FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Mortgage FAQs

Below you’ll find answers to the questions we’re asked most often about mortgages, buy‑to‑lets, shared ownership and later‑life lending. If you can’t find what you need, our advisers are always here to help.

What does a mortgage broker do?

A mortgage broker researches the market on your behalf, compares products, handles the application process, and helps you secure the most suitable deal based on your circumstances. As independent advisers, we have access to lenders and products you may not find directly.
How much deposit do I need?
What types of mortgage rates are available?

The most common types are:

Fixed-rate – your rate and monthly payments stay the same for a set period.

Tracker-rate – your rate moves in line with the Bank of England base rate.

Discount or variable – linked to the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR).
How much can I borrow?

Pensions FAQs

What is a private pension?
How much tax relief do I get on contributions?
How much can I contribute each year?

Most people can contribute up to £60,000 per tax year or 100% of their UK earnings—whichever is lower. High earners may be subject to a tapered allowance, and individuals who have already accessed their pension flexibly may have a reduced limit under the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA).

You can also use carry forward, which allows you to utilise any unused annual allowance from the previous three tax years, provided you were a member of a registered pension scheme during those years. Carry forward can significantly increase the amount you can contribute in a single tax year while still benefiting from tax relief.
When can I access my private pension?
What is the Lump Sum Allowance?

The Lump Sum Allowance (LSA) is the maximum total amount of tax free pension lump sums you can take across all your UK pensions during your lifetime. It was introduced on 6 April 2024 when the old Lifetime Allowance (LTA) was abolished. The standard LSA is £268,275.
What happens to my pension if I die? (Updated for changes from 2027)
Current rules (before April 2027):
Under existing legislation, most private pensions sit outside your estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT). This often makes pensions an efficient way to pass on wealth. Beneficiaries usually receive the benefits:

Tax‑free if death occurs before age 75,

Taxed at their marginal income tax rate if after age 75.

Rules from 6 April 2027:
Following measures announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, most unused pension funds and death benefits will be included within the value of your estate for IHT purposes. This marks a significant shift away from pensions being outside the IHT net.

Key points from April 2027:

Unused pension funds will generally form part of your taxable estate and may face 40% IHT where allowances are exceeded.

If passed to a spouse or civil partner, benefits are expected to remain IHT‑exempt.

For other beneficiaries:

Death before 75: No income tax, but IHT may apply.

Death at 75 or over: Beneficiaries may face both income tax and IHT.

Personal representatives, not pension administrators will become responsible for reporting and paying IHT on unused pension funds.

In summary:
Until April 2027, pensions generally remain outside the estate. From April 2027 onwards, they will normally become part of the estate for IHT purposes, unless passing to a spouse or civil partner. This change significantly alters the role pensions play in estate planning.
Can I have more than one private pension?
Are my pension investments risky?
What is the difference between a personal pension and a SIPP?
Can limited company directors pay into a private pension?
What if I’m self employed?
Can I stop or change my contributions?
How do I know if I should consolidate my pensions?

Investments FAQs

Below you’ll find answers to the questions we’re asked most often about investments.

What does an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) do?
How do you decide which investments are right for me?
What’s the difference between a lump sum investment and regular saving?
What is an ISA and why is it tax efficient?
What are the risks involved in investing?
What are ongoing fees and what do I receive for them?
What is the initial advice fee?
Do you receive commission for investment advice?
What is an onshore or offshore investment bond?
Can I change my investments in the future?
Are my investments managed on an advisory or discretionary basis?
How often will you review my investments?
Is my money locked in?
What happens if I want to stop working with you?
Do you offer ethical or sustainable investment options?

Protection FAQs

Below are some of the most common questions clients ask about personal and business protection. If you need advice tailored to your circumstances, our advisers are here to help.

Glossary of terms

Want to understand commonly used phrases within the industry? Check out our glossary of terms as a helpful guide.

Read our glossary

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Pensions FAQs

Investments FAQs

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Glossary of terms

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