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.

Can I get a 100% mortgage on a £24,000 a year salary?

Posted on 24 April 2008

My partner and I are looking to buy our first property. I am employed and earn £24,000 a year. He is self-employed and earns around £18,000 a year BUT the problem we have is that he is unable to prove his income as he does not...

Category: 100%+ borrowing, First-time buyer

Is there a way for me to combine my personal debt with a mortgage to get onto the property ladder?

Posted on 4 January 2008

I have a significant amount of personal debt, but a good income and have never bought before. Is there a way for me to combine my personal debt with a mortgage to get onto the property ladder? Is it an option you would recommend?

Category: 100%+ borrowing, Current rates & the market, First-time buyer

Can we afford a mortage with our current joint income and credit?

Posted on 12 November 2007

My partner and I are looking at houses as first time buyers we have seen one at 199,950 that has already been reduced and we know that the seller is desparate to sell so we are hoping to reduce the price as much as possible. I...

Category: 100%+ borrowing, First-time buyer

Should we take out a 100% mortgage?

Posted on 14 October 2007

My husband and I are both on full time jobs but with outstanding debts of around £38,000. We are paying rent of £900 and we are coping with our out goings with small savings. The problem is, we don't have money for a down...

Category: 100%+ borrowing

The vendor does not want to sell to somebody in a chain, what can we do to ensure we gain this house without giving the impression of being in a chain?

Posted on 2 October 2007

We have found a property we love and have put on offer of £175,000 subject to survey.We feel it's a real bargain - It needs a lot of work but the gains are great. However we own a home in Scotland which we are trying to sell for...

Category: 100%+ borrowing

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.