Find Your Perfect Mortgage
From 200+ UK Lenders
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, self-employed, or planning for retirement, we guide you through 15,000+ mortgage deals to find the one that’s right for you.
Why hire a new broker every time your circumstances change?
Get Started in 60 Seconds
Answer a few questions to unlock your options
Find Your Perfect Mortgage From 200+ UK Lenders
Expert guidance for first-time buyers, self-employed, and every life stage
First-Time Buyers
Turn confusion into keys with low-deposit schemes and expert guidance.
Moving/Remortgaging
Unlock better rates or release equity to fund your next chapter.
Equity Release
Access your home's wealth safely with FCA-regulated retirement advice.
Other Services
From self-build to bridging loans—we handle complex cases others can't.
First-Time Buyers
Turn Confusion Into Keys
Getting on the property ladder shouldn't feel impossible.
We specialise in helping first-time buyers navigate schemes, deposits, and lenders who actually want to say yes.
We understand the challenges: The average first-time buyer faces 200+ lenders, confusing government schemes, and the stress of saving a deposit while rent keeps rising. Many give up before they start, assuming they can’t afford it.
Here’s how we help: Your dedicated Acorn.mortgage broker cuts through the complexity. We’ll assess your situation, explain every scheme you qualify for (Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, guarantor options), and find lenders who specialise in first-time buyers—even with smaller deposits or less-than-perfect credit.
What makes us different: Unlike high-street banks that only offer their own products, we search the entire market. We’ve helped first-time buyers secure mortgages with deposits under 5%, and we know which lenders are flexible on income multiples for younger buyers.
Common scenarios we solve:
- Limited deposit but stable income
- Self-employed for less than 3 years
- Previous credit issues now resolved
- Parents willing to help as guarantors
- Buying with friends or partners with different incomes
Moving Home or Remortgaging
Unlock Better Rates Today
Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or simply want a better deal, we'll save you thousands by finding the right mortgage at the right time.
The opportunity: Mortgage rates change constantly. If you’re on your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR), you could be overpaying by hundreds of pounds every month. Similarly, when moving home, the mortgage you choose can make or break your budget.
Two ways we help:
Remortgaging — Your existing lender won’t tell you when better deals become available. We monitor the market for you and recommend the optimal time to switch, whether that’s to:
- Secure a lower interest rate
- Release equity for renovations or other investments
- Consolidate debts into your mortgage
- Switch from interest-only to repayment
Moving Home — We arrange your new mortgage in parallel with your house sale, ensuring:
- Smooth chain progression with no last-minute surprises
- Porting your existing mortgage if that’s the best option
- Finding better products if you’ve improved your credit or income
- Handling complex purchases like leasehold, new builds, or auctions
The numbers:
Switching from a 5.5% SVR to a 4.2% fixed rate on a £250,000 mortgage saves you over £270 per month—that’s £3,240 per year or £16,200 over a typical 5-year fix.
Common scenarios we solve:
- Coming to the end of a fixed-rate deal
- Wanting to release equity without extending the term
- Moving home while self-employed
- Buying a larger property with complex income sources
- Porting a mortgage that’s in negative equity
Equity Release
Access Your Home's Wealth Safely
If you're over 55 and own your home, equity release lets you unlock tax-free cash while staying in the property you love. Our FCA-regulated specialists ensure you make the right decision for your family.
What is equity release? Equity release allows you to access a portion of your home’s value as a tax-free lump sum or regular income—without having to move. You retain ownership and the right to live there for life. It’s particularly valuable for supplementing retirement income, funding home improvements, helping family, or simply enjoying your retirement.
Why specialist advice matters: Equity release is a significant financial decision with long-term implications for your estate. That’s why it’s heavily regulated by the FCA, and why you need advice from qualified specialists—not generalists.
