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Working with you towards that vital first step
No one just decides to buy their first house – and goes out and does it. There are months of planning what you want and calculating what you can afford – probably prefaced by years of saving. Get us involved as early as you can, because our experience can save you time, money, worry and taking the wrong path.
How we work
We work with you to understand fully your financial history and your property-owning ambitions. If you can get us in on the act at an early stage, we can short-circuit a lot of the research that would otherwise take you months to complete. With our experience of the market, coupled with our insight into your situation, we can advise you on what is possible.
If necessary, we can work with you for a year or more, as you save your money and refine your ideas. And when it comes to getting the right mortgage, we have been proven to be able to succeed where others have failed. This is mostly because we are truly independent. Many brokers will claim to offer ‘whole of market,’ but that may just mean that they offer every kind of product, but that they are all from the same lender. Independent means that we can offer every kind of product from every lender.
How we can help you
As a first-time buyer, you may be a little bemused by the range of mortgages available, what all the terms mean, and – bottom line – what you can realistically afford, while still having a life, so to speak. We can sit down with you – from as early in the process as you like – and explain everything.
We can explain the terms; we can describe your options; we can advise you on the pros and cons of each course of action.
And when you are ready to take the big step, we will guide you through every decision, help you with every piece of paperwork, and give you the peace of mind that you are on the right track.
Benefits
- A single point of contact at all times
- Advice from as early in the process as you need
- Access beyond us to over 25 experienced advisers for the more obscure questions
- Access to every type of mortgage from every lender – we are truly independent
- By your side all the way – to the moment you move in and beyond
- Annual reviews at the very least
Why choose us
Sometimes it seems that there are almost as many financial advisers as there are financial products. Why should you choose us. We think there are many reasons of course, but among the most important are the following:
- We are truly independent and can access the whole of the market.
- We are advisers, not salespeople.
- We are transparent in our costs and fees.
- Our extraordinarily high rate of returning customers shows that people enjoy dealing with us.
This last is perhaps the most important. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. If we did not give our customers great service, they simply would not return.
Your mortgage and equity release team member
Nikki Pilling
Mortgage and Later Life Lending Adviser
Nikki has been in financial services since 1997. She was in retail banking and got made redundant in 2018. She joined Dave at Compass in 2018, and then joined him at Protection and Investment in 2024. Since 2003, Nikki has specialised in Later Life Lending, including lifetime mortgages. She admits to being passionate about the difference that Later Life Lending can make to people’s lives. She has two boys, calls herself a football mum, and her favourite family member is Mabel, the fox-red labrador!
"We couldn’t be happier with the service Nikki provided throughout our mortgage journey. From the very beginning, Nikki was incredibly supportive. She made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and straightforward."
Billy & Olivia
FAQs
How much deposit do I need?
You typically need 5% to 20% of the property value, though 5% is common with some specific first-time buyer products.
What is a "Mortgage in Principle" (MIP) or "Decision in Principle" (DIP)?
This is a preliminary document from a lender indicating how much they might lend you, which helps show sellers you are serious.
How much can I afford to borrow?
Lenders generally look at a multiple of your income (often around 4.5 times) alongside your credit history and monthly expenses.
What are the hidden costs of buying?
Beyond the deposit, you must budget for conveyancing (legal) fees, property surveys, mortgage broker fees, and stamp duty (if applicable).
Do I need a deposit for a house?
Yes, this is a lump sum paid upfront to secure the property.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
It is harder, but specialised lenders may offer options, though they often require a higher deposit.
Let’s talk about your financial goals
For a detailed, confidential and without-obligation discussion, please get in touch.
Get in touch