Specialist UK Mortgage Brokers & Protection Advisers

Clear, straightforward mortgage and insurance advice for first-time buyers, self-employed applicants, landlords, visa holders and complex cases.

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Mortgage and Insurance brokers

How It Works

Step 1 — Tell us about your plans

Complete a short enquiry or request a call back.

Step 2 — Discuss your circumstances

We assess your options based on your circumstances.

Step 3 — Review suitable options

We explain the options we can consider, including likely costs and any information needed before an application.

Step 4 — Apply with support

We help you prepare and submit an application if you decide to proceed. The lender or insurer assesses it and makes the final decision.

What Do You Need Help With?

First-Time Buyer Mortgages

Buying your first home? Understand the deposit, income evidence and steps from an agreement in principle to a full application.

Bad Credit Mortgages

Missed payments, defaults or a CCJ can affect your options. Tell us what happened and when, so an adviser can explain possible routes and the evidence a lender may need.

Self-Employed Mortgages

Sole trader, company director, contractor or CIS worker? Explore how lenders may assess your income and what records to prepare.

Buy-to-Let Mortgages

Buying or refinancing a rental property? Review the borrower, rental income, deposit or equity, costs and property before choosing a lending route.

Remortgages

Approaching the end of a deal or considering extra borrowing? Compare a product transfer with a remortgage, including fees and any early repayment charge.

Visa Mortgages

Living in the UK on a visa? Discuss your residence, income, deposit and plans. Eligibility depends on the lender and your full circumstances.

Home Insurance

Explore buildings and contents cover for your home. Check the sums insured, excesses, exclusions and optional benefits before choosing a policy.

Property Development Finance

Planning a refurbishment or development? Discuss the project, security, budget, timescale and repayment route before choosing finance.

Life Insurance

Consider cover that could help your family repay a mortgage or meet other needs if you die. Compare the term, exclusions and cost before applying.

Why Choose Count Ready?

We start with your plans and circumstances, explain the routes we can consider, the costs and the evidence needed, then support an application if you choose to proceed. The lender or insurer makes the final decision.

Specialist mortgage brokers
Mortgage brokers and protection advisers

Let's Talk About You

What happens when you enquire

Tell us what you are trying to do and what may make the application less straightforward. An adviser can discuss possible options, explain the next steps and make any fees clear before chargeable work begins.

FAQs

Mortgage

How Much Can I Borrow?

The amount you can borrow depends on your income, spending habits, and credit history.

  • General borrowers: Most lenders offer around 4–4.5 times annual income.
  • First-time buyers: Similar rules apply, but lenders may be more cautious with affordability checks.
  • Buy-to-let investors: Loans are based on expected rental income, which usually needs to cover 125–145% of repayments.
  • Self-employed applicants: Lenders look at your last 2–3 years of accounts and tax returns.
  • Bad credit borrowers: You may still get approved but often for a lower amount.
  • Commercial mortgages: Based on business income, lease agreements, and company strength.
  • Semi-commercial mortgages: A blend of rental income and personal affordability is considered.
What Deposit Do I Need?

Deposits vary depending on the type of mortgage you’re applying for.

  • Residential buyers: Typically 5–10% of the property value.
  • First-time buyers: Minimum 5% with help from government schemes available.
  • Buy-to-let landlords: At least 20–25% is standard.
  • Self-employed borrowers: Often 10–20%.
  • Bad credit applicants: Expect to put down 15–25%.
  • Commercial properties: Usually require 25–40%.
  • Semi-commercial properties: Deposits tend to be 20–30%.
What Interest Rate Will I Pay?

Interest rates depend on the size of your deposit, your credit profile, and the type of mortgage.