Our approach: Your Acorn equity release adviser will:
- Assess whether equity release is right for your specific circumstances
- Explain all alternatives (including downsizing or standard remortgaging)
- Calculate exactly how much you can release based on your age and property value
- Present options from the whole market, including lifetime mortgages with flexible features
- Ensure any plan includes protections like a no-negative-equity guarantee
- Involve your family in discussions if you wish
Key protections we prioritize:
- No-negative-equity guarantee (you’ll never owe more than your home is worth)
- Right to remain in your home for life
- Ability to make voluntary repayments (on most products)
- Inheritance protection options to ring-fence value for your family
- Portable products if you move home
Common scenarios we solve:
- Supplementing pension income
- Clearing an existing mortgage to reduce monthly outgoings
- Funding significant home improvements or adaptations
- Helping children or grandchildren onto the property ladder
- Paying for long-term care at home
Complex Cases?
We Specialise in Finding Solutions
Not every mortgage fits a standard box.
Our specialist advisers thrive on solving the challenging cases that mainstream lenders decline.
When “different” becomes difficult: High-street banks work from tick-box checklists. If your employment, income, or property doesn’t fit their narrow criteria, they simply say no. That’s where we come in.
Specialist mortgages we arrange:
Self-Build Mortgages — Building your own home is exciting, but arranging staged funding releases as construction progresses requires specialist knowledge. We work with lenders who understand self-build projects, whether you’re using architects, package companies, or managing trades yourself.
Bridging Loans — When timing is critical (auction purchases, chain breaks, or quick property purchases), bridging finance provides fast access to funds. We arrange residential bridging from 1 month to 2 years, with exits to standard mortgages pre-agreed.
Contractor & Freelance Mortgages — Day-rate contractors, freelancers, and those with multiple income streams often struggle with traditional lenders. We know which lenders assess contract income fairly and which accept just one year’s accounts.
Second Charge Mortgages — Need to raise capital without disturbing a great existing mortgage rate? A second charge sits behind your first mortgage, letting you release equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or large purchases while keeping your primary mortgage unchanged.
Guarantor Mortgages — Parents or family willing to help? Guarantor mortgages let you borrow more or with a smaller deposit, backed by a guarantor’s property or savings. We structure these carefully to protect everyone involved.
Let to Buy & Buy to Let — Whether you’re keeping your current home as a rental when you move, or building a property portfolio, we arrange both residential Let to Buy and investment Buy to Let mortgages with specialist landlord lenders.
Why complex cases need specialists:
These products aren’t available on comparison sites. They require relationships with niche lenders, understanding of underwriting criteria, and experience packaging applications to maximise approval chances.
Common scenarios we solve:
- Self-employed with great income but complex tax returns
- Contractors between assignments or recently switched to contracting
- Buying a non-standard construction property (timber frame, ex-council, etc.)
- Need to move quickly for work relocation or family reasons
- Previous adverse credit now resolved but still affecting applications
- Multiple income sources that confuse standard lenders
Contractor Mortgages →
Why Acorn.mortgage broker should be YOUR broker;
What are mortgage interest rates going to do next? Which mortgage lender offers the best deal for you? How do you choose the best mortgage deal from over 200 mortgage lenders in the UK market offering more than 15,000 different deals!
We understand that navigating the world of home ownership and mortgages can be daunting.
That’s why your Acorn.mortgage broker will provide expert guidance and tailored solutions so that you can make an informed decision.
FAQs – Acorn.mortgage broker’s answers!
How quickly can I get a mortgage decision?
Our experts will review your details after a call or enquiry. Within a few hours we’ll be able to give you guidance as to what is possible, we’ll back that up within 48 hours with a Decision in Principle from our lending panel of over 200 lenders.
What if I've been declined by my bank?
Banks all have their own rigid lending criteria, you could be declined around your income, credit or the type of property you are mortgaging. We have whole of market lender access so that we can help in more difficult situations. This is where our expertise comes in, finding the reasons for a lender to say YES!
Do I need perfect credit to get approved?
No!
We don’t all have perfect credit histories these days and there are lenders out there to fit all circumstances.
All we ask is that you check the details out first and make sure your advisor knows all the details.
Going to the wrong lenders wastes your time but can also make it harder to get approval from the right lenders down the line, it’s always better to go to the right lenders first!
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Mortgage?
Applying for a mortgage requires several key documents to verify your financial status and eligibility. These typically include:
- Proof of Income: Recent pay slips, tax returns, and possibly an employment verification letter or P60.
- Bank Statements: Statements from the past 2-3 months to show your financial transactions and savings.
