Expert Mortgage Advice
Without the Jargon
Expert Mortgage Advice
Without the Jargon
Expert Mortgage Advice
Without the Jargon
Based in Scotland and covering the UK, Advantage Home Finance have been providing tailored mortgage advice for over a decade to all types of homebuyers, from first-time buyers taking their initial steps, to seasoned investors with expanding portfolios.
Based in Scotland and covering the UK, Advantage Home Finance have been providing tailored mortgage advice for over a decade to all types of homebuyers, from first-time buyers taking their initial steps, to seasoned investors with expanding portfolios.
Check your options
Check your options
You voluntarily choose to provide personal details to us via this website. Personal information will be treated as confidential by us and held in accordance with GDPR May 2018 requirements. You agree that such personal information may be used to provide you with details of services and products in writing, by email or by telephone.
By submitting this information you have given your agreement to be contacted by us to discuss your mortgage requirements.
Please see our Privacy Policy for further details on how we use your information.
You voluntarily choose to provide personal details to us via this website. Personal information will be treated as confidential by us and held in accordance with GDPR May 2018 requirements. You agree that such personal information may be used to provide you with details of services and products in writing, by email or by telephone.
By submitting this information you have given your agreement to be contacted by us to discuss your mortgage requirements.
Please see our Privacy Policy for further details on how we use your information.
Mortgage advice
Mortgage advice
Clear and tailored mortgage advice
Clear and tailored mortgage advice
Whether you are buying your first home, moving, remortgaging, or dealing with something less straightforward, the key is making sure you have the right lender and right product for your circumstances.
That is where good advice makes a difference. We tailor our recommendations to you, explain why clearly, and use our relationships with lenders to ensure your application progresses stress-free.
Whether you are buying your first home, moving, remortgaging, or dealing with something less straightforward, the key is making sure you have the right lender and right product for your circumstances.
That is where good advice makes a difference. We tailor our recommendations to you, explain why clearly, and use our relationships with lenders to ensure your application progresses stress-free.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
Quick answers:
Quick answers:
Common scenarios we help with
Buying Your First Home
Getting onto the property ladder can feel unclear at first. We help you understand deposits, affordability, and what may be realistic before you start viewing.
Buying a new property
Whether you are upsizing, downsizing, or buying to let out, we help you understand your options, and avoid unnecessary pressure during the process.
Remortgaging
If your current deal is ending or no longer suitable, we help you review your options and decide what makes sense next - not just what looks good on paper.
More Complex Situations
More Complex Situations
Not every case fits neatly into a box. If your income, credit history, or property type is a bit more complex, we help you understand how lenders may view it.
Got a scenario you want to talk through?
Speak with an adviser.
Common scenarios we help with
Buying Your First Home
Getting onto the property ladder can feel unclear at first. We help you understand deposits, affordability, and what may be realistic before you start viewing.
Buying a new property
Whether you are upsizing, downsizing, or buying to let out, we help you understand your options, and avoid unnecessary pressure during the process.
Remortgaging
If your current deal is ending or no longer suitable, we help you review your options and decide what makes sense next - not just what looks good on paper.
More Complex Situations
Not every case fits neatly into a box. If your income, credit history, or property type is a bit more complex, we help you understand how lenders may view it.
Got a scenario you want to talk through?
Speak with an adviser.
Why so many clients choose to work with us
Why so many clients choose to work with us
Why so many clients choose to work with us
For a lot of people, applying for a mortgage is full of anxiety. It is the worry of getting something wrong, missing something important, or not knowing if you will get approved.
That is where we help. We keep things clear, talk things through properly, and make sure you understand what matters and what your options actually look like. That's why 9 out of 10 people choose to use a mortgage broker when applying for a new mortgage¹.
If that sounds like what you need, get in touch today.
¹ IMLA Dec 2024
For a lot of people, applying for a mortgage is full of anxiety. It is the worry of getting something wrong, missing something important, or not knowing if you will get approved.
That is where we help. We keep things clear, talk things through properly, and make sure you understand what matters and what your options actually look like. That's why 9 out of 10 people choose to use a mortgage broker when applying for a new mortgage¹.
