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.

Before making an offer on an ex-local authority flat is there anyway we can find out what work is scheduled in the future?

Posted on 4 October 2007

A friend and I are looking to purchase an ex-local authority flat. We are aware that private owners in ex-local flats are liable for their share of repair bills to the whole block. Is there any way we can find out before making...

Category: Council houses

Who will lend to me if I'm on a debt management plan?

Posted on 22 August 2007

Hi Katie,I am in a debt management plan with the CCCS (all unsecured debt approx. £26,000). I have a £75,000 mortgage with Southern Pacific (it was a right-to-buy mortgage). My 2-year fixed rate mortgage finishes in Feb....

Category: Bad credit, Council houses, Remortgaging

Can my son buy his council flat under right-to-buy with me as guarantor?

Posted on 8 August 2007

My son has been offered his council flat under the right-to-buy scheme for £60,000. He is not working as he is doing his Knowledge to become a London taxi driver (hopefully qualified within 6 months). He has no income other than...

Category: Buy-to-let, Council houses, Special circumstances

What's the best way to finance the purchase of my father-in-law's council house?

Posted on 6 August 2007

My wife and I are looking to buy her father's council house under the right to buy. Am I better remortgaging our own property which is worth £200,000 with £16,000 still to be paid, or take out a new mortgage on his property...

Category: Council houses, Lower mortgage payments, Remortgaging, Special circumstances

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.