Let's Buy a Home

In this very personal solo episode of Let’s Buy a Home, I’mopening up about a decision I’ve recently made to renew my own life cover. As a dad of two, a business owner, a significant income provider for myhousehold and someone diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago, protecting myfamily financially has never felt more important. I explain why I’ve reviewed my cover following a house move and an increase inmy mortgage, and why I’ve chosen three different types of protection: - Decreasing life cover to help repay my mortgage. - A lump sum to help my family manage immediate expenses. - Family income benefit to provide a monthlyincome to help replace some of what my family would lose, until my youngestchild turns 25. I’ve covered protection in more depth on previous episodes but this one isdifferent. It’s about my own circumstances, my own decisions and why I believeprotecting the people you love deserves a place in the conversation aboutbuying a home. It’s a serious topic with a little bit of humour, and a reminder that while wecan’t control everything life throws at us, we can take steps to help protectour family’s future. Because buying a home is one thing. Making sure the people you love can keep itis another. If you’ve bought a home, started a family or taken on a bigger mortgage, thisepisode is for you. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call⁠ Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/

The Government has announced a brand-new First Home Scheme,but what exactly is it, who will qualify, and could it actually help you buyyour first home? In this episode of Let’s Buy a Home: Dan breaks down the new scheme in simpleterms, including: - What the First Home Scheme is - How it’s expected to work - Who could be eligible - When it’s launching - How it compares with previous schemes like Help to Buy - What it could mean for deposits, affordability andmortgage borrowing - And whether it could genuinely make getting onto theproperty ladder easier If you’re a first time buyer wondering whether the new scheme could help youbuy your first home, this episode is for you. This episode discusses the Government’s announced proposals.Eligibility, rules and launch details may be subject to change as furtherinformation is released.

Interest rates. Your bank saying no. Having a huge deposit.Your credit report. And the maximum mortgage a lender will give you. All five matter when you’re buying your first home but are they as important asyou might think? In this episode of Let’s Buy a Home, Dan Knott looks at five things first-timebuyers often obsess over and explains what actually matters, what doesn’t andwhy the answer isn’t always as straightforward as you might expect. We look at: - Why the lowest interest rate isn’t necessarily the best mortgage. - Why your bank saying “no” doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get a mortgage. - Whether you really need a huge deposit. - Why your credit score isn’t the whole story. - Why the maximum mortgage you can get isn’t necessarily the amount you shouldborrow. The aim isn’t to tell you these things don’t matter. They do. It’s aboutputting them into perspective and looking at your whole financial picture whenbuying your first home. If you’re a first-time buyer worrying about one particular number, this episodeis for you. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/

In this September 2026 mortgage market update, Dan Knott breaks down what’s happening in the UK mortgage and property market and mostimportantly, what it actually means if you’re trying to buy a home. The Bank of England has held the Bank Rate at 3.75% but fixed mortgage rateshave been rising, with some lenders repricing their products significantly inrecent weeks. So why are mortgage rates increasing when the Bank of England hasn’t increasedits rate? Dan explains what’s happening with swap rates, inflation, lender pricing,and how this can affect your mortgage repayments and borrowing power. We’ll also look at the latest UK house price figures, including what’shappening with property prices and the current level of choice available tobuyers. In this episode: • Bank of England interest rate update • Why fixed mortgage rates are rising • What swap rates have to do with your mortgage • The latest two-year and five-year fixed rates • UK house price movements • Whether buyers currently have more negotiating power • How rising mortgage rates affect affordability • What first-time buyers should be thinking about right now If you’re saving for your first home, already have amortgage agreement in principle or you’re simply trying to work out whether nowis the right time to buy, this episode will help you understand what’shappening behind the headlines. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here:

