Hunt Roche, Leigh-On-Sea

What is the Mortgage Guarantee scheme? These days many mortgages can seem out of reach. The Mortgage Guarantee scheme makes it possible to purchase a pre-owned or new build property under £600,000 with a 5% deposit. It could get your home-moving ambitions back on track.
Here's a quick summary of the important bits:  

• Available for pre-owned properties and new builds across the UK - up to the value of £600,000.
• Both existing homeowners and first-time buyers are eligible.
• Buyers need a minimum of a 5% deposit.
• You must occupy the property and it must be your only property.
• Available across the UK from participating mortgage lenders.

Find your perfect property, without losing peace of mindHelp to Buy is a government-backed scheme to support buyers who may previously have struggled to raise a sizeable deposit. It's the same as a traditional mortgage, except the government guarantees a portion of the loan to an affiliated lender (though the agreement is between the lender and the government, not you!). You will barely notice the difference.So what do you need to know?The Mortgage Guarantee scheme can only be used for property you intend to occupy, and must be your only property. A minimum deposit of 5% of the property value will be required. The rest is par for the course - as long as you tick the lender's boxes in terms of credit score and loan-to-income ratios. Another thing to note is that the scheme only applies to repayment mortgages. Interest-only and self-certified mortgages are not included.There are lots of places you can go for more advice and assistance: estate agents, mortgage advisors, independent financial advisors and even developers.

What is an EPC graph?The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an energy assessment and rating of a property. The EPC contains graphs similar to those found on new electrical appliances (see image below). It comprises two elements; an Energy Efficiency rating and an Environment Impact (CO2) rating. Both ratings are awarded two values; the first value is for current ratings and the second value is for the potential rating the property could achieve if it were to be modernised to current building/energy regulations.

Anyone marketing a residential property for sale is required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). As from 20th May 2010, new legislation was introduced requiring the EPC to be instructed and made available to your selling agent within 7 days of marketing. If you require our firm to arrange your EPC please call our Great Wakering Branch on 01702 218777.

Having worked as a mortgage and protection advisor since 2007, Paul Reayner has seen a huge amount of changes to the financial services industry. This puts him in an excellent position to be able to offer all of our clients the expertise and guidance to ensure their transaction, whether it is a mortgage, protection or insurance policy, proceeds as smoothly as possible. 

Move It Removals are a professional and dependable removal company with over ten years of experience in moving homes and offices. The company initially started as a van and man operation by the owner Ian McBain. He quickly identified a gap in the market, in the Southend area for a quality regulated house removal company and out of this Move It was born.