MORTGAGE ADVIser IN GLASGOW & THE WEST
How does "Offers Over" work with a mortgage in Glasgow?
A.
This is the most common question we get. A mortgage lender will only ever lend based on the Home Report valuation (or the purchase price, whichever is lower). If a property is valued at £200,000, but you bid £220,000 to win at a closing date, the lender does not cover that extra £20,000. You must pay that "valuation gap" out of your own pocket, in addition to your standard mortgage deposit. We help you calculate exactly what your maximum bid can be based on your available savings.
Can I get a mortgage on a tenement flat above a shop or restaurant?
A.
Yes, but the lender you choose matters. Many high-street banks are cautious about flats above "hot food" takeaways or late-night venues due to perceived noise, smell, and fire risks. However, mixed-use tenements are a staple of Glasgow living. We know exactly which lenders are comfortable with these property types and what specific details the surveyor needs to provide.
I work on a fixed-term contract at the QEUH or a local university. Can I still get a mortgage?
A.
Absolutely. Glasgow is home to a massive workforce of academics, researchers, and medical locums on fixed-term or rolling contracts. Most lenders simply want to see a consistent track record in your profession (usually 12–24 months) and a few months remaining on your current contract. We package your application carefully so the underwriter understands the long-term stability of your income.
The Home Report for a tenement mentions shared roof repairs. Will this stop me getting a mortgage?
A.
Shared liability for the roof, stairwells, and common areas is completely standard for Glasgow's red and blonde sandstone properties. Lenders expect to see this. It only becomes a hurdle if the surveyor flags an urgent, high-cost structural failure (a "Category 3" repair). If a major immediate repair is needed, some lenders might hold back a portion of the mortgage funds (a "retention") until the work is complete. We review your Home Reports upfront to ensure there are no nasty surprises.
My income includes bonuses or commission. How does that affect how much I can borrow?
A.
Online calculators often struggle with bonus or commission income, but we don't. Lenders treat variable pay very differently—some will only use 50% of your bonus for affordability calculations, while others will use 100% if you have a consistent two-year track record. We use our knowledge of specific lender criteria to maximize your borrowing power based on your exact pay structure.