Question 1

How much do you charge for your advice?

Accepted Answer

If you work in any capacity within the veterinary sector, then we do not charge a fee for our advice or the service we provide. If it's a joint application, as long as this applies to one of you, then we will not charge. We also waive our advice fee for anyone who lives within 5 miles of Wymondham Market Cross. For everyone else, we charge an advice fee of up to £399, non-refundable and payable upon submission of a full mortgage application. We never charge for protection advice, regardless of what you do for a living.

Question 2

What happens during an appointment?

Accepted Answer

During an appointment, we will ask you some details about your personal and financial circumstances and ask you what you are looking to do and the reasons behind it. The appointment will be very conversational and will enable us to gather the information we need to be able to make a tailored recommendation to your individual needs. Following the appointment, we will confirm what documents we need in order to process a decision in principle - gaining your consent to proceed once we have issued you with a mortgage illustration. Assuming you pass the decision in principle, we will then look to submit a full mortgage application on your behalf, liaising with the lender, sending them your documents and looking to get you a mortgage offer as seamlessly as possible.

Question 3

When should I remortgage?

Accepted Answer

We recommend looking into your mortgage options 6-7 months before your existing mortgage product is due to expire. This is because mortgage offers tend to be valid for 6 months, so by securing a rate this far in advance, it gives the opportunity to lock-in early and not worry if rates rise after that point. If your mortgage is not yet due for renewal and you would like us to get in touch 6-7 months before, please fill out the form for our Mortgage Reminder Service.

Question 4

Can I get a mortgage as a locum?

Accepted Answer

Being a locum shouldn't be a barrier to obtaining a mortgage. Depending on how long you have been locuming, will change which lenders are potentially available to you. Some lenders will even consider just a 3-6 month history of locum income. For more details on getting a mortgage as a locum, please visit the Locum Mortgages page.

Question 5

What will happen to interest rates next year?

Accepted Answer

The honest answer is - we don't know. Put five economists in a room and you will likely get five different answers. That is why we ask you about your overall situation - any changes coming up with regards to family, jobs or credit commitments that may impact the best mortgage product for you. We then make a recommendation that is bespoke to your individual circumstances.

Question 6

Can I get a mortgage if on parental leave?

Accepted Answer

Being on maternity/paternity/parental leave shouldn't be a barrier to getting a mortgage. Lenders will want to know when you're returning to work and whether you're going back on the same pay/terms. They will also need to know your predicted childcare costs as this will factor into your affordability. Lenders are likely to want to see your last payslip before your parental leave started as well as a return to work letter.

Question 7

How do I get my credit report?

Accepted Answer

Getting a copy of your credit report before you apply for a mortgage is a good idea as you can check that everything is as it should be and there are no accounts open that you were unaware of. A credit report will also show details of any credit cards, personal loans and car finance which is useful to ensure that we disclose accurate information to the mortgage lender. To make this process quick and easy we have partnered with Checkmyfile so you can access your live report and score instantly. It pulls data from all 3 of the major credit reference agencies so you can see everything a potential lender will see. Plus, you can download a copy of your report to share with us. Please note that whilst you have full access and can download a copy of your credit report to send to us, this is a 7-day free trial, and if you do not cancel this within the 7 days it will cost you £14.99 per month after that. You can cancel online at any time.

Question 8

Do you sort Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney?

Accepted Answer

Whilst we recommend that you put a Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney in place, we are not legally qualified to advise on them. The good news is that we can refer you to our trusted partner in this field, who will be able to arrange these for you with the level of service you would expect.

Question 9

Why should I use V Finances?

Accepted Answer

We have over a quarter of a century of experience in giving tailored advice specific to your circumstances. We have an unlimited range of lenders we can access to find the mortgage that best suits your needs (this used to be called 'Whole of Market'). We have established relationships with lenders and will check your eligibility and affordability against their criteria before placing your application. We are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, so you get the same protection as if you were going direct to your bank or building society but with the added bonus that we search for the best deal across the wider market.

Question 10

What documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends whether you have applied for a mortgage or protection and also in what capacity you are employed. For most mortgages, we will need to see proof of ID (passport or photocard driving licence), proof of address (council tax bill, recent utility bill from last 3 months), proof of income (3 months' payslips if employed, different requirements for self-employed), 3 months' bank statements, proof of deposit (if buying a house). This list is not exhaustive but gives a good idea of what to prepare when looking for a mortgage.

