Your First Home — Made Simple

Many first time buyers contact us to see how we can get them the best mortgage deal tailored to their individual needs. We search thousands of mortgages from over 80 lenders and have access to exclusive deals not available on the high street.

We also take care of the admin, help you choose a suitable solicitor, and make sure you get suitable protection cover so you can feel safe that your mortgage will always get paid.

Why Choose The Mortgage Geezer?

• We are the top Google 5 Star Rated independent mortgage brokers in Bedford
• We offer unbiased, honest, and impartial advice
• We have access to exclusive mortgages not available on the high street
• We take care of all the admin so you don't have to
• We make sure you get suitable protection cover
• We help you choose the right solicitor for your purchase

How Much Can I Borrow?

Most lenders will allow you to borrow between 4 and 4.5 times your annual income. Some specialist lenders will go up to 5 or even 5.5 times income depending on your circumstances. Use our free affordability calculator on the TMG Hub to get an estimate.

What Deposit Do I Need?

The minimum deposit is typically 5% of the property value. The larger your deposit, the better the mortgage rates available to you. With a 10% deposit you'll access significantly better rates than with 5%, and at 15-20% the deals get even better.

How Does the Process Work?

• Step 1: Free initial call with Darryl — we assess your situation and budget
• Step 2: Agreement in Principle — we get you a decision in principle quickly
• Step 3: Property search — with your AIP you can make offers with confidence
• Step 4: Mortgage application — we handle all the paperwork
• Step 5: Mortgage offer — congratulations, you're ready to complete!

Bad Credit? You Still Have Options

Having bad credit doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage. At The Mortgage Geezer, we specialise in helping people with adverse credit histories find suitable mortgage solutions. We work with specialist lenders who look beyond your credit score at the bigger picture of your financial circumstances.

Types of Bad Credit We Can Help With

• County Court Judgements (CCJs)
• Defaults on credit accounts
• Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
• Debt Management Plans (DMPs)
• Missed or late mortgage payments
• Bankruptcy — discharged for 3+ years
• Repossession history
• Low credit score

What Deposit Will I Need?

This depends on the type and severity of your credit issues. As a general guide, with older or less severe issues you may be able to get a mortgage with a 10-15% deposit. With more recent or serious issues, a deposit of 20-25% or more may be required. The larger your deposit, the more lenders will consider your application.

Will I Pay Higher Rates?

Yes — specialist bad credit lenders typically charge higher rates than mainstream lenders. However, as your credit profile improves over time, you can remortgage to progressively better rates. Many of our clients start on a specialist rate and remortgage to a high street deal within 2-3 years.

Buy to Let — The Right Way

We offer Buy to Let mortgage contracts from across the market — including specialist lenders not available directly. Whether you're a first-time landlord or an experienced portfolio investor, we have the expertise to find the right product for your situation.

We offer advice on both first and second charge loans, and can help with personal and limited company BTL purchases.

How BTL Affordability Works

Unlike residential mortgages, BTL affordability is primarily based on the rental income the property will generate — typically the rent must cover 125-145% of the mortgage payment depending on the lender and tax status.

What Deposit Do I Need?

Most BTL lenders require a minimum deposit of 25%, with the best rates available at 35-40% LTV. Some specialist lenders will consider 20% deposits in certain circumstances.

Our BTL Broker Fee

Our typical broker fee for BTL mortgages is £750 to £1,495 payable on issue of the mortgage offer. Your initial consultation is completely free.

Why Remortgage?

When your fixed rate deal ends, your lender automatically moves you to their Standard Variable Rate (SVR) — which is almost always significantly higher than the rate you were on. Remortgaging means switching to a new deal, either with your current lender or a new one, to get a better rate.

When Should I Start the Remortgage Process?

Start 3-6 months before your current deal ends. Many lenders will let you reserve a rate up to 6 months in advance, so you can lock in a good deal now even if your current fix doesn't end for a few months.

Is Remortgaging Free?

Many remortgage products include free legal work and free valuation — meaning you could switch lender at no cost. We'll always show you the true cost comparison including any fees so you can make an informed decision.

Self Employed — Not a Problem

Being self-employed makes getting a mortgage more complex — but it certainly doesn't make it impossible. At The Mortgage Geezer, we have extensive experience helping self-employed clients across all types of trading structures secure the mortgage they need.

What Do I Need?

