With the high cost of living and high interest rates, there is more flexibility and options available for getting on the property ladder. Lenders accept it is difficult for tenants to save a deposit so some have introduced a 100% mortgage, which means you don't need a deposit. There is critieria to meet to be eligible for this mortgage:

• first-time buyer
• evidence all rental payments over a consecutive period of 12 months in the last 18
• evidence affordability for all household bills over a consecutive period of 12 months in the last 18
• no adverse credit 
• the new mortgage payment cannot be higher than the average rental payments over the last 6 months. 

Think carefully before securing debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other debts secured on it. 

Some mortgages, such as commerical Buy-to-Lets, are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is an agency for arbitrating unresolved complaints between regulated firms and their clients. Full details of the FOS can be found on the website,                       www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.

Joanna Stickings trading as Certitude Wealth (FCA Number 618000) is an appointed representative of Julian Harris Mortgages Ltd (FCA Number 304155), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Joanna Stickings - Principal and Mortgage and Protection Adviser