Buyinga home can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what happens,when it happens or who you need to speak to along the way In this solo episode, I break down the UK home-buying process into 10 simplesteps, taking you from deciding you’re ready to buy right through to gettingthe keys. We’ll cover everything from understanding your budget and getting a mortgageagreement in principle, to making an offer, instructing solicitors, surveys,mortgage applications, exchange and completion. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or simply want a refresher on how the processworks, this episode gives you a clear roadmap of what to expect and some of thecommon things that can catch buyers out along the way. 10 steps. One home. A much clearer idea of what happens next. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/

Think maternity leave, a poor credit history, being self-employed or working on a zero-hour contract means you can’t get a mortgage? Think again. In this solo episode of Let’s Buy a Home, Dan Knott breaks down some of the most common mortgage myths that could be stopping people from even exploring their options. We discuss: - Maternity leave: can you still get a mortgage while onmaternity leave? - Credit history: does having a poor credit history automatically mean you’ll be declined? - Business owners: how lenders actually assess your income. - Zero-hour contracts: can you get a mortgage without aguaranteed income? - When to speak to a mortgage adviser: why waiting until you’ve found your dream home could be a mistake. The biggest takeaway? Mortgage lending isn’t always as black and white as you might think. Before you rule yourself out, understand what’s actually possible. If you enjoy the episode, please follow Let’s Buy a Home, leave a rating, and share it with someone who’s planning to buy their first home. Mortgage AppointmentBook a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: ⁠https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call⁠ Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/

Is shared ownership still worth considering if you’re tryingto buy your first home in 2026? In this episode of Let’s Buy a Home, Dan is joined by Sarah Ellis, ofMetropolitan Thames Valley (MTVH) an Affordable Housing Leader, for anotherdeep dive into shared ownership. Rather than simply explaining how the scheme works, we look at shared ownershipfrom the perspective of an affordable housing provider and explore thequestions first-time buyers actually want answered. We discuss: - How shared ownership works - Who it’s really suitable for - The biggest misconceptions - Affordability and monthly costs - Buying additional shares in your home - What happens if your circumstances change - The potential drawbacks - Why shared ownership can still be a useful route onto theproperty ladder If you’re a first-time buyer considering shared ownership, this episode shouldhelp you understand whether it’s right for you. Subscribe to Let’s Buy a Home for practical, honest advice on buying your firsthome. From mortgages and deposits to shared ownership, surveys and everythingin between. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/ Metropolitan Thames Valley: Find out more about Metropolitan Thames Valley: https://www.mtvh.co.uk/ Sarah Ellis Find Sarah on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ellis-cihcm-890723176

In this episode of Let’s Buy a Home, Dan Knott is joined byLynda Clark, Editor of First Time Buyer Magazine, to talk through some of the biggest questions first-time buyers face when getting onto the property ladder. From saving your deposit to understanding your credit score, speaking to a mortgage adviser and finding the right place to live, Lynda shares practical advice and insights from her years working with first-time buyers. We discuss: - How to realistically save for a house deposit - What your credit score really means when applying for amortgage - When you should speak to a mortgage adviser - What to look for when viewing a property - How to choose the right location for your first home - The mistakes first-time buyers should try to avoid - Why buying your first home isn’t just about finding theright house If you’re hoping to buy your first home, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you understand the process and prepare yourself for one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. Watch, listen and subscribe to Let’s Buy a Home for more conversations, advice and real-world insights to help you buy a house and make it a home. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/ First Time Buyer Magazine Follow First Time Buyer Magazine on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/firsttimebuyermag/ Find out more about First Time Buyer magazine here: https://www.firsttimebuyermag.com/

Credit Scoring: What First-Time Buyers Really Need to Know What does your credit score actually mean when you’re trying to get a mortgage? In this episode, Dan breaks down credit scoring in simple terms: what lenders look at, what can hurt your credit profile, common myths, and practical steps you can take to put yourself in the best possible position before applying for a mortgage. If you’re hoping to buy your first home, this episode will help you understand your credit and avoid mistakes that could make getting a mortgage harder. Listen now and get mortgage-ready. If you enjoy the episode, please follow Let’s Buy a Home, leave a rating, and share it with someone who’s planning to buy their first home. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/

