# Our Mortgage Broker Limited (OMB) > Independent, whole-of-market mortgage and property finance broker at 23 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6HE. Directly authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 944663). Advises UK and international clients on residential, high-value and private bank mortgages, expat and foreign national lending, buy-to-let and limited company buy-to-let, HMO and holiday lets, bridging loans, development finance, commercial mortgages and protection. Winner, Business Moneyfacts Awards 2023 Buy-to-Let Mortgage Broker of the Year. Contact: 0203 971 1234 · info@ourmortgagebroker.co.uk · Free 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/ourmortgagebroker/15min Fees: a broker fee may be charged, up to 1% of the loan (typical £500); OMB may also receive lender commission. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Most buy-to-let and commercial lending is not regulated by the FCA. ## Mortgages and property finance - [Residential purchase mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/residential-purchase/): A residential purchase mortgage is a loan secured on the home you are buying to live in. It suits movers, upsizers, downsizers and buyers with straightforward or complex income. OMB is a whole-of-market broker: we compare lenders, package your application and manage it through to completion. - [First-time buyer mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/first-time-buyer/): A first-time buyer mortgage helps you buy your first home, often with a deposit of 5–10%. Buyers who have never owned property may pay less stamp duty and can access certain schemes. OMB explains what you can borrow, compares lenders across the market and guides you through each step. - [Remortgage advice](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/remortgage/): Remortgaging means moving your mortgage to a new deal, either with a new lender or your current one. Homeowners usually remortgage when a fixed or tracker deal ends, to release equity or to change their term. OMB compares the whole market, including your lender's own switch offer, and handles the paperwork. - [Self-build mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/self-build/): A self-build mortgage funds the purchase of land and the construction of your own home, released in stages as the build progresses. It suits individuals building a home to live in, including custom builds and major conversions. OMB finds lenders whose stage-payment structure fits your project and budget. - [Later-life mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/later-life/): Later-life mortgages help people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond borrow against their home. Options include standard mortgages that run into retirement, retirement interest-only (RIO) mortgages and, separately, equity release. OMB explains how each works, compares the market and helps you weigh costs and risks with your family. - [Shared ownership and Right to Buy mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/social-housing/): Shared ownership and Right to Buy help people buy a home at a lower upfront cost. With shared ownership, you buy a share and pay rent on the rest. Right to Buy lets eligible council tenants buy their home at a discount. Fewer lenders offer these mortgages; OMB knows which ones do. - [High-value mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/high-value/): A high-value mortgage is a large loan, usually £1 million or more, secured on a prime or high-value home. Borrowers often have complex income, international assets or multiple properties. From Mayfair, OMB compares high-street banks, specialist lenders and private banks to structure the right loan for your circumstances. - [Private bank mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/private-bank/): A private bank mortgage is a bespoke loan from a bank that serves wealthy clients. It is assessed on your overall wealth, assets and relationship, not just salary. It suits high-net-worth borrowers with complex income, large loans or international assets. OMB introduces you to suitable private banks and negotiates terms. - [Expat and foreign national mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/expat-foreign-national/): Expat and foreign national mortgages help British citizens living abroad, and non-UK nationals living in or outside the UK, buy or refinance UK property. Lenders assess overseas income, currency and residency differently. OMB finds lenders that accept your nationality, country of residence and income type, from high-street banks to private banks. - [Self-employed mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/self-employed/): A self-employed mortgage is a standard residential mortgage assessed on business income rather than payslips. It suits sole traders, company directors, partners and contractors. Lenders differ widely in how they read accounts, dividends and retained profit. OMB finds lenders whose approach makes the most of your income. - [Adverse credit mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/adverse-credit/): An adverse credit mortgage is a home loan for people with past credit problems, such as missed payments, defaults, CCJs or insolvency. Some mainstream lenders accept minor or older issues; specialist lenders consider more serious ones. OMB reviews your credit history honestly and matches you to lenders likely to consider it. - [Second charge mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/second-charge/): A second charge mortgage, or secured loan, lets you borrow against your home's equity while keeping your existing mortgage in place. It can suit homeowners who would face early repayment charges or lose a good