If that sounds like what you need, get in touch today.
¹ IMLA Dec 2024
For a lot of people, applying for a mortgage is full of anxiety. It is the worry of getting something wrong, missing something important, or not knowing if you will get approved.
That is where we help. We keep things clear, talk things through properly, and make sure you understand what matters and what your options actually look like. That's why 9 out of 10 people choose to use a mortgage broker when applying for a new mortgage¹.
If that sounds like what you need, get in touch today.
¹ IMLA Dec 2024
Meet your mortgage adviser
Meet your mortgage adviser
Mark Forbes joined Advantage Home Finance in 2019 and has 20+ years of experience in retail banking and mortgages, spanning advisory, training, and compliance roles.
Based near Glasgow, and able to advise clients across the UK, Mark holds professional qualifications in both mortgage and insurance advice and is a member of the London Institute of Banking & Finance, allowing him to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Mark Forbes joined Advantage Home Finance in 2019 and has 20+ years of experience in retail banking and mortgages, spanning advisory, training, and compliance roles.
Based near Glasgow, and able to advise clients across the UK, Mark holds professional qualifications in both mortgage and insurance advice and is a member of the London Institute of Banking & Finance, allowing him to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Mark Forbes
Mark Forbes
Adviser
Adviser
Our areas of expertise
Our areas of expertise
Every mortgage case is slightly different. Here are some of the areas we have recently helped clients with — many of which have their own dedicated guidance pages.
We can talk you through situation and advise how we can help secure the mortgage that you need.
Every mortgage case is slightly different. Here are some of the areas we have recently helped clients with — many of which have their own dedicated guidance pages.
We can talk you through situation and advise how we can help secure the mortgage that you need.
Did you know…?
Did you know…?
Over the last decade, we have helped more than 1650 clients with their mortgage, securing in excess of £425 million of lending!
Over the last decade, we have helped more than 1650 clients with their mortgage, securing in excess of £425 million of lending!
We’ve helped 1,650+ clients secure over £425 million in lending.
Mortgage with job offer before starting work
Mortgage with job offer before starting work
Mortgage in a new job
Mortgage in a new job
Mortgage on a fixed-term contract
Mortgage on a fixed-term contract
Mortgage on rolling short-term contracts
Mortgage on rolling short-term contracts
Mortgage on a zero-hours contract with history
Mortgage on a zero-hours contract with history
Mortgage for bank nurses
Mortgage for bank nurses
Mortgage for locum doctors
Mortgage for locum doctors
Mortgage with both employed and self-employed income
Mortgage with both employed and self-employed income
One-year self-employed mortgage
One-year self-employed mortgage
Gifted deposit from friends
Gifted deposit from friends
Divorce mortgages
Divorce mortgages
Non-standard construction mortgage
Non-standard construction mortgage
100% timber construction mortgage
100% timber construction mortgage
Easiform concrete mortgage
Easiform concrete mortgage
Japanese knotweed mortgage
Japanese knotweed mortgage
How mortgage decisions are made
How mortgage decisions are made
Most people assume mortgages are mainly about income and deposit. In reality, lenders look at a combination of factors, and how they fit together.
Most people assume mortgages are mainly about income and deposit. In reality, lenders look at a combination of factors, and how they fit together.
Income is only part of the picture
Income is only part of the picture
Salary matters, but so does how consistent it is, how it is structured, and how a lender chooses to assess other income alongside it.
Salary matters, but so does how consistent it is, how it is structured, and how a lender chooses to assess other income alongside it.
Outgoings and commitments matter just as much
Outgoings and commitments matter just as much
Credit cards, loans, childcare, and day-to-day spending all feed into affordability. High outgoings can impact and limit how much you can borrow.
Credit cards, loans, childcare, and day-to-day spending all feed into affordability. High outgoings can impact and limit how much you can borrow.
The property itself can affect the outcome
The property itself can affect the outcome
Different property types can change how a lender views risk, which can impact what is available. In Scotland, we can review the property's Home Report to guide you around any potential property challenges.
