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.

What Is a Mortgage?

A mortgage is a loan secured against a property. When you buy a home, you typically need to borrow money from a lender — usually a bank or building society. In return, the lender takes a legal charge over your property, meaning they can repossess it if you stop making repayments. This is why lenders take your ability to repay very seriously.

Repayment vs Interest Only

Repayment mortgage: Your monthly payment covers both interest and a portion of the capital (the amount you borrowed). At the end of the mortgage term, you own your home outright. This is the most common type and is recommended for residential mortgages.

Interest only mortgage: You only pay the interest each month — the capital balance stays the same. You need a separate plan to repay the capital at the end of the term. This is common for buy to let mortgages but less so for residential.

Fixed Rate vs Variable Rate

Loan to Value (LTV)

LTV is the percentage of the property value you are borrowing. If the property costs £200,000 and you have a £20,000 deposit, you need to borrow £180,000 — that's 90% LTV. The lower the LTV, the better the mortgage rates available to you. Lenders use LTV bands — typically 60%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% and 95% — with better rates at lower bands.

What Is an Agreement in Principle (AIP)?

An AIP (also called a Decision in Principle or Mortgage in Principle) is a conditional indication from a lender of how much they would be prepared to lend you, based on basic information about your income and credit history. It does not guarantee a mortgage offer but shows sellers you are a serious buyer. We can arrange an AIP for you quickly — usually same day.

What Are Mortgage Fees?

• Arrangement fee: Charged by the lender to set up the mortgage — typically £0 to £1,999. Sometimes worth paying for a lower rate.
• Valuation fee: The lender values the property to check it's worth what you're paying. Often free on many deals.
• Broker fee: Charged by us for arranging your mortgage. Typically £750, payable only on mortgage offer.
• Legal fees: Your solicitor charges for the conveyancing work. Often included free on remortgage deals.

How Much Can I Borrow?

Most lenders will lend between 4 and 4.5 times your annual income. Some specialist lenders will go up to 5 or 5.5 times income for higher earners or certain professions. Use our free affordability calculator on TMG Hub for an estimate, then book a call with Darryl for a precise figure based on your specific circumstances.

What Is Stamp Duty?

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax you pay when you buy a property in England or Northern Ireland. In Scotland it is called Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and in Wales it is Land Transaction Tax (LTT). Stamp duty is payable on completion and is handled by your solicitor.

Current Stamp Duty Rates (England & Northern Ireland) — 2026

Rates effective from 1 April 2025 — unchanged in 2026. Source: HMRC.

Stamp duty is applied to the portion of the price within each band — not the whole price. First time buyer relief applies only on properties up to £500,000. Both buyers must be first time buyers if purchasing jointly.

Additional 5% Surcharge — Second Homes & Buy to Let

If you already own a property and are buying an additional one — including buy to let purchases — a 5% surcharge is added to all standard rates at every band. This surcharge was increased from 3% to 5% in the October 2024 Autumn Budget and applies to all completions from 31 October 2024 onwards.

Stamp Duty Calculator

Use our free Stamp Duty calculator on the TMG Hub to work out exactly what you'll pay based on the purchase price and your buyer status.

When Do You Pay Stamp Duty?

Stamp duty is paid on completion — your solicitor handles the payment and it comes out of the funds on the day you legally complete the purchase. It must be paid within 14 days of completion.

What Is a Debt Management Plan?

A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is an informal arrangement between you and your creditors to repay debts at a reduced, affordable rate. It is not a formal insolvency arrangement like an IVA. DMPs will show on your credit file as missed or reduced payments, which is why mainstream lenders often decline applications from DMP applicants.

Can I Get a Mortgage During a DMP?

It is difficult but not impossible. A small number of specialist lenders will consider applications while a DMP is active, but you will typically need a larger deposit of 25% or more. Most mainstream lenders will decline at this stage.

Can I Get a Mortgage After a DMP?