If you’re buying your first home, you’ve probably heardpeople say, “speak to a mortgage broker.” But what does a mortgage broker actually do? In this solo episode of Let’s Buy a Home, mortgage adviser Dan Knott breaks down exactly how a broker helps you through the home-buying journey, from understanding your budget and comparing mortgage deals to getting your application approved and supporting you right through to completion. You’ll learn: - What a mortgage broker actually does day-to-day. - Why a broker can save you time, money and stress. - When you should speak to a broker if you’re planning tobuy your first home. Whether you’re saving for your deposit, house hunting, or getting ready to apply for a mortgage, this episode will help you understand how a broker can make the process much simpler. If you enjoy the episode, please follow Let’s Buy a Home, leave a rating, and share it with someone who’s planning to buy their first home. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: ⁠https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call⁠ Dan KnottFollow Dan on Instagram here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/

Why are Black British households significantly less likely to own a home than White British households? This week, mortgage adviser Dan Knott is joined by financial educator Mr MoneyJar to discuss one of the UK’s biggest wealth inequalities and what can be done to address it. We explore the role of systemic barriers, generational wealth, the Bank of Mum and Dad, cultural factors and why the length of time a family has been in the UK can have a significant impact on wealth accumulation and homeownership opportunities. This conversation isn’t about pointing fingers, it’s about understanding thechallenges many people face when trying to buy their first home and having an open discussion about the solutions. Topics covered: - The Black British homeownership gap. - Wealth building and financial education - First-time buyer challenges in the UK. - Generational wealth and family support. - Cultural influences on homeownership. - Mortgages and affordability. - Practical ways to improve financial outcomes. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe and leave a comment sharing your thoughts. Follow Let’s Buy a Home for weekly conversations helping you buy a house andmake it a home. Mortgage AppointmentBook a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: ⁠https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call⁠ Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/⁠ Mr Money Jar - Rotimi Merriman-JohnsonFollow Mr Money Jar on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mrmoneyjar/ The Mr Money Jar Show: PodcastFind the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iO5j7VoYYkEemyleLnu00

Buying a home isn’t just about saving a deposit. There are plenty of additional costs that can catch first-time buyers offguard. That isn’t because they’re hidden, but because nobody has told you aboutthem yet. In this episode of Let’s Buy a Home, I’m breaking down the real cost of buyinga property in the UK, including: • Conveyancing fees • Survey costs • Stamp Duty • Mortgage arrangement and product fees • Valuation fees • Buildings and life insurance considerationsIf you’re saving for your first home, it’simportant to budget for more than just your deposit. Knowing what to expect cansave you money, stress and disappointment further down the line. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, subscribe and share itwith someone who’s planning to buy their first home. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan KnottFollow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/

Thinking about buying your first home but struggling to afford it? This week on Let’s Buy a Home, I’m joined by Jo Short of the National Shared Ownership Campaign and Keaze, to break down one of the UK’s most misunderstood homeownership schemes. We cover: - What shared ownership actually is - Who can benefit from the scheme - How buying shares in your home works - The pros and potential drawbacks - Common myths that stop people considering it - Whether shared ownership could help you get on the property ladder sooner If you’re a first-time buyer trying to understand your options, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you decide whether shared ownership is right for you. New episodes every week, helping you buy a house and make it a home. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/ Jo Short Find Jo on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/shortjo Find out more about Keaze: https://keaze.com/

Getting a mortgage when you're self-employed doesn't have to be difficult. In this episode of Let's Buy a Home, I explain everything business owners, sole traders, limited company directors and freelancers need to know before applying for a mortgage. We'll cover: - How lenders assess self-employed income. - How many years of accounts you'll usually need. - Dividends vs net profit for limited company directors. - What expenses can mean for your mortgage. - Common mistakes that can reduce your borrowing. - Practical tips to improve your chances of approval. Whether you're buying your first home or your next one, this episode will help you understand how the mortgage process works when you're your own boss. Subscribe for more first-time buyer advice, mortgage tips, and honest property conversations. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/