Different property types can change how a lender views risk, which can impact what is available. In Scotland, we can review the property's Home Report to guide you around any potential property challenges.
Every lender looks at things slightly differently
Every lender looks at things slightly differently
Two lenders can view the exact same case in completely different ways. Our long standing relationships with lenders and underwriters can make a significant difference.
Two lenders can view the exact same case in completely different ways. Our long standing relationships with lenders and underwriters can make a significant difference.
What can cause delays or issues?
Most mortgage delays are avoidable. We understand lender's criteria and documentation requirements and ensure we use the right lender for you.
Unclear income or missing documents
Lenders need a clear picture. Gaps or inconsistencies can slow things down and raise questions. We address this before hand and ensure that the lender understands the full picture when they receive your application.
Choosing on rate only
Choosing on rate only
Choosing your new mortgage based purely on rate without understanding criteria can lead to declined applications or wasted time. While rate is always important, ensuring the lender is right for you is also key.
Property-related surprises
Survey issues or property quirks can affect lending decisions more than expected. Most lenders have specific criteria around what is acceptable to them, and what they will not lend against.
Rushing the process
Trying to move too quickly without clarity often leads to stress and unnecessary complications. We ensure that everything is correct at the outset to avoid delays later in the process.
What can cause delays or issues?
Most mortgage delays are avoidable. We understand lender's criteria and documentation requirements and ensure we use the right lender for you.
Unclear income or missing documents
Lenders need a clear picture. Gaps or inconsistencies can slow things down and raise questions. We address this before hand and ensure that the lender understands the full picture when they receive your application.
Choosing on rate only
Choosing your new mortgage based purely on rate without understanding criteria can lead to declined applications or wasted time. While rate is always important, ensuring the lender is right for you is also key.
Property-related surprises
Survey issues or property quirks can affect lending decisions more than expected. Most lenders have specific criteria around what is acceptable to them, and what they will not lend against.
Rushing the process
Trying to move too quickly without clarity often leads to stress and unnecessary complications. We ensure that everything is correct at the outset to avoid delays later in the process.
What are the next steps?
What are the next steps?
Initial chat
Initial chat
An informal first conversation about where you are now, what you are looking to do, what is affordable, and how the process works. It is also a chance to ask questions and get a clearer picture of what comes next.
An informal first conversation about where you are now, what you are looking to do, what is affordable, and how the process works. It is also a chance to ask questions and get a clearer picture of what comes next.
An informal first conversation about where you are now, what you are looking to do, what is affordable, and how the process works. It is also a chance to ask questions and get a clearer picture of what comes next.
Sense-check
Sense-check
We give you a realistic view of what may be possible, and what information we will need to move to the next steps.
We give you a realistic view of what may be possible, and what information we will need to move to the next steps.
We give you a realistic view of what may be possible, and what information we will need to move to the next steps.
Document check
Document check
We will look through your documents to ensure that what you have provided is in line with the lender requirements. We will also ensure that anything further can be requested early to avoid delays later in the process.
We will look through your documents to ensure that what you have provided is in line with the lender requirements. We will also ensure that anything further can be requested early to avoid delays later in the process.
We will look through your documents to ensure that what you have provided is in line with the lender requirements. We will also ensure that anything further can be requested early to avoid delays later in the process.
Agreement in Principle
Agreement in Principle
Once we have a clear picture of your income and outgoings, the next step is to arrange an Agreement in Principle. This helps you search with a clearer budget and more confidence.
Once we have a clear picture of your income and outgoings, the next step is to arrange an Agreement in Principle. This helps you search with a clearer budget and more confidence.
Once we have a clear picture of your income and outgoings, the next step is to arrange an Agreement in Principle. This helps you search with a clearer budget and more confidence.
Full application
Full application
Once you have an offer accepted, or are ready to proceed with a remortgage, we present the paperwork in a way that is easy for the lender to follow and respond to any questions that come back.
Once you have an offer accepted, or are ready to proceed with a remortgage, we present the paperwork in a way that is easy for the lender to follow and respond to any questions that come back.
