Home Improvement Loans

Who are you and why should I choose you?
We will work to get you an ACCURATE quote based on your circumstances, without having to do a credit search. We have experienced underwriters who really know the lenders we deal with, so no unnecessary credit searches trying to find what is available to you, and no nasty surprises after you apply! We won't offer you unrealistic rates, wait for you to send in your documents, and then tell you the real rate - unlike many other loan brokers!
Most importantly, although some of the lenders we deal with advertise to the public and deal directly with applications, many of them don't - so without a broker you'd never be aware of the products that are available.
Why would I want a Home improvement loan?
A Home improvement loan is secured on your property, so you may be worried about the risk involved. As simple as it sounds, you can't lose your home if you keep up the repayments. As a responsible broker, we make sure you can afford the repayments- and often we can reduce your monthly outgoings. We also offer a range of insurance products to protect you if you are unable to work because of accident, illness or unemployment, as well as life insurance.
There are many possible benefits to a Home improvement loan, for example payment holidays (where you can stop making repayments for an agreed period). However the biggest benefit is cheaper borrowing.
With a Home improvement loan, lenders are able to offer larger sums (depending on the value of your property). Home improvement loans can also be repaid over a longer term than unsecured loans, which can make the loan more affordable.
What if I can't keep up the repayments?
We make sure you can afford the repayment and we also offer a range of insurance products to cover you if your circumstances change.
Won't it involve a lot of paperwork?
The paperwork involved is a lot less than for a remortgage - we do need you to prove your identity and address, and to sign a loan agreement and mortgage deed, but other than that the paperwork is usually minimal. Each case is different, so we will talk you through all the documents, and we are always available for any questions you have.
How long will it take?
That depends largely on how quickly you want it to complete. Provided you send in your documents as quickly as possible, a loan over £25,000 will usually complete within 8-14 days (although it can be as little as 5 days!). For a loan under £25,000, because of financial regulations, we have to give you a 7 day cooling off or 'consideration'; period before you can even sign the documents, so it can take slightly longer - but again, that's up to you and how quickly you send your documents in!
Will I have to pay any fees upfront?
No. Never. Any Home improvement loan broker that asks you for upfront fees is not a reputable broker. We pay for any costs such as valuations or mortgage information, out of the fee we're paid for giving a lender your business and packaging the application for them. In some cases, for example if you have poor credit, we may charge a fee which will be added to the loan - but we will tell you about this when we give you your quote.
I can't prove my income, can you help?
Of course. Because the loans are secured on your property there is less risk to the lender. Many lenders realise that self employed people, or those who have additional income from non-traditional sources and can't prove it, are often a better risk than employed people with a standard payslip.
Rates are not necessarily higher than for so-called 'status' applicants - although sometimes there is a small premium - but we will compare all the lenders to make sure you get the best possible deal.
Lenders sometimes need proof that you are self employed, or that you've been self employed for a certain length of time - but not always. Just tell us exactly what your circumstances are and we'll get the right loan for you.
I have mortgage arrears, can you help?
Yes, our lenders can arrange loans for almost every type of poor credit history. Of course it helps if you have some equity in your property - and the more you have, the lower the rate you'll qualify for.
My credit history is good; can you get me a really good rate?
Yes, if you have no missed mortgage payments or CCJs and defaults we can get you rates starting from 5.9%. Ask us for a quote and compare it with what your bank can offer - you may be pleasantly surprised!
I don't have any equity in my property, can you help?
In many cases, yes we can. You can borrow up to 125% of the value of your property - and still get a low rate! Just ask us for details.
What can I use the loan for?
Almost anything. Some lenders do restrict what you can use the money for (for example, timeshares or business purposes), or might insist that some of your existing credit is paid off so you can afford the payments - just tell us what you want the loan for and we'll get you the right deal.
One of the commonest uses for a secured loan is to consolidate existing credit, especially expensive credit cards, for people who are struggling with their payments. Paying only the minimum credit card payment will mean you will take many years to pay them off, and pay hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds in interest charges - a secured loan can save you a lot of money over the years!
How do I apply?
Complete the brief form, or call us on 0800 019 7182. There is no credit search at this stage so you don't need to worry about multiple searches affecting your credit score. Tell us honestly about your circumstances and we'll get you the right quote first time - unlike many brokers!
What happens after I apply?
We will immediately assess your individual requirements, and match them with the best deal from our panel of lenders. We will give you a verbal quote, where possible, during your first conversation with us. At worst, we aim to secure approval in principle within 24 hours of your application. You will be kept informed of progress at all stages. Our professional underwriters will then guide you through the loan process; clearing all the obstacles and delivering the cash you need in the shortest possible time. There are no interviews and no salesmen will call. Remember the application process is free and you are under no obligation.
What will my monthly payment be?
That will depend on how much you want to borrow, and how long you want to repay it over. See our REPAYMENT CALCULATOR for estimated payments. You should only borrow what you can afford; we will help you work that out.
How long do I have to repay my loan?
From 3 to 25 years
How much can I borrow?
Depending on how much you can afford in repayments, and how much equity there is in your property, anything from £5000 to £250,000, or more in some circumstances.
Can I have a fixed rate?
Yes, many lenders offer the peace of mind of a fixed rate - although the rates tend to be higher (as with mortgage rates) you know how much you will be paying for a set period of time. Just ask us for details.
Can I insure my payments?
Yes, we offer a range of insurance options. Most lenders offer their own payment protection (which pays your monthly payments for you if you lose your job, or become unable to work through accident or sickness) and life cover (which pays off the balance of the loan if you die). If you prefer, we also offer our own stand-alone cover which covers you and not the particular loan you take out.
We advise you to read your insurance documents carefully to make sure you have the cover you need. Most have some exclusions - ask us if you're not sure.
Are there any hidden charges?
No, there are no broker fees on the advertised plans, but we also offer plans to suit all circumstances whether you are self employed, have no accounts, or are retired. We can help if you have CCJs, arrears or a poor credit rating. Occasionally, a service charge of up to 10% may be required. This enables us to offer plans that may not be available elsewhere.