The right mortgage adviser can mean the difference between a quick approval and months of frustration.
With dozens of lenders, changing criteria and no shortage of generic advice online, finding a mortgage adviser you can rely on isn’t always easy. Smart City Mortgages is an FCA-authorised, whole-of-market mortgage broker based at 8 Devonshire Square in the City of London (EC2M 4YJ).
Our advisers work with buyers, homeowners and landlords across Greater London and the rest of the UK. We compare mortgages from across the market, assess your income, deposit and credit history, and manage your application from first enquiry to completion. Meet us face to face in the City or speak by phone or video — either way, you work with the same experienced adviser throughout.
Mortgage advice from our London team
Our advisers help first-time buyers, home movers, remortgagers and buy-to-let landlords across London and beyond. Each adviser gives advice under our FCA authorisation, to the same whole-of-market standard whoever you speak to.
You’re matched with an adviser based on your situation and, if needed, your preferred language — we advise in English, Polish, Russian, Lithuanian, Hindi and Chinese. You keep the same adviser from your first call to completion.
Why use a whole-of-market mortgage broker?
Going straight to your bank means seeing only that bank’s products. A whole-of-market broker compares deals from across the market, including some products only available through brokers, to find options that genuinely suit your circumstances. Our recommendations are based on your income, deposit, credit history and goals, not on which lender is easiest to place you with.
We explain how we are paid before you go ahead. Because we search the whole market, we can usually find options when your situation is more complex — for example self-employed income, a smaller deposit or past credit problems.
How our mortgage advice process works
Every client’s situation is different, but the process is the same whether you meet us in the City or online.
Getting to know your situation
Your adviser starts by understanding your income, deposit, credit history and goals. We take time to get the full picture, including anything that may affect which lenders will consider you, such as self- employment or an unusual deposit source.
Comparing the market for you
Your adviser searches the market for products that suit you and explains the trade-offs between rate types, terms and fees. Where several options are close, you get the pros and cons of each, not just a single pick.
Handling your application
Once you’ve chosen a product, your adviser prepares and submits your application, deals with lender queries directly and tells you quickly if anything else is needed.
Staying in touch until completion
Your adviser stays your point of contact through mortgage offer and completion, working with your solicitor and estate agent where needed. When your fixed rate is coming to an end, we’ll get in touch to review your remortgage options.
Ready to speak to a mortgage
adviser in London?
Book a call, video meeting or face-to- face appointment at our office and get straightforward advice on your options.
Getting a mortgage in London: what’s different?
London property has features that affect which lenders will lend and on what terms. Your adviser checks these before you make an offer.
Higher prices and income multiples
Most lenders cap borrowing at around 4–4.5 times income, but some lend up to 5–5.5 times for higher earners or certain professions. Knowing which lenders do this matters at London prices.
High-rise and new-build flats
For some blocks, lenders ask for fire safety evidence such as an EWS1 form, and many set a lower maximum LTV on new-build flats.
Leasehold flats and lease length
Most London flats are leasehold. Many lenders want at least 70–85 years left on the lease, and ground rent and service charges are taken into account when assessing affordability.
Stamp duty for first-time buyers
Frst-time buyer relief only applies to homes priced up to £500,000, so many London first-time buyers pay standard rates.
Shared ownership
Shared ownership is common in London, and only some lenders offer mortgages for it.
What is an Agreement in Principle (AIP)?
An Agreement in Principle (AIP), also called a Mortgage in Principle or Decision in Principle, is a lender’s estimate of how much it may lend after an initial look at your finances. It isn’t a formal mortgage offer, but in a competitive London market many estate agents expect to see one before they put your offer to the seller.
Will an AIP affect your credit score?
It depends on the lender. Some run a soft search that other lenders can’t see, while others run a hard search that shows on your credit file. Your adviser will tell you which before you apply.
How to choose a mortgage adviser in London
Not every mortgage adviser offers the same access or support. Here’s what to check before you choose.
Whole-of-market access
An adviser tied to one lender or a small panel can only show you part of the market. Ask whether they search the whole market, as this can affect the rate and terms you’re offered.
FCA authorisation
Check the firm on the FCA Register before taking advice. Regulated firms must follow FCA rules on suitability and disclosure, and you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service if something goes wrong.
Transparent fees
You should know how your adviser is paid — a fee, lender commission or both — before you commit. A good adviser explains this in your first conversation.
Relevant experience
If you’re self-employed, have adverse credit or are buying to let, choose an adviser who handles cases like yours regularly. Ask how many similar clients they’ve helped.
Clear, ongoing communication
A good adviser explains your options in plain English and updates you at each stage, so you never have to chase for progress.
Flexible ways to meet
Your adviser should fit around you — face to face, by phone or by video, and outside office hours if that’s when you’re free. How we compare: Smart City Mortgages is whole-of-market and FCA-authorised (FRN 933448). We explain how we are paid in your first call, and meet clients at our City of London office, by phone or by video[, including evenings].
How much could you borrow?
How much you can borrow depends mainly on your income, regular outgoings and deposit. Most lenders offer around 4–4.5 times your income, and some go higher for certain professions or higher earners. Your deposit matters too. Some lenders accept 5% of the property’s value, but a larger deposit lowers the lender’s risk and usually opens up more products and better rates.
