How much can I borrow?

That depends on your income, regular spending and debts, deposit amount, and credit history. Most lenders offer around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income (or joint income if buying with someone else), but this can vary.

What types of mortgages are there?

Main types include: First-time buyer mortgages, Home mover mortgages, Remortgage, Buy-to-let, Interest-only, Lifetime mortgages, and Second charge/secured loans.

Kenyon Mortgages

A mortgage is a loan you take out to buy a home. You borrow the money from a lender (like a bank or building society), and agree to pay it back – with interest – over a set number of years. The loan is "secured" against your home, which means if you don't keep up with repayments, the lender could repossess the property. Sounds scary, but don't worry – we'll help you make sure it's affordable and right for you.

That depends on:

Your income
Your regular spending and debts
Your deposit amount
Your credit history

Most lenders offer around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income (or joint income if buying with someone else), but this can vary. We'll do the maths for you and help you understand what's realistic.

A deposit is the chunk of the purchase price you pay upfront – the rest is covered by the mortgage. Most lenders want at least 5%, but putting down more (say, 10–20%) usually gets you a better deal. The bigger the deposit, the smaller the mortgage, and the less interest you'll pay over time.

Fixed-rate mortgages keep your interest rate the same for a set time (e.g. 2, 5 or 10 years). That means your monthly payments stay the same – good for budgeting.

Variable-rate mortgages can change, usually based on the lender's standard rate or the Bank of England base rate. Your payments can go up or down.

We'll talk you through the pros and cons of each – and help you find the right fit.

Here are some of the main ones we help people with:

First-time buyer mortgages – usually with lower deposit options and extra support.
Home mover mortgages – if you're selling one place and buying another.
Remortgage – switch your deal or borrow more money against your home.
Buy-to-let – if you're buying a place to rent out.
Interest-only – where you pay just the interest each month (you'll need a plan to repay the full loan later).
Lifetime mortgages – for older homeowners who want to release equity from their home.
Second charge/secured loans – borrowing extra money using your property as security, without changing your main mortgage.

Learn more about our mortgage services.

There are a few costs involved:

Valuation fee – for checking the property's value (sometimes free)
Arrangement fee – charged by the lender for setting up the mortgage
Legal fees – paid to a solicitor or conveyancer
Broker fee – if charged, we'll always tell you upfront
Stamp duty – a tax you may need to pay on homes over a certain value

We'll give you a full breakdown of the costs before you commit to anything. We also offer protection services to help safeguard your new home.

Getting your mortgage offer—the formal agreement from the lender based on your circumstances and the property's value—usually takes around 2 to 4 weeks.

When it comes to completing the mortgage:

Remortgages typically take around 6 weeks from start to finish.
Purchases can take anywhere between 12 to 20 weeks, depending on the property, the chain, and how quickly paperwork moves.

Every situation is different, but rest assured—we'll be chasing things up and keeping you informed every step of the way. No waiting around in the dark.

It's a statement from a lender saying they'd likely be willing to lend you a certain amount – based on your income and a soft credit check. It's not a guarantee, but it's great for showing estate agents and sellers you're serious.

If you miss a payment, don't panic – but do get in touch with us or your lender straight away. The earlier you act, the more options you have. Long-term missed payments can lead to serious consequences, including repossession, but most lenders will work with you if you're upfront and honest.

Most mortgages let you overpay up to 10% of the balance each year without penalty. Overpaying can reduce the term of your mortgage and save you interest – we'll help you check the details of your deal.

You may be able to port your mortgage – take your current deal with you to the new home. If not, there may be early repayment charges. We'll help you work out the best (and cheapest) way to make your move.

Glad you asked! We:

Search the whole market to find the best deal for you
Explain your options in plain English
Handle the paperwork and legwork
Liaise with solicitors, estate agents and lenders
Help ensure your home and the people you care about are protected
Save you time, money, and stress

And the best bit? We work for you, not the banks. That means honest advice, always in your best interest. Learn more about us.

Yes – in many cases, you can. Having a low credit score, a CCJ, missed payments, or even a previous default doesn't mean you're locked out of getting a mortgage. Some lenders specialise in helping people with what's called "adverse credit".

That said, you may need a bigger deposit or pay a slightly higher interest rate. Don't worry – we'll help you understand what's possible and only suggest lenders who are likely to say yes. No shame, no judgement – just solutions.

Definitely. It's a bit more paperwork, but it's nothing we can't handle together.

If you're a sole trader, limited company director, contractor or freelancer, lenders will want to see proof of your income – usually:

1–3 years of accounts and/or tax returns (SA302s and tax year overviews)
Business bank statements
Evidence of upcoming contracts or retained earnings if relevant

We work with loads of lenders who understand how self-employed income works – so we'll help you present your finances in the best possible light.

Yes – we can help with Sharia-compliant mortgage alternatives, often called Home Purchase Plans (HPPs).

Instead of paying interest (which is prohibited in Islamic finance), you pay rent on the portion of the home owned by the provider while gradually increasing your share until you own it outright.

There are different models (Ijara, Diminishing Musharakah, Murabaha), and we'll explain what they mean in plain English. We only work with trusted, FCA-regulated providers offering ethical solutions that align with your faith and financial goals.

Great question – here's what lenders usually ask for:

✅ Proof of ID (passport or driving licence)
✅ Proof of address (utility bill, council tax, etc.)
✅ 3–6 months of payslips or income evidence
✅ Latest P60 (for employed applicants)
✅ 2–3 years' SA302s & tax overviews (if self-employed)
✅ 3–6 months of bank statements
✅ Proof of deposit (bank savings, gift letter, sale of property, etc.)
✅ Credit commitments (loans, car finance, childcare costs)

We'll give you a full checklist and help you gather it all – no need to panic!

Your deposit can come from:

💰 Personal savings
🏠 Equity from a house sale
🎁 Gifted deposits from family (with a signed letter confirming it's a gift, not a loan)
🏦 Inheritance
📈 Investments or ISAs
💷 Help to Buy/Lifetime ISA contributions

Some lenders may also accept a Builder's Incentive or Developer Discount as part of your deposit.

We'll always check that your deposit source is acceptable to lenders – and if not, we'll explain your options clearly.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what happens when you move: