAGE QUESTIONS ANSWERED

With over 40 years of property industry experience, we have extensive knowledge of the full range of mortgages and protection products. We’re here to share our insight with you and help make the mortgage process simple and stress-free. We have put together our most asked mortgage questions and answers for you: 

What is a mortgage broker, are they different to a mortgage adviser, consultant or advisor?

A mortgage broker is a specialist with impartial and in-depth knowledge of the market who can arrange a mortgage between you (the borrower) and a mortgage lender. We work directly with you and are able to look at a broad range of mortgage products which suit your needs. 

A mortgage adviser or mortgage consultant are simply different names for the same service, and a mortgage advisor is an American term.

What information will I need to get a mortgage?

We will need to gain a picture of your financial health, for example, your income details, any benefits, your outgoings and your personal details so we can tailor the right mortgage options to suit your individual needs.

What type of mortgage is best for me?

Everyone’s personal circumstances, needs and financial health are different. Likewise, there are a multitude of mortgage types available. For instance, fixed rates, discount rates, tracker rates, variable rates, offset mortgages and flexible mortgages. It can be quite daunting; therefore, as an unbiased mortgage broker, we consider each option's suitability and search to find you a suitable deal.

What is an agreement in principle?

In short, an agreement in principle (AIP), or decision in principle as it is also commonly known, is an agreement with a lender prior to you buying a property and applying for a mortgage. It means the lender has checked your personal details, earnings and credit history and has given their agreement to lend once you have found your perfect home. An AIP should be in place before offering on any property you are considering.

What will my mortgage payments be each month?

Your mortgage payments will depend on many factors, such as the length of the mortgage term, the type of rate you are choosing, and the amount of deposit you are putting towards the purchase.

What's the difference between a remortgage and a purchase mortgage?

A remortgage is where you already have a mortgage on your property, and you wish to secure a better rate. Alternatively, you may be nearing the end of a previous deal and want to reconsider your options.

Remortgaging can involve capital raising where you borrow extra money against your property to use towards home improvements, consolidating other debts or maybe to use for a deposit to buy another property.

A purchase mortgage is one used for the sole purpose of buying your home or property.

What do I need to consider as a first-time buyer?

Buying your first home is a big deal. We completely understand your excitement and equally your worries. We guide you through the process from first enquiry through to completion. We will consider the size of your deposit, your credit history, as well as your income and outgoings. You will have a number of key decisions to make, such as the mortgage scheme you want, the term you have the mortgage over, your borrowing potential, to name a few. If you speak to a mortgage broker in the first instance, we can explain fully the costs involved and what options are open to you to get onto the property ladder.

Can I get a mortgage if I am retired?

Yes, you can. There are many options available for people who may be receiving pension income solely or who are soon to retire. As lifestyles change, people live longer, many with mortgage needs; these options can be beneficial for buying a home or remortgaging to raise capital from your home.

How does my credit history affect me getting a mortgage?

Your previous and current credit is an essential factor in lenders' decisions regarding whether they will give you a mortgage. However, don't be put off if you have some history of missed payments, defaults or any other adverse credit in your background. A broker will often ask for a copy of your current credit report to steer you towards the most appropriate lenders and suitable schemes.

How do I apply for a mortgage? 

In the first instance, a good place to start is to speak to a mortgage broker. We help talk you through all the costs involved and the things you need to consider before deciding.

How much deposit do I need for my first mortgage? 

The amount of deposit will affect the interest rate and the choice of lenders we source for you. Deposits required range from 5% upwards depending on the specific schemes; however, there are options available to first time buyers with family assisted deposits.

How much can I borrow? 

The amount you can borrow will depend on many factors; your income and your outgoings will be the main things to consider here. Other factors to consider, such as your credit history, size of your deposit, or whether you have dependents, are just a few of the considerations. Each lender can have a different way of calculating your borrowing, and this is where we can help find you a suitable mortgage product. 

Are there any other costs included in my mortgage?

There are costs associated with a mortgage, such as arrangement, booking fees and also valuation fees on the property you are looking to buy. These can sometimes be avoided, and there are many ways to reduce these costs. By speaking to us, we can talk you through every fee involved, so you are fully informed from the outset.

Do I need a solicitor for my purchase or remortgage? 

Yes, you do. A solicitor who deals solely with house buying transactions is called a conveyancer. We can help you source the right solicitor/conveyancer who is priced correctly for your budget and can work at the appropriate speed and availability for you.

How long can I borrow for? 

The length of your mortgage term will generally be determined by your age; thus, there is no strict rule as to the length of term you choose for your mortgage. That said, each lender will have a maximum number of years. The term will be chosen to fit the mortgage payments within an agreed budget. It is possible to have a mortgage past retirement age, providing your income is sufficient to pay the monthly payments. We can help you to decide on the term that fits with your needs.

How much stamp duty will I pay for my first mortgage?

There are several rate bands for Stamp Duty. The tax is calculated on the part of the property purchase price falling within each band. We can cover this with you entirely, so you know the stamp duty costs to expect.

Additional Services offered

Here at Stratton Thorpe Mortgage Solutions, we offer our clients a holistic service and can act as introducers for several related services, for instance:

• Conveyancing / Solicitors

• Wills / Estate planning

• Property surveys

• Equity release

Equity Release refers to home reversion plans and lifetime mortgages. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.

The FCA does not regulate solicitors, wills, property surveys and some forms of estate planning and bridging loans.

client reviews

Many of our clients come to us through personal recommendation from their friends, family, and colleagues. We believe this illustrates our consistent commitment to excellence and fully tailored advice.