Buying your first home is exciting but it can also be quite stressful, our mortgage advisers will take you through the process step by step and will always be available to answer any questions you have.

Using an adviser can help you access deals that are specially designed for first time buyers. Some might even offer perks such as cashback. You may also be able to access mortgages that require a lower deposit, which can be helpful when you’re buying your first home.

If you’re moving from one home to another the process is similar to the one for first time buyers. However, your circumstances are likely to be quite different.

You are likely to already have an existing mortgage, and home movers tend to have larger deposits than first time buyers meaning you will be able to access mortgage deals with a lower LTV. On the other hand, if you have negative equity you will need to talk to your broker in detail about the types of mortgage deals you may be accepted for.

If you want to buy a property with the intention of renting it out, you’re looking for a buy-to-let mortgages. Buy-to-let mortgages differ from standard mortgages as the amount you can borrow is linked to the amount of rental income you expect to receive.

Most lenders will require you to have a larger deposit than for normal residential mortgages, with some asking you to have a deposit of at least 25% of the property’s value. You may also find that fees are more expensive.

Remortgaging is the process of switching your existing mortgage to a new deal. This could either be with your current lender or with a different mortgage provider.

There are a number of reasons why you may be considering remortgaging including moving to a more flexible deal that allows you to, for example, make early repayments or link your mortgage to your savings. Or you may want to remortgage to get a lower interest rate or to raise money to consolidate debt or make home improvements.

Whatever the reason it’s important to seek professional advice and make sure that you’re aware of any costs you may incur, such as early repayment charges.

A second charge mortgage is also known as a second mortgage. A second charge mortgage uses any equity you have in your property as security against a loan. You still need to prove that are able to repay a second charge mortgage, but the amount of the loan will be based on the equity in the property rather than your income.

As with remortgaging, second charge mortgages are often an effective way to raise a lump sum. Simply Lending advisers are fully qualified to advise you on second charge mortgages, and will be able to help you consider all your options, particularly if you are unsure whether to choose to remortgage or to apply for a second charge mortgage.

Right to Buy is a government supported scheme designed to help public sector tenants buy the home they currently rent. There are a number of criteria to qualify for the Right to Buy scheme, including how long you have been a tenant, but if you are eligible Simply Lending can help you find a mortgage.

We work with a number of lenders who understand how the Right to Buy Scheme works, and the particular challenges that some borrowers may face. This helps us identify lenders who will be more likely to accept your application.

Shared ownership is a scheme that lets you buy a share of a property and pay rent on the remainder. This helps buyers with small deposits or lower incomes get on the property ladder. In addition to the usual requirements that lenders put in place, prospective buyers will also have to fulfil specific eligibility to qualify for shared ownership. This can extend the time it takes to complete the purchasing process.

The shared ownership mortgage market is smaller than that for all first-time buyers but because Simply Lending work with the whole of the market we have access to a number of lenders who will consider your application. Our Essex mortgage advisers can advise you on your most suitable options.