OUR CLIENTS VALUE OUR CLEAR, FAIR AND HONEST ADVICE
Who we are
Initially established as a partnership in 1992, Lifetime Mortgages (then known as Mortgage Search) was taken over by Senior Director John Murphy in 1995, and today is owned solely by him and his son Stephen, who joined the firm in 2016.
Now a fully qualified CeMAP mortgage advisor, Stephen had previously worked in a variety of positions within financial services, and since joining the family business, has come to specialise in our mainstream services, including mortgages (both residential and buy to let) and family, mortgage and income protection.
Meanwhile, John continues to focus on the areas of Equity Release and Later Life lending, and in 2012 was awarded the Chartered Insurance Institute Level 3 Certificate in Equity Release. With Equity Release and Lending into Retirement Products having shown a sixfold increase in uptake since 2012 (a record £6.2 billion pounds was loaned in 2022 alone), John’s level of expertise stands the company in good stead to support the ever-changing financial needs of today’s homeowners.
Over the last thirty years, Lifetime Mortgages have managed to build up a large client base, and this reflects Stephen and John’s hard-earned reputation for offering clear, fair and honest advice. Many of their clients over this period have also become friends, and in some cases the company has had the privilege of supporting three generations with their borrowing and financial security needs.
How much do we charge
Our fee structure is transparent, fair and very competitive. Fees may be charged only on occasion that the fee from our providers is insufficient to cover our costs. The amount that this constitutes can vary from case to case, and any fees will be explained and agreed on before we proceed. There are no hidden fees, and we offer no obligation consultations as part of our service. Even after beginning the process, should an application not result in a successful transaction (completion) then regardless of the reason (including you change your mind) there will be no fees payable.
Our Fees Structure
Standard Mortgages, Residential and Buy to Let.
Up to £50000 -£499
£50000 to £150000 - £399
£150000 to £500000 - £299
Above £500000 – No Fee
Equity Release
Initial sum – £50000 to £75000 - £499
Initial sum - £75000 to £150000 - £299
Above £150000 – No Fees
Equity Release
No Lump Sum- Drawdown Only - £799
Taking an Equity Release Mortgage is a big commitment and may not be the best option for your circumstances. We will advise you honestly and fairly on the route we think is best for you personally and in addition, we recommend you visit the following site, supported by the Government and (we think) really useful and highly informative: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Our history
In 2004, Lifetime Mortgages joined Primis Network (Formerly Personal Touch Financial Services), which assisted the company in adapting to the then fast-moving introduction of FCA compliance and regulation standards.
A decade on, Lifetime Mortgages progressed from only dealing with mainstream residential and buy to let lending, to also specialising in the areas of equity release and later life lending. It was around this time that Stephen joined the business, spending an initial year as a para planner whilst studying for his CeMap examinations.
In 2016 Stephen passed his third ‘paper’ and was awarded the Level 3 Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice. Stephen then worked for a Brokerage for a year, to help complete his education, and returned to the company in 2017. Shortly afterwards, he completed his final training with Primis, and since then has been primarily responsible for the mortgage lending branch of the business.
As John has become more senior, so have many of his clients, and what began as a subsidiary (later life lending), is now the core of the Lifetime Mortgages business. As a fully fledged member of the ‘Baby Boomers’, John fully understand the impact retirement can have on a person’s income and lifestyle, and the importance of financial options in navigating this very emotive and often challenging process.
In this regard, things have certainly evolved over recent years. People are living longer and leading healthier, more active lives. This means expectations have risen – just because you’ve stopped working, doesn’t mean you don’t still want to enjoy life. Of course we all must slow down at some point, but nobody wants to stop!
In recent years, Lifetime Mortgages have built an excellent relationship with local estate agencies, including Focus based in Slough and Braxtons of Maidenhead. The relationship with these firms is a reflection of our shared values, and we take great pride in providing a first-rate service which has facilitated so many in actioning their home-moving and lifestyle ambitions.
Transparency and advice in plain English …..
We take great pride in eradicating ‘jargon’ and making sure our customers understand the process from start to finish. That our customers understand everything at every stage of the process is sacred. We also ensure our fees structure is fair, simple and transparent and importantly highly COMPETITIVE. For Equity Release cases we charge a flat fee of up to £499; for standard mortgages the fee is capped at £299. The actual amounts can vary depending on the loan size, our agreed fee may well be reduced, or indeed sometimes we can charge no fees at all. We feel our fees are very competitive, any fees charged are only payable upon completion. There are no consultation fees and we offer no obligation consultations as part of our service. Should the application not complete for whatever reason (even if you change your mind) there will be no fees payable. Taking an Equity Release Mortgage is a big commitment and may not be the best option for your circumstances. We will advise you honestly and fairly on the route we think is best for you personally and in addition, we recommend you visit the following site, supported by the Government and (we think) really useful and highly informative: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
How we work
WE PUT OUR CLIENTS AT EASE WITH OUR FLEXIBLE WORKING
AND STRAIGHT-TALKING, HONEST ADVICE
The pandemic made life difficult for us all. In 2020 we had to change our working practices to reflect the extraordinary circumstances. No longer able to operate on a ‘face to face’ basis, everybody did what they always do in difficult times, we adapted. We conducted more than one meeting with clients, passing information through their kitchen window, meanwhile we were taking notes and covering questions off whilst sitting in their gardens.
Thankfully we don’t have to do this now but as a matter of your choice, can routinely offer telephone meetings and/or Zoom meetings, as well as face-to-face. It becomes clear soon after we closed our offices and worked from home that people were generally more comfortable with a visit from us to their home, rather than coming to us (although we do still have an office in the form of a log cabin in the garden).
We find most of our customers like the choice if a ‘face to face’ home visit or a remote visit by Zoom or telephone. We are also more than happy for people to come to us in our log cabin if they prefer – you might even get a cup of tea!
In all cases, 100% discretion is assured. We encourage new customers to simply pick up the phone for an informal chat or drop us an email. We will tell you very quickly if we think Equity Release isn’t right for you – there are often other options and we can help with those too.
We promise to put you at ease and answer any questions you have in a friendly, relaxed manner. We will not charge you any fees until the application reaches a successful completion.
We can involve your family if you so choose; with Equity Release in particular, this is often a good approach and would be encouraged, but ultimately it is your choice. We will search the whole of the market place for the product which nest suits your needs – no ifs, no buts.
WE PUT OUR CLIENTS AT EASE WITH OUR FLEXIBLE WORKING
AND STRAIGHT-TALKING, HONEST ADVICE
Make an apointment today…
Fill out the form below for your no obligation consulation.
DISCLAIMER
EQUITY RELEASE: An Equity Release product will reduce the value of your estate, will not be suitable for everyone and may affect your entitlement to state benefits. To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice.
Lifetime Mortgages (Maidenhead) Ltd. is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd. Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
MORTGAGES AND DEBT CONSOLIDATION: YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Consolidating debt may reduce your outgoings now, but you may end up paying more overall. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages.
FEES: We typically charge a fee of £299 for our mortgage services, which is payable on completion. For our Equity Release advice we charge a flat fee of £499, regardless of loan size