What is loan-to-value (LTV)?
Loan-to-value (LTV) is the size of your mortgage as a percentage of the property’s value. A larger deposit means a lower LTV, which lenders generally view more favourably.
| LTV band | Minimum deposit | Example deposit on a £500,000 London flat |
|---|---|---|
| 95% | 5% | £25,000 |
| 90% | 10% | £50,000 |
| 85% | 15% | £75,000 |
| 80% | 20% | £100,000 |
Moving into a lower LTV band can open up more mortgage products and more competitive rates, depending on your circumstances and market conditions.
Costs of buying a home in London
Buying a home involves more than the deposit. Your adviser will flag these costs early so nothing catches you out.
Solicitor or conveyancer fees
For the legal side of your purchase. Leasehold purchases usually cost more because of the extra lease checks.
Buildings insurance
For a house, most lenders require it from exchange of contracts. For a leasehold flat, it is usually arranged by the freeholder and paid through the service charge.
Survey and valuation
Your lender will carry out a valuation. For older London properties, such as Victorian or Edwardian conversions, a more detailed survey is often worth the cost.
Ground rent, service charge and major works
Budget for these if you’re buying a leasehold flat, and ask for recent service charge accounts.
Mortgage product fees
Some products charge an arrangement fee, paid upfront or added to the loan.
Moving costs
Removals, utility connections and any immediate repairs or furnishings. Planning for these costs from the start helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Depends on the price and your circumstances. First-time buyer relief only applies to homes up to £300,000; buyers of additional properties pay a 5% surcharge, and non-UK residents pay an extra 2%.
Mortgage services for London buyers and homeowners
1
First-time buyers
From your first AIP to collecting the keys.
2
Remortgage
Compare the market before your fixed rate ends and avoid moving onto your lender’s standard variable rate.
3
Buy-to-let and portfolio landlords
Buy-to-let, let-to-buy and limited company mortgages, including for landlords with several properties.
4
Self-employed and complex income
Lenders that take a flexible view of self-employed, contractor or multiple incomes.
5
Protection
Life cover, income protection and critical illness cover to protect your repayments.
6
Equity release
Ee explain the main options and refer you to a specialist adviser for full advice.
Documents your adviser will ask you for
Having these ready before you apply helps avoid delays:
- Valid passport or driving licence
- Proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or council tax statement
- Your last 3 months’ bank statements
- Your last 3 months’ payslips and latest P60 (employed applicants)
- Your last 2 years’ SA302s and tax year overviews, or company accounts (self-employed applicants)
- Evidence of your deposit, plus a gifted deposit letter if family is contributing
What our advisers check before recommending a mortgage
Before recommending a product, your adviser reviews the same factors lenders will assess:
Income stability
Whether your income is reliable and enough to cover repayments.
Affordability
Your income compared with regular commitments such as bills, loans and credit cards. For leasehold flats, this includes service charge and ground rent.
Credit history
How you have managed borrowing in the past. You don’t need a perfect score to get a mortgage.
Deposit source
Evidence of where your deposit came from, and whether any family contribution is a gift or a loan.
Why choose Smart City Mortgages?
Choosing a mortgage adviser is about more than finding the right product. You need clear advice, support until completion and a regulated firm you can actually visit.
- FCA-authorised and regulated — Smart City Mortgages is a trading name of Smart City Group Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 933448).
- Whole-of-market advice — we compare mortgages from across the market, not a single lender.
- Office in the City of London — 8 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YJ. Face-to-face meetings by appointment, plus phone and video appointments across the UK.
- One adviser from enquiry to completion — your adviser handles your AIP, application and lender queries and keeps in touch with your solicitor and estate agent until you collect the keys.
- Clear fees — any fee is confirmed in writing before we start.
- Easy to reach — phone, email, WhatsApp or video call. Advice available in six languages.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
I would highly recommend Slavomir and Smart City Group to anyone looking for a mortgage broker. This is the second time I have chosen to work with Slavomir, and that alone says how much trust and confidence I have in him. From the very start, he has been professional, knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly supportive, which made the whole process feel much less stressful.
Speak to a mortgage adviser in London today
Book a consultation at our City of London office, by phone or by video. Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll match you with the right adviser.
Mortgage Advisors in London: FAQs
8 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YJ. Meetings are by appointment.
No. You’re welcome to visit our City of London office, but many clients handle the entire process by phone or video call.
Yes. You’re matched with one adviser at the start, and they remain your point of contact from enquiry to completion.
Yes. Smart City Mortgages is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 933448), and you can check us on the FCA Register.
We explain how we are paid and confirm any fees in writing before you go ahead.
No. Our office is in the City of London, but we advise clients across the UK.
All of Greater London, including the City and all 32 boroughs, as well as clients outside London who prefer to work with a London-based team.
Tell us about your circumstances and we’ll match you with an adviser experienced in cases like yours, including your preferred language if relevant.
Please contact us to discuss appointment availability.
If you’d like to proceed, your adviser searches the market, recommends suitable products and starts preparing your application with you.
Yes. Just let us know and we’ll arrange it.
