Mortgage services
Securing the right mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make
Whether you’re purchasing your first home, expanding your property portfolio, or approaching the end of your current mortgage term, our in-house team at Davidson Deem team bring decades of specialist expertise.
We can help you understand the nuances of your financial profile and provide bespoke advice to help you access the most competitive and appropriate lending solutions.
“A mortgage is more than a loan – it’s a key part of your financial future.”
Brian Keane
Mortgages Director
Optimising mortgage costs
Criteria
- Optimising Loan-to-value thresholds
- Affordability
- Additional security1
- Fixed vs. tracker rates
- Arrangement fees
- Other conditions2
- Interest rate
- Criteria enhancements
- Rate monitoring3
Optimisation potential
(in % points)
Up to 1%
Up to 0.5%
Up to 0.5%
Criteria
- Optimising Loan-to-value thresholds
- Affordability
- Additional security1
Optimisation potential
(in % points)
Up to 1%
Criteria
- Fixed vs. tracker rates
- Arrangement fees
- Other conditions2
Optimisation potential
(in % points)
Up to 0.5%
Criteria
- Interest rate
- Criteria enhancements
- Rate monitoring3
Optimisation potential
(in % points)
Up to 0.5%
1 E.g. (Parental) joint borrower or deposit contribution
2 E.g. Early repayment charges
3 Between mortgage offer and completion during periods of falling interest rates
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Advice on your investments
Getting a mortgage
How much can I borrow?Mortgage lenders typically lend up to 4.5× an applicant’s income, but this may not take all earnings – such as bonuses – into account. Typically, the larger the deposit, the better the mortgage rate (up to a point), which in turn means lower monthly repayments and better affordability. Some lenders will now consider lending up to 5.5x an applicant’s income depending on income levels and your occupation.
The loan-to-value (LTV) measures the outstanding mortgage amount against the market value of your home or property, with the difference being your equity. Market-leading mortgage rates are normally available for LTVs of 60% or below.
Important: As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up with the mortgage repayments.
Reducing costs
How can I lower monthly payments?The lower the loan-to-value (LTV), the better the mortgage rate (up to a point), which leads to lower monthly payments. You could appeal a lender’s valuation if you have made significant home improvements, as this may lower the LTV.
If you are remortgaging you may be able to lengthen the mortgage term and reduce monthly repayments. This requires a full lender review of your finances. You could potentially choose to keep repayments at the same level as before, for a budgeting cushion. If needs be, you could reduce repayments to the minimum level. Interest-only mortgages are also a way to keep monthly mortgage payments in check. An experienced, impartial adviser can assess your options.
First-time buyers
How can I help children onto the property ladder?High house prices and surging living costs are making it increasingly tough for first-time buyers to save enough for a deposit and meet affordability requirements. Minimum deposits usually start at around 10% of a property’s value, but many first-time buyers pay 15% (a higher deposit can secure a more favourable mortgage rate).
Parents or grandparents may be able to help children/grandchildren onto the property ladder in a number of ways. This can include gifting (which can also reduce inheritance tax liabilities), a parental loan, a joint borrower/sole proprietor mortgage, and disciplined investing within tax-efficient junior ISAs.
Timing your mortgage offer
How soon should I address my mortgage rate ending?Early planning is advisable. You can normally secure a deal up to three to six months in advance. If you don’t act in time, you could end up on expensive standard variable rates.
Remortgaging may take a couple of months, although it is significantly quicker if you are switching to a new mortgage rate with your current lender.
A good mortgage broker can often find you a cheaper rate and monitor the locked-in rate for favourable movements before your rate is due to start.
Interest-only
Should I consider an interest-only mortgage?Since an interest-only mortgage focusses on paying off interest, as opposed to the actual debt, the monthly repayments work out significantly cheaper. Given that an interest-only mortgage requires you to pay a lump sum by the end of the mortgage term, you need to be in a financial position to save of invest enough during the mortgage term in order to pay it off.
You should therefore consider an interest-only mortgage if you have a high level of equity and a strong financial plan that ensures you’re in a good position to pay off the full amount by the time the mortgage term ends.
Factsheets
Articles
Our offering
First-time buyers
We guide first-time buyers through every step of the mortgage process, helping them secure the right deal and understand their options with clear, friendly advice tailored to their budget and future plans.
Purchases
Whether upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, we find competitive mortgage solutions for all types of property purchases, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience from offer to completion.
Remortgages
We help clients remortgage to save money, release equity, or switch lenders—offering expert advice to find better rates and terms that suit changing financial needs.
Buy-to-let
We support individual or limited company landlords with tailored buy-to-let mortgage options, from first-time investors to portfolio owners, helping maximise rental returns and navigate lending criteria with ease.
Equity release
We offer trusted equity release advice for homeowners aged 55+, unlocking tax-free cash from property while ensuring long-term financial security and peace of mind.
How we can support you
Offer
Mortgage
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When to speak to a mortgage adviser
- Buying your first home: Get clear on your budget and options.
- Remortgaging: Find a better rate before your deal ends.
- Moving home: Ensure your mortgage fits your new plans.
- Self-employed or complex income: Access tailored advice.
- Investing in property: Explore buy-to-let or portfolio financing.