  • General borrowers: Bigger deposits often mean cheaper rates.
  • First-time buyers: Better rates come with higher deposits.
  • Buy-to-let mortgages: Rates are typically higher than standard home loans.
  • Self-employed applicants: Rates are competitive if your income is stable.
  • Bad credit cases: Rates will be higher, but specialist lenders can help.
  • Commercial deals: Usually higher than residential and often linked to the Bank of England base rate.
  • Semi-commercial mortgages: Rates tend to sit between residential and commercial levels.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage?
  • Residential mortgages: 4–8 weeks from application to offer.
  • First-time buyers: Around 6–8 weeks, depending on how quickly paperwork is supplied.
  • Buy-to-let: Around 6–8 weeks, sometimes longer for rental checks.
  • Self-employed: May take longer if lenders request additional financial evidence.
  • Bad credit: Often takes extra time due to detailed checks.
  • Commercial: 8–12 weeks, as valuations and legal processes are more complex.
  • Semi-commercial: Slightly quicker than commercial, but slower than residential.
What Fees Should I Expect?

Fees can add up, so always check the full cost of a mortgage.

  • Residential buyers: Arrangement, valuation, and legal fees are common.
  • First-time buyers: Some lenders offer cashback or waive certain fees.
  • Buy-to-let landlords: Arrangement fees are usually higher than residential loans.
  • Self-employed: Standard fees apply, though complex cases may cost more.
  • Bad credit mortgages: Specialist lenders often charge higher fees.
  • Commercial mortgages: Expect valuation, legal, and broker fees — all typically higher.
  • Semi-commercial mortgages: Fees usually fall between residential and commercial.
Should I Choose a Fixed or Variable Rate?

Both have advantages, and the right choice depends on your situation.

  • Fixed rates: Lock in your payments, making budgeting easier.
  • Variable rates: Can be cheaper if interest rates fall but riskier if they rise.
  • First-time buyers: Fixed rates are popular for peace of mind.
  • Buy-to-let landlords: Many prefer fixed for stable rental planning.
  • Self-employed: Fixed is safer if your income fluctuates.
  • Bad credit: Fixed avoids nasty surprises with repayment hikes.
  • Commercial & semi-commercial: Businesses often favour fixed for stability, though some prefer variable for flexibility.
What Documents Will I Need?

Being organised with paperwork helps speed up approval.

  • Residential buyers: ID, proof of address, bank statements, payslips, and deposit proof.
  • First-time buyers: Similar to residential, plus evidence of savings or gifted deposits.
  • Buy-to-let: ID, income proof, deposit evidence, and rental forecasts.
  • Self-employed: 2–3 years of SA302s, accounts, and bank statements.
  • Bad credit applicants: All of the above plus explanations for past issues.
  • Commercial: Business accounts, lease agreements, cash flow forecasts, and ID.
  • Semi-commercial: A combination of both personal and business financial evidence.
Can I Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?

Yes — though it may cost more.

  • Residential buyers: Mainstream lenders may say no, but specialists exist.
  • First-time buyers: It’s possible with a larger deposit.
  • Buy-to-let landlords: Harder, but achievable if rental income is strong.
  • Self-employed: Feasible but requires careful lender matching.
  • Bad credit applicants: CCJs, defaults, and missed payments don’t rule you out — but expect stricter terms.
  • Commercial & semi-commercial: Yes, but deposits are usually larger and only certain lenders will consider it.
What Is a Mortgage in Principle?

A Mortgage in Principle (MIP) shows how much a lender may be willing to lend.

  • Residential buyers: Useful when making offers on homes.
  • First-time buyers: Often essential — estate agents ask for it.
  • Buy-to-let: Demonstrates your borrowing power based on rental income.
  • Self-employed: Shows sellers your income has been accepted.
  • Bad credit applicants: Vital for credibility with sellers.
  • Commercial mortgages: Instead of an MIP, lenders often issue “heads of terms.”
  • Semi-commercial: Some lenders provide an MIP; others follow the commercial rout
How Do Mortgage Repayments Work?

Mortgage repayments are usually monthly and come in two types:

  • Repayment mortgages: Pay back both the loan and the interest, gradually owning your property outright.
  • Interest-only mortgages: Pay just the interest, with the full loan due at the end.

