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.


Posted on 2 May 2008

I would like to find comparison rates for mortgages to build a home - I can't seem to find any on your website?

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Category: Self-build


Posted on 5 March 2008

Hi Katie, I currently own a property worth £250,000 which I have planning permission to convert into 2 offices with a 2 bedroom flat and build a 3 bedroom house in the garden. I currently have a £150,000 mortgage balance on the...

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Category: Self-build


Posted on 15 October 2007

I own a house, that has previously been granted planning permission on the side/garden land for a two storey extension. This elapsed but I've now submitted plans again for 3 x 2 bed flats. I have £175,000 outstanding...

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Category: Self-build


Posted on 7 October 2007

I'm wanting to do property developing full time and have already completed 2 property's in the last 6 years in my spare time as a hobby but I'm wanting to do it full time now. I'm self employed and need to know what sort of...

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Category: Commercial, Self-build


Posted on 28 September 2007

I need to borrow £75k to complete on a property costing £720k and I require a further £45k facility to draw down on. The property was a vicarage built in c1870 and currently has D1 commercial offices use. After purchase I shall...

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Category: Commercial, Self-build, Special circumstances


Posted on 20 August 2007

Hi, I owe around £260k on my mortgage but my property is a 7-bed with swimming pool, bar, cinema, etc.  I built the house out of my saving and it has been valued at around £800-900K by a local estate agent.  I now want...

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Category: Buy-to-let, Buying abroad, Remortgaging, Second properties, Self-build, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 10 August 2007

Hi, I'm building a house in Ireland and I need to get a mortgage. I'm renting here from a housing association - would I be able to get one?

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Category: Buying abroad, Self-build


Posted on 23 July 2007

I currently owe £50,000 on a property worth approx £210,000.I am considering building another property and would need to borrow approx £175,000 to do this if I don't sell my current property first. I intend to sell the second...

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Category: Self-build


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