rate by remortgaging. OMB compares second charge lenders with alternatives such as further advances and remortgaging. - [Buy-to-let mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/buy-to-let/): A buy-to-let mortgage is a loan to buy or remortgage a property you rent out. Lenders base it mainly on the expected rent, not just your salary. OMB is an independent, whole-of-market broker that compares lenders, models rental affordability and arranges the right loan for first-time and experienced landlords. - [Limited company buy-to-let mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/limited-company-buy-to-let/): A limited company buy-to-let mortgage lets a company, usually a special purpose vehicle (SPV), own and borrow against rental property. Many higher-rate taxpayers use this route because companies can deduct mortgage interest as a cost. OMB compares specialist and mainstream lenders and arranges finance for new and existing company structures. - [Portfolio landlord mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/portfolio-landlord/): A portfolio landlord is someone with four or more mortgaged buy-to-let properties. Under Bank of England (PRA) rules, lenders must assess the whole portfolio, not just the new property. OMB prepares your portfolio information, finds lenders whose criteria fit and arranges purchases, remortgages and portfolio refinancing. - [Let-to-buy mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/let-to-buy/): Let-to-buy means keeping your current home, letting it to tenants, and buying a new home to live in. It usually involves two mortgages: a buy-to-let on the home you are letting and a residential mortgage on your next home. OMB arranges both together so the timing, deposit and affordability work. - [HMO mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/hmo/): An HMO mortgage is a buy-to-let mortgage for a house in multiple occupation, where three or more unrelated tenants share facilities. HMOs can produce higher rent but carry extra licensing and management duties. OMB compares specialist HMO lenders and arranges purchase, refinance and conversion finance. - [Holiday let mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/holiday-let/): A holiday let mortgage finances a property rented to guests for short stays rather than to long-term tenants. Lenders usually assess it on projected seasonal income. OMB compares lenders that offer holiday let and short-term let mortgages, and explains the tax and local rule changes before you commit. - [Multi-unit freehold block mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgages/multi-unit-freehold/): A multi-unit freehold block (MUFB) mortgage finances several self-contained flats held on one freehold title. Lenders look at the combined rent and the value of the block. OMB compares specialist buy-to-let and commercial lenders for purchases, refinances and title splits. - [Bridging loans](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/commercial/bridging-loans/): A bridging loan is short-term finance secured on property, usually for up to 12–24 months, used when you need money faster than a mortgage allows. It suits auction purchases, chain breaks, refurbishments and time-critical deals. OMB compares specialist bridging lenders and makes sure you have a realistic exit before you borrow. - [Development finance](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/commercial/development-finance/): Development finance is a short-term loan that funds land or property purchase and build costs for new-build, conversion or heavy refurbishment projects. Funds are released in stages as work is certified. OMB structures senior debt, mezzanine and development exit loans for first-time and experienced developers across London and the UK. - [Commercial mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/commercial/commercial-mortgages/): A commercial mortgage is a loan secured on property used for business, such as offices, shops, warehouses or industrial units. It suits trading businesses buying their own premises and investors buying let commercial property. OMB compares high street banks, challenger banks and specialist lenders to structure the right loan for your business. - [Semi-commercial mortgages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/commercial/semi-commercial/): A semi-commercial mortgage finances a building with both commercial and residential parts, such as a shop with flats above. It suits investors and business owners buying or refinancing mixed-use property. OMB compares specialist and mainstream lenders to find one that values both parts of the building fairly. - [Business finance](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/commercial/business-finance/): Business finance covers the loans and facilities companies use to grow, buy equipment, manage cash flow or spread tax bills. It includes business loans, asset finance, prestige car finance, invoice finance and VAT or tax loans. OMB compares specialist lenders to match the right facility to your business and its cash flow. - [Life insurance](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/protection/life-insurance/): Life insurance pays a lump sum or regular income to your family if you die during the policy term. It is often used to repay a mortgage and support dependants. OMB compares UK insurers, helps you choose the right type and amount of cover, and supports you through the application and underwriting. - [Critical illness cover](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/protection/critical-illness/): Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness, such as certain cancers, heart attacks or strokes, during the policy term. It can repay a mortgage or fund recovery costs. OMB compares insurers' definitions and features, not just the price. - [Income protection](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/protection/income-protection/): Income protection pays a monthly income if you cannot work because of illness or injury, after an agreed waiting period. It usually replaces part of your earnings until you return to work, retire or the policy ends. OMB compares insurers and helps you choose a waiting period and benefit that fit your finances. - [Buildings and contents insurance](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/protection/buildings-contents/): Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home, while contents insurance covers your belongings. Mortgage lenders require buildings insurance from the day you complete, and buyers are often responsible from exchange. OMB helps homeowners, landlords and owners of high-value London property find suitable cover alongside their mortgage. - [Key person insurance](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/protection/key-person/): Key person insurance pays your business a lump sum if a vital director or employee dies or, with optional cover, is diagnosed with a critical illness. It helps cover lost profits, recruitment and debt repayment. OMB helps businesses identify key people, value the cover needed and compare insurers. ## Guides (answer-first) - [How much can I borrow for a mortgage?](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/how-much-can-i-borrow/): Most UK lenders will lend around 4 to 4.5 times your gross annual income, and some go to 5 or 5.5 times for higher earners or certain professions. The final figure depends on your outgoings, credit history, deposit and an interest rate stress test. A broker can compare how different lenders treat your income. - [Stamp duty explained](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/stamp-duty-explained/): Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is paid when you buy property or land in England or Northern Ireland over a set price. For a main home it is charged in bands from 0% to 12%. First-time buyers pay nothing up to £300,000. Additional homes carry a 5% surcharge, and non-UK residents pay a further 2%. - [How does a bridging loan work?](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/how-does-a-bridging-loan-work/): A bridging loan is short-term finance secured on property, usually for 1 to 24 months. It lets you buy or fund something quickly, then repay from a sale or a longer-term mortgage. Interest is often rolled up and paid at the end. It is fast and flexible, but expensive, so a clear exit plan is essential. - [Getting a UK mortgage as a foreign national](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/foreign-national-uk-mortgage/): Yes, foreign nationals can get a UK mortgage, whether living in the UK on a visa or buying from overseas. Lenders look at residency, visa length, income currency and deposit. Overseas buyers typically need a larger deposit, often 25% or more. Non-UK residents also pay a 2% stamp duty surcharge in England and Northern Ireland. - [What is a private bank mortgage?](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/what-is-a-private-bank-mortgage/): A private bank mortgage is a home loan from a private or wealth management bank, usually for high-net-worth clients. Instead of standard income multiples, the bank looks at your overall wealth, assets and future earnings. Loans are often larger and more flexible, but the bank may expect you to place investments or deposits with it. - [When should I remortgage?](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/when-to-remortgage/): Start reviewing your mortgage around six months before your current deal ends. Many lenders let you secure a new rate that far ahead, so you avoid moving onto the standard variable rate. Compare a product transfer with your current lender against a full remortgage elsewhere, and check for early repayment charges first. - [Buying property through a limited company](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/buying-through-a-limited-company/): Many landlords buy buy-to-let property through a limited company, usually a special purpose vehicle (SPV). Companies can deduct mortgage interest in full and pay corporation tax rather than income tax. But company mortgages can cost more, stamp duty surcharges always apply, and taking profits out is taxed. Get tax advice first. - [Buy-to-let affordability and the interest coverage ratio (ICR)](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/buy-to-let-affordability-icr/): Buy-to-let affordability is based mainly on rent, not salary. Lenders check that the expected monthly rent covers the mortgage interest by a set margin, usually 125% to 145%, at a stressed interest rate. This is the interest coverage ratio (ICR). The lower of the ICR result and the lender's loan-to-value limit sets your maximum loan. - [Mortgage documents checklist](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/mortgage-documents-checklist/): Most UK lenders ask for photo ID, proof of address, three months' bank statements, proof of income and evidence of your deposit. Self-employed borrowers and company directors usually add two years' tax calculations or accounts. Foreign nationals and landlords need extra paperwork. Having it ready before you apply avoids delays and repeat requests. - [Do I need a mortgage broker?](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-a-mortgage-broker/): You do not have to use a mortgage broker. Many people with simple circumstances go direct to a bank. A broker adds most value when your income, property or plans are complex, when you want a recommendation from across the market, or when you want someone to manage the application. Check how they are paid before you start. - [Development finance explained](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/development-finance-explained/): Development finance is short-term lending to buy a site and fund construction, usually over 12 to 24 months. Lenders size the loan by loan to gross development value (LTGDV) and loan to cost (LTC), release build funds in stages after a monitoring surveyor's checks, and expect repayment from sales or refinance. It is usually unregulated business lending. - [How lenders assess self-employed income](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/self-employed-mortgage-income/): Lenders assess self-employed income from tax returns or accounts, usually over two years. Sole traders are judged on net profit. Company directors are usually judged on salary plus dividends, though some lenders use salary plus share of net profit. Lenders often average two years or use the latest if lower, so choosing the right lender matters. - [Mortgage in principle explained](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/mortgage-in-principle/): A mortgage in principle is a lender's written statement of how much it might lend you, based on basic details and a credit check. It is also called an agreement or decision in principle. It usually lasts 30 to 90 days and helps you show sellers you are serious. It is not a mortgage offer or a guarantee. - [Interest-only mortgages explained](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/guides/interest-only-mortgages/): With an interest-only mortgage, your monthly payments cover only the interest. The full loan is still owed at the end of the term. Lenders need a credible plan to repay it, such as selling the property, investments or a pension. Monthly costs are lower, but total interest is usually higher and the risk sits with you. ## Blog - [Property Digest, Issue 2: Four weeks to Budget day](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/property-digest-issue-2-october-2026/): A base rate on hold but a market pricing in rises, Renters' Rights Act nerves easing, a £16bn National Housing Bank and commercial investment trends. - [Four Weeks From Budget Day](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/market-watch-issue-3-four-weeks-from-budget-day/): What the Autumn Budget has ruled out, what is still live for higher-value owners and landlords, and the new "Your First Home" scheme. - [Property Digest, Issue 1: What September's rates, rules and figures mean for you](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/property-digest-issue-1-september-2026/): Base rate on hold, house price indices disagree, landlords exit at the fastest rate in a decade and commercial EPC deadlines move back. - [Property & Mortgage Market Update: September 2026](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/property-mortgage-update-september-2026/): House prices moving sideways, borrowing down sharply and lenders competing harder on price and income multiples. - [7 things to sort out before you make an offer on a home](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/before-you-make-an-offer/): Seven practical things to sort out before you offer on a home, from mortgage in principle to fees. - [Remortgaging in late 2026: what to do six months before your fix ends](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/remortgaging-six-months-before-fix-ends/): A month-by-month plan for the six months before your fixed rate ends, so you avoid the SVR. - [First-time buyer costs: what you need beyond your deposit](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/first-time-buyer-costs-beyond-deposit/): The costs first-time buyers often forget, from stamp duty and surveys to service charges and insurance. - [Self-build mortgages: 6 things to get right before you buy the plot](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/self-build-before-you-buy-the-plot/): Six things to check before you buy a self-build plot, from planning and costings to staged mortgage funding. - [Buying UK property from abroad: 6 mortgage hurdles and how to clear them](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/expat-uk-mortgage-hurdles/): Six common hurdles expats and foreign nationals face with UK mortgages, and practical ways to clear them. - [Buying a £2m+ home in London: what to plan for in 2026 and beyond](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/buying-a-2m-plus-home-london/): What to plan for when buying a £2m+ London home: stamp duty, lending, valuations and future property taxes. - [Is a private bank mortgage right for you? 7 questions to ask](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/is-a-private-bank-mortgage-right-for-you/): Seven questions to ask before choosing a private bank mortgage, from asset expectations to repayment plans. - [5 mistakes self-employed borrowers make before applying for a mortgage](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/self-employed-mortgage-mistakes/): Five common mistakes self-employed borrowers make before applying for a mortgage, and how to avoid them. - [How to improve your chances of a mortgage after bad credit: a 12-month plan](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/mortgage-after-bad-credit-plan/): A practical 12-month plan to improve your chances of a mortgage after missed payments, defaults or CCJs. - [Mortgages in your 50s, 60s and beyond: what are your options?](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/mortgage-options-50s-60s-and-beyond/): Your mortgage options in your 50s, 60s and beyond, from longer terms to retirement interest-only and equity release. - [Second charge or remortgage? How to choose when you need to raise money](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/second-charge-or-remortgage/): How to choose between a second charge, a further advance and a remortgage when raising money. - [Shared ownership: 6 questions to ask before you buy](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/shared-ownership-questions-before-you-buy/): Six questions to ask before you buy a shared ownership home, from rent and service charges to staircasing. - [Why mortgage borrowers need a protection plan](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/why-mortgage-borrowers-need-protection/): Why mortgage borrowers should consider income protection, life insurance and critical illness cover alongside their loan. - [Buy-to-let after the Renters' Rights Act: is it still worth it in 2026?](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/buy-to-let-after-renters-rights-act/): What the Renters' Rights Act, 2027 tax changes and EPC rules mean for buy-to-let borrowing. - [Limited company vs personal name buy-to-let in 2026: a landlord's checklist](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/limited-company-vs-personal-buy-to-let-2026/): A landlord's checklist for choosing between personal and limited company buy-to-let ownership. - [Let-to-buy in 2026: seven checks before you rent out your home](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/let-to-buy-checklist/): Seven checks before you rent out your current home and buy your next one. - [Refinancing as a portfolio landlord: what lenders want to see](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/portfolio-landlord-refinance-what-lenders-want/): What lenders ask portfolio landlords for, and how to prepare your schedule, cash flow and plan. - [HMO mortgages: licensing, Article 4 and how lenders value HMOs](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/hmo-mortgage-licensing-valuation/): How HMO licensing, Article 4 and valuation method shape the mortgage you can get. - [Holiday lets after the FHL tax changes: does a holiday-let mortgage still add up?](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/holiday-let-mortgages-after-fhl-changes/): How the end of furnished holiday let tax rules changes the sums on a holiday-let mortgage. - [Multi-unit freehold blocks: how lenders value them and when to split titles](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/multi-unit-freehold-block-valuation/): How lenders value multi-unit freehold blocks, and when splitting titles makes sense. - [Rent or buy? How to finance your own business premises](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/buying-your-business-premises/): Should your business buy its premises instead of renting? How owner-occupier commercial mortgages work. - [Buying a shop with a flat above: a semi-commercial checklist for 2026](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/shop-with-flat-above-checklist/): A buyer's checklist for financing a shop or office with a flat above. - [Auction finance: how to complete in 28 days](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/auction-finance-complete-in-28-days/): How to line up auction finance so you can complete within the usual 28-day deadline. - [Development finance: what lenders look for in your appraisal](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/development-finance-appraisal/): What development finance lenders look for in your appraisal, team and exit. - [Term loan, asset finance or invoice finance? Choosing business finance in 2026](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/blog/choosing-business-finance/): Term loan, asset finance or invoice finance? How to choose the right business funding. ## Calculators - [Home purchase calculator](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/tools/purchase-calculator/): Loan, LTV, monthly payment, stamp duty and cash needed for a new home. - [How much can I borrow?](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/tools/borrowing-calculator/): An indicative borrowing range based on income, commitments and deposit. - [Mortgage repayment calculator](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/tools/repayment-calculator/): Monthly payments, total interest and a +1% rate-rise check. - [Stamp duty calculator](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/tools/stamp-duty-calculator/): SDLT for England & NI, incl. first-time buyer relief and surcharges. - [Buy-to-let calculator](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/tools/btl-calculator/): Maximum loan from rent using lender ICR stress tests (125% / 145%). - [Bridging loan calculator](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/tools/bridging-calculator/): Interest, fees, gross loan and net funds for a short-term bridge. - [Development finance calculator](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/tools/development-finance-calculator/): LTGDV vs LTC facility, finance costs, equity and profit on cost. - [Commercial mortgage calculator](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/tools/commercial-mortgage-calculator/): LTV, monthly payment, debt service and rental cover for commercial property. ## Company - [About](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/about/) - [Advisers](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/team/) - [Mayfair office](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/mortgage-broker-mayfair/) - [Case studies](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/case-studies/) - [Glossary](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/glossary/) - [Contact](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/contact/) ## Optional - [Full text of guides and product pages](https://www.ourmortgagebroker.co.uk/llms-full.txt)