Question 11

How are self-employed people treated?

Accepted Answer

Different lenders will assess self-employed income in different ways - it will also depend if you're a sole trader, in a limited liability partnership or a limited company director. Most lenders want at least 2 years' track-record of being self-employed when assessing a mortgage application but we do have access to lenders who will consider less than this. For more details, visit the Self-Employed Mortgages page.

Question 12

What happens if rates change after I apply?

Accepted Answer

We keep a regular eye on changes to products as we are always on the look out for the best deal for you - something you wouldn't get if you went direct to a bank or building society. If rates increase, then you can rest easy as we have already secured the best rate for you. If rates go down, then we will discuss what this means with you and if appropriate, make a new application to move you onto the lower rate.

Question 13

When should I review my protection?

Accepted Answer

Whenever there's a change in your circumstances - whether that's a new mortgage, new family member, a new job, a pay increase/decrease, a change in job type or if you gave up smoking over 12 months ago. You don't have to wait for your mortgage renewal to discuss your protection needs or to fill any protection gaps. You can read more about the types of protection that may be suitable for you on the Protection page.

Question 14

Will a new job stop me getting a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

As long as the new job is due to start within 3 months of applying for the mortgage, then there are some lenders who are happy to use a signed offer of employment and may ask for a copy of your contract. Other lenders may want sight of your first payslip in your new role before you can apply. We can use our expertise to advise you based on your individual circumstances.

Question 15

Can you find me a solicitor for the mortgage?

Accepted Answer

We know that ringing around for solicitors quotes can be a pain and what's more, some solicitors are not acceptable to mortgage lenders. We can obtain quotes for you within minutes and can ensure that the solicitors can work with your lender.

Question 16

Can you help me with pensions/investments?

Accepted Answer

Pensions and investments do not fall within our scope of advice. However, the good news is that we can refer you to our trusted partner in this field, who will be able to arrange these for you with the level of service you would expect.

Independent Mortgage and Protection Experts

Welcome to V Finances

How Protected Are You If Life Changed Tomorrow?

How Can We Help You?

First-Time Buyer

Self-Employed Mortgage

Life Insurance

Family Income Benefit

Buildings & Contents

Surveys & Valuations

Home Mover

Locum Mortgage

Income Protection

Business Finance

Secured Loans

Solicitor Quotes

Remortgage

Buy To Let Mortgage

Critical Illness Cover

Wills &
Estate Planning

Mortgage Reminder Service

Refer a Friend

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you charge for your advice?

Why should I use V Finances?

What happens during an appointment?

What documents do I need?

When should I remortgage?

How are self-employed people treated?

Can I get a mortgage as a locum?

What happens if rates change after I apply?

What will happen to interest rates next year?

When should I review my protection?

Can I get a mortgage if on parental leave?

Will a new job stop me getting a mortgage?

How do I get my credit report?

Can you find me a solicitor for the mortgage?

Do you sort Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney?

Can you help me with pensions/investments?

Testimonials

Independent Mortgage and Protection Experts

Welcome to V Finances

How Protected Are You If Life Changed Tomorrow?

How Can We Help You?

First-Time Buyer

Self-Employed Mortgage

Life Insurance

Family Income Benefit

Buildings & Contents

Surveys & Valuations

Home Mover

Locum Mortgage

Income Protection

Business Finance

Secured Loans

Solicitor Quotes

Remortgage

Buy To Let Mortgage

Critical Illness Cover

Wills & Estate Planning

Mortgage Reminder Service

Refer a Friend

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you charge for your advice?

Why should I use V Finances?

What happens during an appointment?

What documents do I need?

When should I remortgage?

How are self-employed people treated?

Can I get a mortgage as a locum?

What happens if rates change after I apply?

What will happen to interest rates next year?

When should I review my protection?

Can I get a mortgage if on parental leave?

Will a new job stop me getting a mortgage?

How do I get my credit report?

Can you find me a solicitor for the mortgage?

Do you sort Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney?

Can you help me with pensions/investments?

Testimonials

Wills &
Estate Planning