Ehab Barrain owns Barrain Property Advisors, an estate agency that covers Canary Wharf and the surrounding area.  He shares his experiences and the significance of providing excellent service, preparing for all scenarios, and utilising technology to streamline processes and make transactions more straightforward and quicker.   Early Years and Passion for Real Estate It was 2016, and I was 24 years old when I started my career in the real estate industry. I joined Foxtons, and from the first days, it had an excellent training programme, and I was getting to hear conversations from h ..read more

Welcome savvy investors and aspiring property moguls to our comprehensive breakdown of the differences between Buy-to-Let (BTL) mortgages and Holiday-Let mortgages. As the heatwaves in the UK draw us all closer to the allure of rural retreats and coastal escapes, the demand for holiday-let homes has surged. Many of you have been reaching out, curious about the nuances of these mortgage products, and today, we are here to demystify it all.   Understanding the Basics Let’s start at the beginning: what is the difference between a Buy-to-Let mortgage and a Holiday-Let mortgage?   A Buy-t ..read more

For Entrepreneurs, understanding self-employed mortgages can be riddled with uncertainties and complexities. Traditionally, self-employed professionals encountered more stringent assessment criteria, and securing a mortgage involved a convoluted process. However, with the landscape of UK employment changing rapidly, lenders are beginning to acknowledge the self-employed’s place in the market. If you find yourself in this category — be you a consultant, entrepreneur, artist, or freelancer — it’s essential to understand how to leverage your unique status to your advantage when owning a piece of ..read more

Navigating the labyrinth of the mortgage market can be daunting for any borrower. Still, for limited company directors in the UK, the process can seem like an exercise in frustration. The grounding reality is that traditional mortgage affordability assessments only sometimes fully reflect business owners’ financial stability and capacity. Fortunately, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon with a new wave of lenders introducing innovative approaches, one of which is the use of ‘share of net profit & dividends’ to redefine mortgage eligibility. For many UK-based small and large business o ..read more

Welcome, savvy readers, to a deep dive into the crystal ball of UK mortgage rates for 2024. As we embark on this journey together, we’ll unravel the mysteries surrounding mortgage rates, decipher the economic indicators shaping their path, explore historical trends for enlightenment, and peek into the forecasts of financial experts to paint a clearer picture of what lies ahead.   Understanding Mortgage Rates Before diving into predictions, let’s understand the basics. Mortgage rates represent the interest charged on a mortgage loan. These rates fluctuate based on several economic indicato ..read more

At the core of healthcare stand the tireless NHS professionals, champions on the frontlines of care. Yet, owning a home is a more complex prescription for these essential workers. Financial navigation can be as intricate as surgery, especially when securing mortgages tailored to NHS doctor’s and nurses’ unique needs.   Decoding the NHS Payslip Puzzle An NHS payslip often resembles a cryptic cypher, decipherable only by a few finance experts without inducing headaches. While noble in purpose, the intricate deductions, contributions, and compensations pose challenges for bankers and brokers ..read more

For many, the homeownership journey begins with a residential mortgage and the dream of living in their place. However, some folks set their sights on investment early, looking to purchase a buy-to-let property for rental purposes as their first step into the property market. But is buying an investment property as your first home feasible? Let’s delve into this topic with all the insights you need about venturing into rental property ownership as a first-time buyer. Can your initial property purchase be a buy-to-let?  In short, yes. However, it’s different from the usual path taken by mo ..read more

For many, the homeownership journey begins with a residential mortgage and the dream of living in their place. However, some folks set their sights on investment early, looking to purchase a buy-to-let property for rental purposes as their first step into the property market. But is buying an investment property as your first home with a buy-to-let mortgage is feasible? Let’s delve into this topic with all the insights you need about venturing into rental property ownership as a first-time buyer. Can your initial property purchase be a buy-to-let?  In short, yes. However, it’s different f ..read more

Are you at the crossroads of deciding to sell your property or perhaps meticulously planning every step of this journey? Fret not because navigating the intricate pathways of the UK’s housing market can be daunting for many. However, you can turn this process into a smooth sail with proper knowledge and strategy. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned mover, selling your home can be a gratifying experience with the appropriate guidance. Guide to Selling Your Home in the UK Market Understanding the Market Dynamics Before you dive headlong into listing your property, it’s crucial to grasp the hou ..read more

When you fall behind on mortgage payments, it’s more than just a financial hiccup—it’s a red flag signalling potential risks like repossession and profound credit implications. Your home isn’t just a place to live; it’s a significant financial investment, and maintaining your mortgage payments is crucial to securing your ownership. Arrears mean you’ve accumulated overdue payments, which can lead to dire consequences if not addressed promptly. Ignoring the issue won’t make it vanish; instead, it can exacerbate the situation, impacting your creditworthiness and ability to secure future loans. Wi ..read more