Ask the experts

About our experts...

At John Charcol, we are constantly asked for advice by borrowers on what they should do when it comes to mortgages. As such, we created this section so that you can submit your questions to our experts. The answers are provided by a number of people who have years of experience in the mortgage market. The team is led by Peter Woodward who works in our technical department. Peter spent his formative years as an underwriter with one of the major UK lenders so what he doesn't know, quite frankly, isn't worth knowing...

So please do submit your question and we will do all we can to answer it as quickly as possible

Please be aware that these answers can only be generic and no personal recommendations can be made.

Break away from current fixed rate?

Posted on 30 May 2009

We have two years left on a fixed rate mortgage at 4.89%. We are concerned that when this date arrives interest rates will be a lot higher. We have been offered a new fixed rate of 4.79% for 7 years but it will cost us £1400 to...

First time buyer and buy to let

Posted on 29 May 2009

I am a first time buyer. We will be looking to live in the property for 2-3 years but are likely to leave the country for a period of time after that. I am interested in taking out an interest only mortgage. Am I obliged to...

Ex Partner not paying mortgage

Posted on 27 May 2009

I own a house with my ex partner although I no longer live in it. I have been paying my half of the mortgage directly to her as the payment for the mortgage comes out of her bank account. I have just foudn out that for six...

Category: Bad credit, Separation or Divorce

Borrowing on Unemcumbered Property Owned by Partner

Posted on 18 May 2009

My partner owns our home outright. He has little or no income. I live with him and earn a reasonable wage. Is it possible for me to raise a secured loan for home improvements on his property? My name is not on the deeds

As...

Trying to Move with Negative Equity

Posted on 8 May 2009

We are trying to move but may take a hit on the negative equity of around 20,000. I can probably find 15 of that but would the lender carry the 5000 over to a new mortgage?

No lenders currently allow their borrowers to “port”...

Remortgaging when partner has a Bad Credit Record

Posted on 5 May 2009

I live with my partner but the mortgage, bills etc. are all in his sole name. I am on the electoral roll. He has a good credit rating whereas mine is bad. I am thinking of entering into a debt management programme with CCCS but...

Category: Bad credit, Remortgaging

Answers provided in response to Ask the experts are based on the information provided and do not constitute advice under the Financial Services & Markets Act. They reflect the personal views of the authors and do not neccessarily represent the views, positions, strategies or opinions of John Charcol Limited. All comments are made in good faith, and John Charcol Limited will not accept liability for them.

We recommend you seek professional advice with regard to any of these topics where appropriate.