Mortgage broker for Berkshire

Our base is in Chelmsford and we have no Berkshire branch. You can discuss a Berkshire purchase, remortgage or rental property by phone and online. Agree the appointment, document and update arrangements at the outset. Face-to-face appointments may be possible in some circumstances; confirm the location and availability before travelling.

Yes. Explain the approximate purchase budget, deposit source, applicants and intended area, together with the likely timing. An initial discussion can identify information still needed. Once a property is chosen, provide its full address, type and known issues. Any indication of borrowing needs further assessment; an agreement in principle is not a final mortgage offer.

Use the full property address and postcode to identify the responsible council. A Berkshire location does not mean that Reading’s planning or licensing rules apply. Check the relevant council’s current records and ask the conveyancer about the property’s use, alterations and designations. If the search changes to another address, check it separately.

No. Reading Borough Council states that small HMOs with fewer than five occupants have required an additional HMO licence since 1 March 2026. The scheme is borough-wide. The council’s Article 4 planning restrictions for small HMO creation apply in defined areas. Check both the actual occupation and the relevant planning boundary; a licence does not establish planning permission.

For a flat, obtain the lease length, service charge, any ground rent, block insurance and details of planned major works. Ask about occupation and letting restrictions. For an estate-managed home, establish the charges and obligations that apply. Give the adviser and conveyancer the available documents early, and include these continuing costs in the household budget.

Describe the work, payment arrangement and records available rather than relying on a job title. For company income, explain salary, dividends and how business money is retained or drawn. For contracts, give the dates and any gaps or changes. Each applicant’s income and commitments need assessment against the relevant lender’s criteria; no working arrangement guarantees acceptance.

Prepare the current balance, rate, payment, deal end date, remaining term and early repayment charges. Include other secured borrowing or an equity loan. Explain the purpose and amount of any extra funds, or changes to applicants and property use. Compare eligible options over the same period with relevant costs, rather than judging them only by the new monthly payment.

The initial discussion is free. We usually charge £595 on mortgage offer and may receive lender commission. Our Terms of Business list a £199 processing fee where applicable. For standard mortgage applications by visa holders living in the UK, the £595 offer fee is the only broker fee; no separate processing fee applies. International and specialist cases can have different charges. Confirm the written fees and payment stages before chargeable work.

Help to Buy: Equity Loan in England is closed to new applications. If you already have an equity loan, raise its repayment and administration requirements before selling or changing the mortgage. Shared ownership is separate: check the provider’s terms and eligibility, and allow for rent on the remaining share and property charges alongside the mortgage.

Yes. Explain dependants, household bills, employer benefits and existing policies when discussing life, critical illness or income protection cover. For the property, check buildings insurance requirements and whether a block policy applies. Disclose the intended occupation, including rental or holiday use. Insurance recommendations and acceptance depend on the needs, circumstances and policy terms assessed.