By category:

  • First-time buyers: Typically choose repayment mortgages to build equity.
  • Buy-to-let landlords: Often interest-only, with capital repaid later through sale or refinance.
  • Self-employed: Repayment is common; budgeting carefully helps with uneven income.
  • Bad credit: Repayment mortgages are standard and help rebuild credit history.
  • Commercial: Often interest-only with a lump sum at the end.
  • Semi-commercial: Can be structured as repayment, interest-only, or a mix.
Do I Need a Mortgage Broker?

A broker can help you access a wider range of lenders, including specialist providers, and guide you through the process.

Insurance

Do You Offer Insurance Advice?

Yes, Count Ready also provides advice on life insurance, income protection and other forms of cover.

Do I Really Need Life Insurance?

Life insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but it’s often essential if you have dependants, a mortgage, or people relying on your income. It ensures loved ones are financially supported if you pass away.

What’s the Difference Between Life Insurance and Income Protection?

Life insurance pays out a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term. Income protection, on the other hand, replaces part of your salary if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Many people choose both for full cover.

How Much Life Insurance Cover Do I Need?

It depends on your circumstances. Consider your mortgage balance, household bills, childcare costs, and future expenses. A good rule of thumb is enough to clear debts and provide at least a few years of income replacement.

What Is Business Protection Insurance?

Business protection covers companies against financial loss if a key person dies or becomes seriously ill. It can also help partners buy out shares or repay loans, ensuring the business continues smoothly.

Is Income Protection Worth It?

Yes, especially if you don’t have generous sick pay. Income protection can pay a monthly benefit until you’re well enough to work again, giving peace of mind that your bills and mortgage will still be covered.

What Does Landlord Insurance Cover?

Landlord insurance protects rental properties against risks like fire, flood, and damage. It can also cover loss of rent if tenants can’t live in the property and liability cover if tenants or visitors are injured.

Do I Need Buildings Insurance?

If you own a property, buildings insurance is usually required by mortgage lenders. It covers the structure of your home against events like fire, storms, subsidence, or burst pipes. Tenants usually only need contents insurance.

How Much Does Insurance Cost?

Costs vary depending on the type of cover, your age, health, occupation, property value, or rental income. Life insurance premiums, for example, are cheaper the younger and healthier you are. Landlord and buildings insurance costs depend on rebuild value and location.

Can I Get Cover If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?

Yes, though it depends on the condition and severity. You may pay a higher premium or have exclusions. Speaking with a broker who specialises in high-risk or medical conditions can help you find cover.

How Do I Choose the Right Insurance Policy?

Think about what risks you need to protect against — your family’s future, your income, your business, or your property. Compare policies, check exclusions, and don’t just go for the cheapest option. Advice from a broker can ensure you’re fully protected.

Mortgage Advice Across the UK

Count Ready works with clients by phone and online across the UK. We help with first homes, moving, remortgaging, buy-to-let and more complex circumstances, including self-employed income, credit issues and visa status.

We ask about your plans, explain what a lender may need to see and outline potential costs before you decide whether to apply. Criteria and availability vary, and every application is subject to checks.

Mortgage Calculators

Mortgage Affordability Calculator

Explore an indicative budget using your income and outgoings. A lender will assess affordability using its own criteria.

Remortgage Calculator

Compare illustrative payments and costs before deciding whether to seek remortgage advice.

Rental Yield Calculator

Estimate rental yield from a property price, rent and costs. It does not assess mortgage eligibility.

Mortgage Repayment Calculator

Estimate monthly repayments using an amount, rate and term. Actual mortgage offers and costs may differ.

Stamp Duty (SDLT) Calculator

Estimate SDLT for a property in England or Northern Ireland, then check the result against current rules.

Mortgage Deposit Calculator

Plan a deposit and see how the amount saved may affect your borrowing needs.

Commercial Mortgage Calculator

Explore illustrative costs for a commercial property. The figures are estimates, not a lending decision.
Speak To A Specialist Mortgage Adviser Today
Get clear, personalised advice based on your situation.