Mortgage advice.
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Your first consultation with Homemove is free. Straightforward cases can qualify for fee-free advice; if a fee applies, your adviser confirms it in writing before you proceed. A fee-free broker usually receives commission from the lender. Ask about the total advice fee, when it becomes payable and any refund terms. Lender arrangement, valuation and legal fees are separate costs to compare.

Many residential mortgages need a deposit of at least 5% of the purchase price, and a few lender schemes ask for less. A bigger deposit lowers your loan-to-value, which usually opens up lower rates at steps such as 10%, 15% and 25%. Lenders check where your deposit comes from, including gifts from family. Buy-to-let mortgages usually need a larger deposit, often 25% or more.

When an initial deal ends, most lenders move you to their standard variable rate, which is often higher than a new fixed or tracker rate. Many lenders let you secure a new deal several months before the end date. You can switch product with your current lender or remortgage to another lender. Check early repayment charges, fees and your remaining term before you decide.

Have photo ID, proof of address, recent payslips, bank statements and evidence of your deposit ready. If you are self-employed, an adviser may ask for accounts, tax calculations and tax year overviews. Requirements vary by lender and income type. Tell your adviser about loans, credit cards, childcare and other regular commitments so they can assess affordability accurately.

A full mortgage offer often takes several weeks after you apply, but there is no guaranteed timetable. The lender needs to check your income, credit history and property valuation. Missing documents, unusual property types or complex income can add time. A mortgage in principle can be much quicker, but it is not a full offer and does not guarantee lending.

A mortgage in principle is an indication of what a lender might lend based on initial information about you. It can help you set a budget and show an estate agent you are preparing to buy. It is not a binding mortgage offer. Ask whether the lender uses a soft or hard credit search, and check how long the indication remains valid.

Whole-of-market advice generally means a broker can consider a broad range of lenders rather than being tied to one lender or a small panel. It does not necessarily include every mortgage available, particularly deals offered only directly by lenders. Ask your adviser which lenders and products they cover, what is excluded and how they are paid before you decide.

Speak to your lender as soon as you expect to struggle, ideally before you miss a payment. Lenders must treat you fairly and consider options such as extending your term, switching to interest-only for a period or agreeing lower payments. Lenders that signed the Mortgage Charter also let borrowers who are up to date switch to interest-only for six months or extend their term without a new affordability check. Free help is available from MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice and StepChange.

• MoneyHelper: help with mortgage payments
• Citizens Advice: mortgage problems
• StepChange: mortgage arrears

Yes. Speaking to an adviser before you view properties can help you understand your budget, deposit needs and likely monthly repayments. You can also discuss whether to get a mortgage in principle and which documents to prepare. Advice at this stage does not commit you to applying. A lender will still need to assess you and the property before making an offer.