FAQ

FAQ — Business & House Loan
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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you apply. Browse by category or search for any topic below. Still can’t find an answer? Call us on +52 55 4687 6938.

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Showing all 32 questions across 6 categories
Showing all 32 questions
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Applying for a Loan
6 questions
Will applying affect my credit score?+

Our initial eligibility check uses a soft search only, which is completely invisible to other lenders and has zero impact on your credit score. A hard search only takes place when you formally proceed with a full application to a specific lender, and we will always inform you before this happens.

How long does the approval process take?+

Most applications receive a formal lending decision within 48 hours of submission. Business loan funds can reach your account within 3–5 working days. Mortgage completions typically take 4–8 weeks depending on the property chain, valuation, and lender processing speed.

Is it free to apply? Are there any upfront fees?+

Yes — applying is completely free with no obligation. An arrangement fee may be applicable on certain products, but this will always be clearly disclosed in your personalised Key Facts Illustration before you commit to anything. There is never any surprise charge.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At the initial stage, you need very little. Your adviser will provide a full personalised checklist, but generally:

  • Proof of ID (passport or driving licence)
  • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
  • 3 months’ bank statements and payslips (employed) or 2 years’ SA302 (self-employed)
  • Property details for mortgage applications
  • 2 years’ business accounts for business loans
Can I apply on behalf of a business or company?+

Yes. We accept applications from sole traders, partnerships, limited companies (Ltd), and LLPs. For limited companies, we will require director and shareholder information as part of the application. All business types and trading periods are considered.

How do I start my application?+

Simply click Apply Now anywhere on our website. The online application takes under 10 minutes to complete on any device. Once submitted, a named adviser will contact you — usually within 2 hours during business hours — to confirm the next steps.

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Mortgages & Property
6 questions
How much deposit do I need for a mortgage?+

The minimum deposit is typically 5% of the property value for first-time buyers using certain schemes. Standard residential mortgages usually require 10%. Buy-to-let mortgages typically require 25%. The more deposit you can provide, the better your rate will generally be.

What is the difference between fixed and variable rate mortgages?+

A fixed rate mortgage locks your interest rate for a set period (usually 2, 5, or 10 years), giving you certainty over your monthly payments regardless of Bank of England base rate changes. A variable rate mortgage can fluctuate with the market — payments can go up or down. Your adviser will help you choose the right product for your situation.

Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed?+

Yes. We specialise in self-employed mortgage applications and work with lenders who accept income evidence from SA302 tax returns, accountant’s certificates, and business bank statements. Most self-employed applicants with 1–2 years of accounts are successfully placed.

Tip: Having a good accountant and clean bank statements significantly improves your chances of approval.
How much can I borrow for a mortgage?+

Most lenders offer between 4 and 4.5 times your annual income, though some specialist lenders can go up to 5.5x for professionals. Joint applications are assessed on combined income. Use our loan calculator for an instant estimate, or speak to an adviser for a personalised figure.

What is remortgaging and when should I do it?+

Remortgaging means switching your existing mortgage to a new deal — either with your current lender or a new one. You should consider remortgaging when: your current fixed-rate deal is ending, you want to release equity for home improvements, you want to reduce your monthly payments, or when rates have dropped significantly since you last applied.

What is a buy-to-let mortgage and who qualifies?+

A buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage is specifically designed for properties purchased as rental investments. Eligibility requirements typically include: a minimum deposit of 25%, evidence that the expected rental income covers at least 125% of the mortgage payment, and often a minimum personal income of £25,000. We also have products for first-time landlords and limited companies.

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Business Loans
5 questions
How much can I borrow for a business loan?+

We offer business loans from £10,000 to £2,000,000. The amount you can borrow depends on your business revenue, trading history, financial health, and the purpose of the loan. Your adviser will assess your full financial picture to identify the maximum available to you.

Can a start-up business apply for a loan?+

Yes. We have specialist start-up finance products including government-backed start-up loans for businesses with no trading history. A business plan and financial forecasts are required. Our advisers can also help you prepare your business plan at no extra cost.

What can a business loan be used for?+

Business loans can be used for almost any legitimate business purpose, including:

  • Working capital and cash flow management
  • Equipment and asset purchase or lease
  • Business acquisition or management buyout
  • Expansion — new premises, staff, or markets
  • Invoice financing and trade finance
  • Stock purchase and seasonal funding
Is a personal guarantee required for business loans?+

This depends on the lender and the loan amount. For unsecured business loans, many lenders require a personal guarantee from directors. For secured loans, business or personal assets may be used as collateral. Your adviser will explain any guarantee requirements clearly before you proceed.

How quickly can business loan funds be received?+

Once approved, business loan funds can typically be in your account within 3–5 working days. Some unsecured products from fintech lenders can fund same-day or next-day. The timeline depends on the lender, loan size, and completeness of your documentation.

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Rates & Fees
5 questions
Are there any hidden fees?+

No. We are committed to full transparency. All costs — including any arrangement fees, valuation fees, or solicitor fees — are disclosed in your Key Facts Illustration (KFI) before you commit to anything. There are no surprise charges at any stage.

What interest rates do you offer?+

Our representative rates start from 3.1% APR for remortgages, 3.2% for residential mortgages, 3.5% for first-time buyer products, 4.1% for buy-to-let, and 5.9% for business loans. Your personal rate depends on your credit profile, loan-to-value, income, and the specific lender. We always search for the lowest rate available to you across 60+ lenders.

Can I repay my loan early?+

Most of our products carry no early repayment charges, allowing you to overpay or settle in full at no extra cost. Some fixed-rate mortgage products may carry an Early Repayment Charge (ERC) during the fixed period — this is always stated clearly in your offer document before you sign.

What happens if I miss a repayment?+

If you anticipate difficulty making a repayment, please contact us immediately at contact@businessandhouseloan.com or call +52 55 4687 6938. We have a dedicated support team and will work with you to find a solution. A late payment fee of up to £25 may apply on some products — but we will always contact you before this is charged.

Important: For secured loans and mortgages, failure to keep up repayments may result in your home being repossessed.
Do you charge a broker fee?+

In some cases we receive a commission from the lender. Where this applies, it will always be disclosed in your offer documentation. We may also charge a broker fee on certain complex cases — if this applies to you, your adviser will explain this clearly upfront and you are never obligated to proceed.

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Credit & Eligibility
5 questions
Can I apply with bad credit or a CCJ?+

Yes. We work with a panel of specialist adverse credit lenders who consider CCJs, defaults, missed payments, IVAs, and discharged bankruptcies on a case-by-case basis. A past credit issue does not automatically mean a declined application. The more time that has passed since the issue, the better your chances.

What credit score do I need to be approved?+

There is no single minimum credit score. Different lenders use different scoring models and criteria. A higher credit score will typically unlock better rates, but we work with lenders across the full credit spectrum. We assess your entire financial picture — not just one number.

Can self-employed people apply?+

Absolutely. We have extensive experience placing self-employed applicants and work with specialist lenders who accept income from SA302 tax returns, accountant certificates, and bank statements. Most self-employed clients who have been trading for 1+ years are successfully placed with competitive products.

What is the minimum income required?+

Minimum income requirements vary by product. For residential mortgages there is no strict minimum, though your income must support the monthly repayments. For buy-to-let, many lenders require a personal income of at least £25,000. Business loans are assessed on business revenue and profitability rather than personal income.

Are non-UK nationals eligible to apply?+

Yes, provided you are a UK resident with the right to remain in the UK and hold a valid UK bank account. Some lenders have residency requirements and may ask for evidence of your visa or right-to-reside status. Your adviser will identify the most suitable lenders for your situation.

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