What exactly does APR mean?
APR is the true cost of borrowing and allows you to compare the cost of mortgages, loans and credit cards on a like for like basis. The APR will include the interest rate on the loan together with any charges for setting up the mortgage.

Do I have to have life insurance to become eligible for a mortgage?
No you do not need to have life assurance in order to get a mortgage. Life assurance is an important consideration when you are taking on the commitment of a mortgage especially if you have dependents.

Is there a charge for paying my mortgage off early?
When you pay off your mortgage either to become mortgage free or to move to a different lender, there is likely to be a fee lenders usually charge a deeds release fee which can vary from £25 to over £200.

Additionally, if you are taking advantage of a special interest rate (for example a fixed rate) there is usually a penalty payable if your redeem the mortgage before the end of the fixed rate period this will vary from lender to lender so it is important to seek further information.

What is the oldest age at which I can apply?
Each lender will have a different maximum age to take out a mortgage. Lenders need to know that you can afford your mortgage repayments and therefore if you take out a mortgage that will take you into retirement they will need confirmation that you will have sufficient income in retirement to continue paying your monthly repayments.

I currently save with an ISA - should I keep this or plough it in to my mortgage?
Our financial advisers will learn all about what savings plans you hold and review whether it would be best to keep your ISA or reduce your mortgage. It is recommended that between 2 to 3 months net salary is kept in an easily accessible account in case of emergency. A Cash Mini Individual Savings Account (ISA) is particularly useful for this, as it currently allows you to save up to £3000 in each tax year without any tax liability.

Can I borrow more than the cost of my house?
All lenders have different lending criteria. Depending on the lender you can potentially borrow up to 130% of the value of the property.

I have been made bankrupt - will I be able to take out a mortgage still?
The Lender will judge customers with previous or existing adverse credit in a flexible manner and every case will be judged on its individual merits. Along with the customer's ability to keep up repayments on the mortgage, taking into account his/her existing liabilities. However your bankruptcy will have needed to been discharged.

How can I keep track of interest rate changes that might affect my payments?
Once your interest rate changes a lender will issue you a letter in inform you of your new repayments and chargeable rate.

Do I have to take out my insurance with the same people who I get my mortgage with?
It is compulsory with all lenders to have building insurance in place, although most lenders do not insist that you have the insurance with the same company as the mortgage. However if you do not take the insurance offered by your mortgage provider, it is usual for them to charge an administration fee in the region of £25.

As a Scottish customer, what differences are there in the mortgage process, if any?
Buying a home in Scotland follows different rules. For a start, solicitors can act as estate agents and properties are sold by bidding on an offers-over or fixed-price basis.

Unlike the system south of the border, buyers tend to offer over the asking price rather than below it and bids are made in secret. As a buyer you ask your solicitor to register your interest with the seller of a property who will then notify you of the closing date for bids.

Potential buyers have their survey done before they make an offer and once an offer has been accepted it is a binding agreement (called conclusion of missives).

If you or the seller backs out after that then compensation becomes due. As a result there's very little gazumping in Scotland once an offer has been accepted. Searches and enquiries are carried out using a central system of property registration, instead of via local authorities, so the process is much quicker. No money is handed over until the final settlement day so no deposit is required.

You may also be restricted on choice of lenders.

The house I wish to buy is lease-hold - will this change my mortgage options?
Leasehold property will not affect the type of mortgage that you can apply for. However properties with short leases may be a problem as lenders will require that the lease should run for at least the term of mortgage + 20 years.

I'm thinking of buying abroad - will you offer me a mortgage?
Yes, we have a link up with a company that specialises in mortgages for Holiday homes, or those planning to relocate abroad.

I'm changing jobs and having trouble with this month's payment - what should I do?
Speak to your lender immediately; it is in their interest as well as yours to ensure that you do not get behind with your payments. If you explain your situation to your lender they will explore your options and find a way that is amicable for both of you.

I've had insurance with Endsleigh before, is there any incentive to choose you for my mortgage as well?
The main incentive is that you have already experienced some of the services our company can offer, and therefore you already know of our efficiency and personal service.