Most lenders will want to see 2-3 years of accounts or tax returns. However, some specialist lenders will consider applications from those who have been trading for just 1 year. The documents you'll need typically include:

• 2-3 years Self Assessment tax returns (SA302s)
• 2-3 years accounts (if limited company)
• Latest 3 months business bank statements
• Latest 3 months personal bank statements
• Proof of upcoming contracts (if contractor)

What is Shared Ownership?

Shared ownership is a government-backed scheme that allows you to buy a share of a home — typically between 25% and 75% — and pay rent to a housing association on the remaining share. It's designed to help people who can't afford to buy outright get onto the property ladder.

Over time you can buy additional shares in the property — known as 'staircasing' — until you own 100%.

Who Is Eligible?

• Your household income must be £80,000 or less (£90,000 in London)
• You are a first-time buyer, or a previous homeowner who can no longer afford to buy
• You cannot already own another home when you complete

How Much Deposit Do I Need?

You only need a deposit based on the share you are buying — not the full property value. For example, if you're buying a 50% share of a £200,000 property (£100,000), a 5% deposit would be just £5,000.

Getting a Mortgage After an IVA

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) stays on your credit file for 6 years from the date it was approved. During this time, your mortgage options are limited to specialist bad credit lenders — but options do exist. Once the IVA drops off your credit file, your options expand considerably.

What Deposit Will I Need?

If your IVA was satisfied more than 3 years ago, some specialist lenders may consider you with a 15% deposit. If it was more recent, you may need 20-25% or more. The more time that has passed since the IVA, the better your options become.

Can I Pay Off My IVA Early?

Yes — by making a Full and Final Settlement offer to your creditors. If accepted, your IVA ends early and any remaining debt is written off. Once your IVA is discharged, mortgage options start to open up sooner than many people expect.

Why Protection Insurance Matters

Getting the right mortgage is just the beginning. Making sure you and your family can continue to afford the mortgage if you die, become critically ill, or are unable to work is just as important. We review products from a wide range of insurers to find you the right cover at the right price.

Life Insurance

Life insurance pays out a lump sum or regular income if you die during the policy term. It can be used to pay off your mortgage, ensuring your family doesn't lose their home. We can arrange decreasing term insurance (which reduces in line with your mortgage) or level term insurance (which pays a fixed sum).

Critical Illness Cover

Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer, heart attack or stroke. You can use the money to pay off or reduce your mortgage, make adaptations to your home, or simply take time off work to recover without financial pressure.

Income Protection

Income protection pays a regular monthly income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Unlike statutory sick pay, income protection can continue to pay until you return to work or retire. It's the most comprehensive way to protect your mortgage payments long term.

Moving Home — Your Mortgage Options

When you move home you have two main options — port your existing mortgage to the new property, or take out a brand new mortgage. We'll compare both options and advise on which makes more financial sense for your specific situation.

Should I Port My Mortgage?

Porting means moving your existing mortgage to your new property. This can avoid early repayment charges — but it's not always the best option. We'll compare the cost of porting versus the cost of taking a new mortgage (including any ERCs) and advise on the most cost-effective approach.

🏆 In the industry since 2004

The Man Behind The Brand

Darryl Dhoffer

Straight-talking Darryl Dhoffer has been in the mortgage industry since 2004 and advising people on the best way to finance their home since 2015. CeMAP and CeRER qualified, Darryl built The Mortgage Geezer on a simple premise — that everyone deserves honest, expert mortgage advice delivered without jargon or hidden agendas.

Known for his no-nonsense approach and genuine care for his clients, Darryl has helped hundreds of people secure mortgages — from straightforward first-time buyers to highly complex cases involving bad credit, IVAs and unusual income structures.

When he's not securing great deals for clients, Darryl can be found on TikTok, dispensing mortgage wisdom to a growing audience and helping a new generation of buyers understand mortgages without the fluff.

CeMAP Qualified CeRER Qualified FCA Regulated Whole of Market Since 2015

Why Choose The Mortgage Geezer?

As independent and whole-of-market brokers, The Mortgage Geezer is not tied to a small panel of lenders. We source deals from across the market — from big high street names to specialist lenders for those who find it harder to secure a mortgage.

Transparent and Honest

The Mortgage Geezer tells it like it is. We won't over-promise, and we won't hit you with hidden fees. Quotes are completely free, and you won't be charged anything until you find a deal you're happy with. Our broker fee is typically £750, payable only on formal mortgage offer.

FCA Regulated

The Mortgage Geezer is a trading style of Access Financial Services Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FCA No. 301173. Registered in England under Company No. 04427489.