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.

New Build purchase - credit score problem

Posted on 12 February 2009

Me and my partner have just been turned down by the halifax for a mortgage die to our credit score, we are existing mortgage customers with the halifax. We are looking to buy a new build property for £164,995 and have a 20%...

Category: New build

How can I use my current property to buy one worth twice the amount?

Posted on 28 March 2008

Hello Katie, I own a property worth about £80,000 with £14,000 owing. I want to buy a new one at £179,995 with 5% deposit paid by the builder. Would it be sensible to turn my current mortgage into a buy to let, taking £16,000...

Category: New build

We are currently building a second home and need £50,000

Posted on 26 September 2007

My wife and me are currently building a second home which we intend to let out to her parents. My wife is 51 and I am 57, both intend retiring at 65. Our current property mortgage finishes in March 2008 and the property is worth...

Category: New build, Raising capital out of property

Will a new-build part exchange enable my daughter and her partner to afford their dream home?

Posted on 4 September 2007

Dear Katie...My daughter and her partner, ages 35 and 37 respectively, own an immaculate end-of-terrace home in a slow-moving area but are anxious that their aspirations seem to be sliding fast away. They wish to invest in a...

Category: Lower mortgage payments, New build, Tax issues, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property

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.