Once you have an offer accepted, or are ready to proceed with a remortgage, we present the paperwork in a way that is easy for the lender to follow and respond to any questions that come back.
Offer and legal work
Offer and legal work
Once the mortgage is agreed, we continue to support you through the legal work and to completion. We also advise on the appropriate insurances that are required to be in place.
Once the mortgage is agreed, we continue to support you through the legal work and to completion. We also advise on the appropriate insurances that are required to be in place.
Once the mortgage is agreed, we continue to support you through the legal work and to completion. We also advise on the appropriate insurances that are required to be in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to common questions
How much deposit do I need?
A.
Most buyers aim for at least 5%, but that is only a starting point. What may be possible depends on the property, your income, and how a lender views the overall case. A larger deposit can open up more options and reduce pressure on affordability, but a smaller deposit does not automatically mean the answer is no.
How much can I borrow?
A.
Borrowing usually starts with your income, but it does not end there. Lenders also look at your regular outgoings, credit commitments, and how comfortable the payments look over time. Two people on similar incomes can get very different results depending on their wider situation.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
A.
It depends on what has happened, how recent it was, and how your situation looks now. Some lenders are more flexible than others, but the options can vary. The key is understanding how your credit profile will be viewed before applying, rather than guessing and risking a decline.
Do I need an Agreement in Principle?
A.
It is not always required, but it is strongly recommended. It gives you a clearer idea of what may be realistic and shows sellers you are in a position to proceed. In Scotland especially, where things can move quickly, having this in place early can make a real difference.
How long does the process take?
A.
There is no single timeline, but most cases take a few weeks from application to offer. The legal side and property process can then add further time depending on the situation. Delays are often linked to missing information or unexpected issues, which is why getting things clear early helps keep everything moving.
Can I get a mortgage if I am self-employed?
A.
Yes, but lenders will usually want to see a track record of income, typically over one or more years, depending on the case. How your income is structured - salary, dividends, or net profit - can affect how it is assessed, so it helps to understand this before applying.
Should I fix my rate now or wait?
A.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your plans, how comfortable you are with risk, and what the current options look like. Rather than trying to predict the market, it is usually better to focus on what works for your situation and gives you stability.
What costs should I expect?
A.
Aside from your deposit, there are other costs to plan for, including legal work, surveys or valuations, moving costs, and insurance. It also helps to keep a small buffer for the first few months after moving in, as expenses can come up more quickly than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to common questions
How much deposit do I need?
A.
Most buyers aim for at least 5%, but that is only a starting point. What may be possible depends on the property, your income, and how a lender views the overall case. A larger deposit can open up more options and reduce pressure on affordability, but a smaller deposit does not automatically mean the answer is no.
How much can I borrow?
A.
Borrowing usually starts with your income, but it does not end there. Lenders also look at your regular outgoings, credit commitments, and how comfortable the payments look over time. Two people on similar incomes can get very different results depending on their wider situation.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
A.
It depends on what has happened, how recent it was, and how your situation looks now. Some lenders are more flexible than others, but the options can vary. The key is understanding how your credit profile will be viewed before applying, rather than guessing and risking a decline.
Do I need an Agreement in Principle?
A.
It is not always required, but it is strongly recommended. It gives you a clearer idea of what may be realistic and shows sellers you are in a position to proceed. In Scotland especially, where things can move quickly, having this in place early can make a real difference.
How long does the process take?
A.
There is no single timeline, but most cases take a few weeks from application to offer. The legal side and property process can then add further time depending on the situation. Delays are often linked to missing information or unexpected issues, which is why getting things clear early helps keep everything moving.
Can I get a mortgage if I am self-employed?
A.
Yes, but lenders will usually want to see a track record of income, typically over one or more years, depending on the case. How your income is structured - salary, dividends, or net profit - can affect how it is assessed, so it helps to understand this before applying.
Should I fix my rate now or wait?
A.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your plans, how comfortable you are with risk, and what the current options look like. Rather than trying to predict the market, it is usually better to focus on what works for your situation and gives you stability.
