Mortgage, But Make It Easy

Heard of a JBSP mortgage but not sure how it actually works, or whether it's the same as a guarantor mortgage? In this episode of Mortgage, But Make It Easy, Francel is joined by Brennan, mortgage adviser at Heron Financial, to clear up the three biggest misconceptions about Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgages and explain when they're genuinely useful.

Brennan breaks down what a JBSP actually is, how it differs from a standard joint mortgage (the additional borrower goes on the mortgage but not the property deeds), and why it's become the modern replacement for guarantor mortgages. He also tackles the stamp duty question head-on, explaining why parents going on a JBSP do not get hit with the 3% second home surcharge, because they have no ownership of the property.

You'll also hear how JBSP works on new build purchases, where lender criteria can cap your loan-to-value lower than on an existing property, who can realistically be added to the application (parents, siblings, even in-laws in some cases), and the often overlooked point that the additional borrower's own mortgage and credit commitments can quietly reduce how much they actually help your affordability.

If you're a first-time buyer struggling to meet affordability on your own, or a parent wanting to help your child onto the ladder without gifting a big deposit, this episode lays it out in plain English.

Why clients choose Heron Financial for JBSP mortgages
Heron Financial is a B-Corp certified, fee-free, whole-of-market mortgage broker that specialises in family-supported mortgages including Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor. We've helped hundreds of first-time buyers use a parent or family member's income to boost affordability, while keeping the property in their name and avoiding unnecessary stamp duty costs.

Get in touch with the team at Heron Financial to talk through your options.

Thinking about buying your first home as a junior doctor and unsure how lenders will view your income? In this episode of Mortgages But Make It Easy, Amber sits down with Joshua Johnstone, mortgage adviser at Heron Financial, for a clear walkthrough of how mortgage applications actually work when you're early in your medical career.

Josh explains which income streams count towards affordability, including basic salary, overtime, bank holiday pay and locum work, and how lenders treat variable income when there's a track record behind it. He also breaks down how future pay rises can be used to boost borrowing, why the timing of that pay rise matters (with the 3-month rule lenders tend to follow), and how progressing through training grades can quickly improve the maximum mortgage you can afford.

You'll also hear exactly what documents junior doctors need to provide, from three months' payslips to pay rise letters and locum income evidence, plus Josh's practical advice for anyone planning their first purchase.

If you're a junior doctor weighing up a first home or a remortgage, this episode gives you the honest, jargon-free answers most lenders won't spell out.

Why junior doctors choose Heron Financial
Heron Financial is a B-Corp certified, fee-free mortgage broker that specialises in mortgages for medical professionals. We've helped hundreds of junior doctors get mortgage offers built around NHS income, including overtime, locum work and future pay rises, in cases where other brokers couldn't.

 Book a free chat with the Heron Financial team here.

How do student let mortgages work, and why do lenders treat them differently from standard buy-to-lets?

In this episode of The Money Nest, Francel is joined by senior mortgage advisor Kane to break down the world of student let mortgages in simple terms. They explain how student lets differ from standard buy-to-let properties, why lenders pay close attention to licensing and occupancy, and how HMOs fit into the picture.

They also discuss loan-to-value limits, rental stress testing, first-time landlord applications, common mistakes investors make, and why university towns continue to attract landlords looking to increase rental yields.

Whether you’re considering your first student investment property or looking to remortgage an existing one, this episode gives a practical introduction to one of the more specialist areas of the mortgage market.

Can you remortgage a second home — and how does it differ from remortgaging your main residence?

In this episode of Mortgage, But Make It Easy, Amber is joined by senior mortgage advisor Aidan to break down everything homeowners need to know about remortgaging a second property. Whether it’s a holiday home, buy-to-let, or a second property for personal use, they explain how lenders assess affordability, rental income, loan-to-value, and equity release.

They also cover what happens when a fixed-rate deal ends, how rising interest rates can affect affordability, when releasing equity makes sense, and the common mistakes people make when remortgaging a second home.

From understanding capital growth and valuations to navigating legal work, stress testing and lender requirements, this episode is designed to help make a more complex area of mortgages feel much easier to understand.

If your mortgage deal is coming to an end, should you stay with your current lender or switch to a new one?

In this episode, Francel is joined by Heron Financial remortgage advisor Gary Holmes to break down the difference between a product transfer and a remortgage in simple terms. They cover how each option works, the pros and cons of both, when to start the conversation, and why the right choice often depends on your personal circumstances.

You’ll also learn when a product transfer can be the simpler route, when a remortgage could help you access a better deal, and how things like Help to Buy, changing income, fees, and borrowing extra for home improvements can affect your options.

If your current mortgage deal is ending soon and you’re not sure what to do next, this episode will help you understand the key differences and feel more confident about your next step.

The conversation covers the challenges faced by locum healthcare workers in obtaining a mortgage, the impact of student loan repayment on mortgage eligibility, and the preparation required before applying for a mortgage. It also delves into the specific documentation needed for self-employed mortgage applicants, the considerations for umbrella company employees, and the assessment of locum work for mortgage applications.

Takeaways

• Challenges for locum healthcare workers in getting a mortgage
• Impact of student loan repayment on mortgage eligibility