Mortgage broker for Essex

Count Ready is based in Chelmsford and supports mortgage enquiries by phone and online. Start with the form, call 01245 934515 or request a callback. If meeting in person is important to you, ask about the location and availability before travelling. We do not have a branch in every Essex town.

Yes. Explain the type of home you are considering, approximate budget, deposit and who will apply. Include income, regular commitments and intended dates. A discussion can establish the preparation needed, but any borrowing indication remains subject to current lender requirements. A full application also involves assessment of the actual property.

Essex County Council’s guidance directs local housing and planning matters to district, borough or city councils. Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock are separate unitary authorities. Use the property’s address to identify the relevant council and ask your conveyancer which planning records, searches and consents need checking. The county name alone does not identify the planning authority.

Use the government’s long-term flood-risk service and the relevant local flood information as starting points. Essex County Council also provides an interactive flood map with address and layer guidance. Discuss the results, past flooding, drainage and insurance questions with your conveyancer, surveyor and adviser. An area map cannot establish whether an individual home will flood or guarantee that insurance will be available.

No. Check the property’s council area, address, occupants, households and facilities against current guidance and exemptions. For example, Chelmsford states that it has no additional or selective licensing schemes, while Thurrock operates borough-wide additional HMO licensing for specified smaller HMOs. Check planning requirements separately. The licence position does not determine mortgage eligibility or insurance cover.

Tell us how the business operates, your ownership and how you are paid. Explain recent changes and the accounts, tax records or other evidence available. Requirements depend on the applicants and current lender criteria. Agree the document list for your circumstances rather than assuming every business needs the same trading history.

You can explain the circumstances for an assessment. Include when the events occurred, amounts, current status and any continuing payments. These details need to be considered with income, commitments, deposit and the proposed property. Discuss preparation before applications are made. An enquiry does not guarantee acceptance, a particular rate or a quick mortgage offer.

Prepare your balance, rate, payment, remaining term, deal end date and any early repayment charges. Include other secured loans, any equity loan and proposed applicant changes. For a move, explain the sale, expected equity, purchase and dates together. Compare payments, fees and remaining debt over the same period, including after an initial deal ends.

Obtain the lease term, charges, ground rent where relevant, insurance arrangements and planned major works. Your conveyancer should explain restrictions, rights and responsibilities. For shared ownership, include the provider’s actual share, rent and lease in the budget. Ask your surveyor and adviser about condition, construction or other property questions alongside the legal enquiries.

Read the Terms of Business and the current fee disclosure in the footer. Confirm written fees, payment stages, commission and refund terms before chargeable work. For protection, explain household needs, existing policies, sick pay and property use. Discuss benefits, limits and exclusions. Sending an enquiry does not put insurance in place or confirm an appointment.