What costs should I expect?
A.
Aside from your deposit, there are other costs to plan for, including legal work, surveys or valuations, moving costs, and insurance. It also helps to keep a small buffer for the first few months after moving in, as expenses can come up more quickly than expected.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Talk to a mortgage adviser
Talk to a mortgage adviser
Choosing the right mortgage is about making confident decisions at the right time, with the right guidance behind you. That’s where we come in. No scripts, no generic advice, just thoughtful, experienced support designed to make the process feel straightforward and manageable.
If you’d like to explore what’s possible or simply have a question, we’re always happy to start the conversation.
If you’d like to explore what’s possible or simply have a question, we’re always happy to start the conversation.
If you’d like to explore what’s possible or simply have a question, we’re always happy to start the conversation.
You voluntarily choose to provide personal details to us via this website. Personal information will be treated as confidential by us and held in accordance with GDPR May 2018 requirements. You agree that such personal information may be used to provide you with details of services and products in writing, by email or by telephone.
By submitting this information you have given your agreement to be contacted by us to discuss your mortgage requirements.
Please see our Privacy Policy for further details on how we use your information.
You voluntarily choose to provide personal details to us via this website. Personal information will be treated as confidential by us and held in accordance with GDPR May 2018 requirements. You agree that such personal information may be used to provide you with details of services and products in writing, by email or by telephone.
By submitting this information you have given your agreement to be contacted by us to discuss your mortgage requirements.
Please see our Privacy Policy for further details on how we use your information.
You voluntarily choose to provide personal details to us via this website. Personal information will be treated as confidential by us and held in accordance with GDPR May 2018 requirements. You agree that such personal information may be used to provide you with details of services and products in writing, by email or by telephone.
By submitting this information you have given your agreement to be contacted by us to discuss your mortgage requirements.
Please see our Privacy Policy for further details on how we use your information.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
MOST BUY-TO-LET MORTGAGES ARE NOT REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY
Advantage Home Finance is a trading name of Advantage Home Finance Limited who are an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd. Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
View our complaints procedure here.
Initial mortgage consultation is free.
We may charge a fee for our advice service which will depend on what mortgage you need, your financial circumstances, and the complexity of what you want. The amount of fee will be between £0 and 1% of the value you need to borrow up to a maximum of £2,000. For example, if your mortgage was £100,000 the maximum fee you would pay would be £1,000. The minimum fee charged is £0. You need to pay the fee when your mortgage application has completed.
The guidance and/or information contained within the website is subject to UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Registered in Scotland. Registration number – SC511364.
Registered office address – 80 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 3BU.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
MOST BUY-TO-LET MORTGAGES ARE NOT REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY
Advantage Home Finance is a trading name of Advantage Home Finance Limited who are an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd. Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
View our complaints procedure here.
Initial mortgage consultation is free.
We may charge a fee for our advice service which will depend on what mortgage you need, your financial circumstances, and the complexity of what you want. The amount of fee will be between £0 and 1% of the value you need to borrow up to a maximum of £2,000. For example, if your mortgage was £100,000 the maximum fee you would pay would be £1,000. The minimum fee charged is £0. You need to pay the fee when your mortgage application has completed.
The guidance and/or information contained within the website is subject to UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Registered in Scotland. Registration number – SC511364.
Registered office address – 80 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 3BU.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
MOST BUY-TO-LET MORTGAGES ARE NOT REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY
Advantage Home Finance is a trading name of Advantage Home Finance Limited who are an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd. Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
View our complaints procedure here.
Initial mortgage consultation is free.
We may charge a fee for our advice service which will depend on what mortgage you need, your financial circumstances, and the complexity of what you want. The amount of fee will be between £0 and 1% of the value you need to borrow up to a maximum of £2,000. For example, if your mortgage was £100,000 the maximum fee you would pay would be £1,000. The minimum fee charged is £0. You need to pay the fee when your mortgage application has completed.
The guidance and/or information contained within the website is subject to UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Registered in Scotland. Registration number – SC511364.
Registered office address – 80 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 3BU.