How can I improve my credit score?

You can improve your credit score by proving that you can cope with all your various credit commitments such as loans and credit card payments and by paying things like mobile phone bills and utility bills on time. Being on the electoral role also helps.

What is a credit score?

This is a score that we all have and is based on various things about the way we have conducted our finances over the preceding six years and is used by financial services companies to assess our credit worthiness.

What costs are there when buying a property?

  • Stamp Duty: (a kind of tax) which is a percentage of the purchase price over £145,000. A handy calculator can be found at http://scottishstampduty.com/

  • Solicitor’s fees: which are also based on the purchase price, a quotation can be provided on request; a typical first time buyer will pay between £750.00 and £1,000.

  • Valuation fee: In Scotland all properties on the open market will have a single survey as part of the Home Report. Most lenders will accept this report rather than having to instruct your own. When remortgaging many lenders will pay the valuation fee for you.

  • Lenders arrangement fees: which can usually be added to the mortgage if required and average about £995.00

  • Mortgage broker fee: Can be anywhere from zero to 1 or 2% of the loan amount (Dewar & Partners normal fee is £295.00 which is reduced for repeat customers).

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What insurance do I need for a mortgage?

The building itself needs to be insured plus life insurance is recommended along with Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance which is designed to pay your mortgage payments if you are either off work due to accident or sickness or lose your job due to redundancy. Independent whole of market quotes can be provided on request.