Five reasons why you should use a specialist mortgage broker

Mortgage brokers offer in-depth knowledge, access to lenders, exclusive deals and more!

Introducing Censeo Financial

Censeo Financial are an award-winning mortgage broker specialising in Shared Ownership and affordable homeownership. Having been trading for over 16 years, we work with many housing associations, councils and developers and have helped thousands of first time buyers get onto the property ladder. We have access to all lenders who offer Shared Ownership mortgages and often get exclusive deals that you wouldn’t get from going to a lender direct.

We understand the importance of providing a friendly and helpful service and have achieved 98% five star google reviews in the last 12 months – we strive to offer the best service possible and to find our customers the best mortgage for their personal needs saving time and money.

Shared Ownership

Shared Ownership is, for many people across the country, the only way they can afford to buy their first home. You buy an initial share of between 10 – 75% (minimum 10% based on the new Shared Ownership model) in a property and then pay rent for the share you don’t own to a housing association. Sounds simple, and indeed it should be. However, it isn’t as straightforward as buying outright and it helps if you use a specialist mortgage broker.

Here are five reasons why you should use a specialist mortgage broker:

1. In-depth knowledge

Companies who specialise in Shared Ownership have in-depth knowledge of the market, the lenders operating in it, and the housing associations and developers selling the properties. They also understand all the issues relating to Shared Ownership, such as legal complexities, lending criteria and undertaking bespoke affordability calculations. Although increasingly mainstream, Shared Ownership is still a specialist sector, so it makes sense to use people who know it inside out.

2. Access to lenders

Over the past decade there has been an increasing focus from the government, local authorities and thinktanks on Shared Ownership as a bona fide fourth tenure in property, as well as heightened exposure in the media.

As a result, more and more lenders have now entered this space, which means that first time buyers have a wide choice. So, you would think that a simple Google search would identify which one was the best, but in reality, you would have to look through dozens of websites on an almost daily basis. Therefore, it is much better to talk to someone who has all the data, regularly updated, at their fingertips.

Some lenders also only accept mortgage applications that are submitted through mortgage brokers. Specialist mortgage brokers like Censeo have access to all lenders who offer mortgages for affordable homeownership saving you time and often money.

3. Exclusive deals

Not only can some brokers get access to the best deals, some, like Censeo Financial, have such strong relationships with leading banks and building societies that they can secure exclusive deals for their clients.

4. Affordability

Unsurprisingly, people looking to get on the property ladder want to know what they can afford if they meet the criteria and what their likely monthly payments will be. Most mortgage brokers will struggle to find a quick and easy way to answer these important questions. That is why we at Censeo have invested heavily in a range of solutions for our clients.

If you want to check quickly what you can afford, we have a Shared Ownership affordability app. If you want to know whether you are eligible to buy a Shared Ownership property, then our Assessment Portal will take you through an in-depth financial assessment which will give you a simple Pass or Fail result within 24 hours.

5. Excellent contacts

Specialist brokers will also be dealing regularly with legal firms, insurance companies and lenders who also totally understand Shared Ownership. This makes the buying process as streamlined and problem-free as possible.

Buying a property is one of the most important decisions you will take in your life, so why not get the best possible advice?

Whether you are thinking about buying your first home, you simply want to know what you can afford to buy, or you’ve found a property but need sound financial advice, always go to a specialist broker like Censeo Financial. We are established, award winning, and only do affordable homeownership. We take the time to help, support and advise our customers through the mortgage process, removing all the jargon and explaining in simple easy to understand terms.

Using a specialist mortgage broker like Censeo can help and guide you through the mortgage process.