Yes — once completed and debts settled, your options improve significantly over time. A satisfied DMP from 2-3 years ago with a 15% deposit opens up a reasonable range of specialist lenders. With clean credit maintained since, your chances improve further.

How to Improve Your Chances

• Ensure all DMP debts are fully satisfied before applying
• Maintain a clean credit record after the DMP ends
• Save as large a deposit as possible — 20%+ significantly helps
• Register on the electoral roll
• Check your credit file for errors and correct them

What Is Right to Buy?

Right to Buy is a government scheme giving most council tenants the legal right to buy their home at a discount. The discount is based on tenancy length and property value. In some cases the discount can be used as your deposit — meaning you can buy with little or no cash savings.

Can I Use the Discount as a Deposit?

Yes — many specialist lenders will treat the Right to Buy discount as your deposit, meaning you may be able to buy your home with zero cash deposit. Not all lenders accept this, which is why using a specialist broker who knows the Right to Buy market is essential.

Am I Eligible?

• The property must be your only or main home
• The property must be self-contained
• You must be a secure tenant
• You must have had 3 or more years as a public sector tenant
• The property must not be due for demolition

Your 0% or Low Deposit Options in 2026

Option 1 — Skipton Track Record Mortgage

Skipton Building Society offers a 100% mortgage for renters who can demonstrate a track record of paying rent on time for at least 12 months. No deposit required. The maximum loan is capped at the equivalent of your current rent payments. Clean credit history required — speak to Darryl for current eligibility criteria.

Option 2 — Family Springboard Mortgages

Barclays and some other lenders offer Family Springboard products where a family member places 10% of the purchase price in a savings account as security. The buyer borrows 100% of the property value. After typically 3 years of on-time payments, the family member gets their savings back with interest.

Option 3 — Right to Buy

If you are a council tenant, your Right to Buy discount can be used as your deposit. See our dedicated Right to Buy page for full details.

Option 4 — Gifted Deposit

If a family member is willing to gift you your deposit, this is accepted by most lenders. The gift must be genuinely non-repayable — lenders require a signed gifted deposit letter confirming it is not a loan.

Option 5 — Shared Ownership

With Shared Ownership you only need a 5% deposit based on your share of the property — not the full value. This makes it one of the most accessible routes onto the property ladder for those with minimal savings.

Mortgage Services Across Bedford & Bedfordshire

Areas We Cover

What Bedford Clients Say

Why Check Your Credit File?

Your credit file is one of the first things a mortgage lender checks. It contains a record of all your credit accounts, payment history, outstanding debts, county court judgements, defaults and more. Checking your credit report before applying for a mortgage allows you to:

• See exactly what lenders will see when they assess your application
• Identify and correct any errors before they affect your mortgage application
• Understand how your credit history may affect the deals available to you
• Take steps to improve your credit score before applying
• Know which specialist lenders to approach if you have adverse credit

Why Use CheckMyFile?

Most credit checking services only show you data from one credit reference agency. But mortgage lenders may check Experian, Equifax or TransUnion — or all three. CheckMyFile shows you all three reports in one place, giving you the complete picture that lenders see.

What's on Your Credit File?

• Personal details — name, address history, date of birth
• Electoral roll registration
• Credit accounts — mortgages, loans, credit cards, overdrafts
• Payment history — on-time, late or missed payments
• Defaults and county court judgements (CCJs)
• Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
• Bankruptcy or insolvency records
• Financial links to other people (e.g. joint accounts)
• Recent credit searches by lenders

How to Improve Your Credit Score

• Register on the electoral roll — this is one of the biggest factors and is often overlooked
• Pay all bills on time — even one missed payment can affect your score
• Reduce outstanding credit card balances — aim for under 30% of your credit limit
• Don't make multiple credit applications — each hard search leaves a mark
• Check for errors — dispute anything inaccurate with the credit agency
• Close unused credit accounts — too much available credit can be a red flag
• Build a credit history — if you have no credit history, a credit builder card can help