What does a property finder actually do, and could one help you find your ideal home? In this episode of Let's Buy a Home, Dan Knott is joined by London property finder Lexie Carducci to discuss how buyers can make better property decisions. They explore what a property finder does, how to get the most from property viewings, areas of London worth considering, and the key red flags that could save you from making an expensive mistake. If you're buying a home in London, or simply want to become a more confident buyer, this episode is full of practical advice you can put into action. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/ Lexie Carducci Follow Lexie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lexiecarducci/ Find Lexie's website here: https://www.lexiecarducci.co.uk/

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of Let's Buy a Home, I answer three real listener questions: - Should I add my partner to the mortgage? - Should I clear my debt before buying a home? - Should I use the homebuyer scheme? Expect straightforward, jargon-free mortgage advice to help you make informed decisions and buy with confidence. Have a question you'd like answered? Get in touch - it could feature in a future episode. Subscribe for more first-time buyer advice, mortgage tips, and honest property conversations. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/

This week, Let's Buy a Home goes LIVE from the London Home Show with a panel focused on some of the biggest affordable home buying schemes available today. Joining the conversation: - Jennifer Cobley discussing Shared Ownership - Jenny Anson breaking down Discount Full Ownership - Zai Jimoh explaining London Living Rent We cover: - Who these schemes are actually designed for - The pros and cons buyers should know - Deposits, affordability and eligibility - The biggest misconceptions first-time buyers have If you're trying to get on the property ladder in London or want to understand the affordable housing options available in 2026, this episode is packed with practical insight from people working directly in the industry. As this was recorded live at the London Home Show, you may notice some background noise and variations in audio quality but the conversation was too valuable not to share. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/ Share to Buy Find out more about Share to Buy here: https://www.sharetobuy.com/ Places for People Find out more about Places for People: https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/ Pocket Living Find out more about Pocket Living: https://www.pocketliving.com/ L&Q Homes Find out more about London Living Rent: https://lqhomes.com/

This week on Let's Buy a Home, we're joined by HomeWithMo, the Instagram creator sharing the real story behind home renovations and the finances that come with them. We dive into her renovation journey so far, the reality of managing budgets, dealing with the "renovation police" online, and the pressure to create a perfect home. We also explore a bigger question: will buying or creating your dream home actually fix the problems you think it will? A honest conversation about property, money, expectations and what really matters. Follow the podcast for weekly episodes on buying, renovating and owning your home. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/ Monalisa Quaidoo Follow _homewithmo on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_homewithmo/

Saving for a house deposit can feel like the hardest part of buying your first home but it doesn't have to be. In this solo episode of Let's Buy a Home, I break down practical ways to build your deposit faster and smarter. We cover: - How the Lifetime ISA can help boost your savings - What a gifted deposit is and how it works - Why speaking to a mortgage adviser early can save you time and stress - What deposit you actually need to get started - Common mistakes first-time buyers make when saving If you're wondering whether homeownership is realistic for you, this episode will give you clarity and a plan to move forward. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/

In this episode, we're joined by Dani from Home At Last, a service dedicated to guiding first-time buyers through every step of the homebuying journey, right through to getting the keys. We dive into how tailored home searches, assisted viewings, and expert negotiation support can make a huge difference when navigating the London property market. We also explore one of the biggest questions for buyers: where should you actually buy in London? Dani shares insights into popular and up-and-coming areas for first-time buyers and how to balance budget, lifestyle, and long-term value. If you're thinking about buying your first home in London, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps. Mortgage Appointment Book a FREE mortgage appointment with Dan here: https://calendly.com/danknottmortgageadviser/mortgage-appointment-strategy-call Dan Knott Follow Dan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dandoesmortgages_/ Home At Last Follow Home At Last on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/newhomeatlast/ Find out more about Home at Last: https://www.newhomeatlast.com/