- Credit Report: A copy of your credit report to assess your creditworthiness.
- ID and Proof of Address: Government-issued ID (passport or driver’s licence) and recent utility bills or bank statements.
- Other Assets and Debts: Documentation of other assets (investment accounts) and debts (credit card statements, student loans).
How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage?
The amount you can borrow depends on several factors:
- Income: Lenders typically offer a loan amount based on a multiple of your annual income, usually 4-5 times your salary but more is possible for some people.
- Credit Score: Higher credit scores can increase your borrowing capacity and lead to better interest rates.
- Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders look at your monthly debt payments compared to your monthly income. A lower ratio improves your borrowing potential.
- Deposit: The size of your deposit impacts how much you can borrow. A larger deposit often means you can borrow more.
What Are the Different Types of Mortgages Available?
There are several types of mortgages available, including:
- Fixed-Rate Mortgage: The interest rate remains constant for a set period, providing stability in monthly payments.
- Variable-Rate Mortgage: The interest rate can change based on the lender’s standard variable rate, which can lead to fluctuations in monthly payments.
- Tracker Mortgage: The interest rate tracks the Bank of England’s base rate, meaning your payments can increase or decrease.
- Interest-Only Mortgage: You pay only the interest on the loan for a set period, after which you must start repaying the principal or refinance.
- Buy-to-Let Mortgage: Specifically for those purchasing property to rent out, often requiring a larger deposit and higher interest rates.
How Does My Credit Score Affect My Mortgage Application?
Your credit score plays a crucial role in your mortgage application:
- Interest Rates: A higher credit score can qualify you for lower interest rates, reducing your overall cost of borrowing.
- Loan Approval: Lenders use your credit score to assess the risk of lending to you. A higher score increases your chances of approval.
- Loan Amount: Better credit scores can also influence the amount you can borrow, as lenders are more confident in your ability to repay.
- Terms and Conditions: Applicants with higher credit scores may receive more favorable terms and conditions on their mortgage.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting Approved for a Mortgage?
There are several steps you can take to improve your mortgage approval chances:
- Improve Your Credit Score: Pay down debts, avoid late payments, and correct any errors on your credit report.
- Save for a Larger Deposit: A larger deposit can increase your chances of approval and provide better mortgage terms.
- Reduce Existing Debt: Lowering your debt-to-income ratio makes you a less risky borrower.
- Stable Employment: Lenders prefer borrowers with stable and continuous employment.
- Financial Preparation: Ensure all your financial documents are in order and demonstrate responsible financial behavior.
How can I get my credit report?
In the UK, you can obtain a free credit report from several services. Here’s how you can access your credit report for free from the major credit reference agencies:
1. Experian
Experian offers a free credit report and score through their service:
- Experian Free Account: You can sign up for a free account on Experian’s website, which provides you with access to your credit score and report. The free account includes monthly updates.
- Website: Experian
2. Equifax
Equifax provides free access to your credit report through the ClearScore platform:
- ClearScore: This free service offers you access to your Equifax credit report and score. ClearScore provides monthly updates and personalized financial advice.
- Website: ClearScore
3. TransUnion
TransUnion offers free credit reports through Credit Karma and their own service:
- Credit Karma: This platform provides free access to your TransUnion credit report and score. Credit Karma offers continuous access and regular updates.
- Website: Credit Karma
4. Annual Statutory Credit Report
By law, you are entitled to a free statutory credit report once a year from each of the major credit reference agencies. You can request this directly from the agencies:
- Equifax: Request your free statutory credit report on their website.
- Website: Equifax Free Report
- Experian: Request your statutory report on the Experian website.
- Website: Experian Free Report
- TransUnion: Request your statutory report on the TransUnion website.
- Website: TransUnion Free Report
Tips for Accessing and Understanding Your Credit Report
- Sign Up for Alerts: Many of these services offer free alerts for any significant changes to your credit report, which can help you monitor your credit health.
- Regular Monitoring: Regularly check your credit report to ensure all the information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Report Errors: If you find any inaccuracies, report them to the credit reference agency to have them corrected.
- Understand the Score: Each service may provide a slightly different score. Familiarize yourself with the factors that influence your score to better manage your credit.