About Sean
Sean Horton is a co-owner of Drake Mortgages and has worked in financial services, mortgages and insurance since 1988.
Previously an independent financial adviser and a whole of market mortgage broker, he regularly writes about mortgages, bridging loans and commercial finance and contributes to press articles. Sean has considerable experience in providing personalised financial advice to many different types of clients.
Additionally, he is a landlord and a small business owner and has worked within digital marketing and SEO for mortgages and financial products for over twenty years.
Written by Sean Horton
Is a Bridging Loan a Mortgage? Let’s find out.
Property finance isn’t one-size-fits-all, particularly in today’s complex UK market. As a mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen countless situations …
Can You Extend a Bridging Loan?
Property projects rarely stick to schedule. Whether your renovation has hit unexpected snags or the perfect buyer hasn’t appeared within your planned timeline, timing …
What are commercial bridging loans?
Business property opportunities often appear with tight deadlines. Traditional commercial mortgages can take months to arrange, leaving you at risk of missing out on …
How quickly can you get a bridging loan?
Bridging loans are short-term financial solutions designed to help borrowers quickly access funds, typically for property transactions or business opportunities. When you need these …
How Many Buy-to-Let Mortgages Can I Have?
Buy-to-let mortgages are a popular choice for property investors aiming to grow their portfolios and generate rental income. Many aspiring landlords wonder about the …
Can I Change My Mortgage to Buy to Let?
Are you considering turning your home into a buy to let rental property? Perhaps you’re moving to a new city for work, or you’ve …
Can You Pay Off a Bridging Loan with a Mortgage?
Bridging loans are a popular short-term financing option in the UK property market. These loans come with higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms …
What Does Porting a Mortgage Mean?
When you’re planning to move home, understanding your mortgage options is important. One term you might encounter is “porting a mortgage”. But what does …
How Do Mortgages Work When You Move House?
Moving house marks an exciting new chapter in life, but it also brings important financial decisions, particularly regarding your mortgage. Understanding how mortgages work …
How do you pay back a bridging loan?
Bridging loans can be a lifeline for homeowners and property investors, providing short-term finance to seize opportunities quickly. It’s an extremely flexible type of …
What’s the Difference Between an SPV and a Limited Company?
As a property investor, choosing the right business structure can make your investments more efficient. Two popular options are Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and …
How long can you have a bridging loan for?
If you’re considering getting a bridging loan, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is “How long can I have it for?” After …
Can a mortgage offer be withdrawn?
Receiving your mortgage offer is an important step in the home buying process, as it means that a lender has formally agreed to lend …
What is mortgage underwriting and how does it work?
If you’re considering buying a property then you’ll probably need a mortgage. And as part of the mortgage process, your application will go through …
Getting a mortgage with complex income
Getting a mortgage when your income varies can be tricky. Banks and other lenders usually prefer stable, predictable incomes because it helps them feel …
How Does a Self-Assessment Mortgage Work?
Obtaining a mortgage can be a bit more complex for anyone under the self-assessment tax system, yet it’s definitely achievable. Being self-employed means that …
How to increase your mortgage affordability
In this guide, we will explore what mortgage affordability really means, how lenders determine it, and importantly, practical strategies you can use to improve …
Is a Self-Employed Mortgage Based on Gross or Net Profit?
Are you looking for a self-employed mortgage? You’re not alone! This article will guide you through the key questions: Is your mortgage based on …
Holiday Let Mortgages for the Self Employed
Are you a self-employed individual who is looking to buy a holiday let property? Well, you’re not alone. The number of self-employed people has …
Holiday Let Mortgages for First Time Buyers
Are you a first-time buyer dreaming of owning a holiday let property? You might think it’s as simple as buying a property and renting …
What is consent to let and when is it needed?
You’re a homeowner in the UK, and an opportunity arises that requires you to temporarily move out of your home. You think, “Why not …
Can you get an interest-only holiday let mortgage?
Welcome to our guide on interest-only mortgages for holiday lets. If you’re considering investing in a holiday let, it’s important to understand the financial …
Do you pay stamp duty on a remortgage?
When remortgaging your home or raising money for home improvement projects, you don’t need to worry about paying Stamp Duty. That’s because tax is …
Is a remortgage based on income?
Knowing when to move your mortgage can be a tricky decision. Remortgaging is often a good opportunity to save money and access extra funds, …
Do you need payslips to remortgage?
Are you thinking of remortgaging your home but are unsure whether you need to show any payslips? Before you get started, it’s important to …
Top 8 acceptable reasons for a remortgage
Remortgaging your home can be a great way to save money on interest payments, as well as providing you with access to additional features. …
Can a joint mortgage be transferred to one person?
When it comes to owning a property, things can sometimes get complicated, especially when it comes to mortgages. One of the most common complications …
How to change an interest only mortgage to repayment
Many borrowers who have an interest-only mortgage may consider switching to a repayment mortgage. This is because while interest-only payments are lower, it can …
Can you change your mortgage to interest only?
Are you looking to change your mortgage from repayment to interest only? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in the UK are considering …
Interest only mortgage vs repayment: Which is best?
When it comes to choosing a mortgage repayment method, there are a few different options available to borrowers. Two of the most popular types …
Unlock the Benefits of An Offset Mortgage
Have you ever considered the benefits of an offset mortgage? This type of loan allows you to link your savings directly to your mortgage, …
Are second charge mortgages regulated?
If you’re a homeowner in the UK, you may have been considering a second charge mortgage. But are they safe? Are they regulated? In …
How do you buy out a partner in a mortgage?
Are you looking to buy out your partner in a mortgage, but unsure of how to go about it? This process is known as …
Are self cert mortgages still available?
Self-certification mortgages were once a popular option for individuals in the UK who were self-employed or had complex income streams. These mortgages allowed borrowers …
Should you get mortgage advice from your bank?
Mortgage advice is an important decision that can have long-lasting effects on your financial well-being. When considering whether to get mortgage advice, one option …
Bank of Mum and Dad
Ever heard of the “Bank of Mum and Dad?” It’s not a real bank, but a term we use in the UK to describe …
What is the 6 month mortgage rule?
The 6 month mortgage rule can cause problems for property purchases as well as when refinancing is needed. The rule applies to mortgage applications …
Do Your Numbers Add Up?
Rental yield and capital growth are the two key ways property investors make money. Here we quickly dive into how yield can make you …
Should you overpay your mortgage?
Overpaying can reduce the time it takes for you to repay your mortgage and also means you will be charged less in interest We …
Types of Mortgage
Mortgages come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. There’s lots of decisions to be made. But how do you know which mortgage type …
Why use a mortgage specialist?
You want a large loan to buy your home – or some other property. So why not raise the loan by offering the property …