Property services
Mortgage and financial advisers in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Mortgages, protection and later-life lending.
Mortgage advice covers purchase, remortgage, porting an existing loan, buy-to-let, later-life lending and the protection products that sit alongside them. All of it is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
For a homeowner thinking about selling, the useful conversation is usually about the order of events: what your redemption figure is, whether an early repayment charge applies, and whether the existing mortgage can be ported to the next property.
When Edinburgh owners call mortgage and financial advisers
- You are selling and want to know your redemption figure and any early repayment charge.
- You need a mortgage in principle before making an offer.
- A fixed rate is ending and you want to compare remortgaging with a product transfer.
- You are considering later-life lending or releasing equity and want regulated advice.
Local context: Edinburgh and the Lothians
In the Edinburgh market, a mortgage in principle is expected before a formal offer, particularly where a closing date is likely. Without it, a solicitor cannot realistically submit a competitive offer at short notice.
The Home Report valuation is what lenders normally work from. Where a property sells well above that figure, the difference is funded by the buyer, which is why deposit planning here is different from other UK cities.
What this work typically costs
Published ranges are market context gathered from local jobs, not a quotation. We do not price work, arrange it or take a cut of it — always get your own written quotes.
| Job | Typical range | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Broker fee, standard residential case | £0-£600 | Many brokers are commission-only; fee-charging brokers should say so at the first meeting. |
| Buy-to-let or complex case fee | £300-£1,000 | Limited company and portfolio cases take more work. |
| Lender arrangement fee | £0-£1,500 | Often addable to the loan, which costs more over the term. |
| Valuation fee | £0-£500 | Frequently free on remortgage products. |
| Protection review | Usually commission-based | Ask how the adviser is paid before taking advice. |
Tenements and common repairs
Lenders are cautious about certain flat types: short leases do not apply in Scotland, but ex-local-authority blocks, deck access, above-commercial-premises flats and properties with outstanding statutory notices can all restrict which lenders will offer.
If a common repair scheme is under way, tell the adviser at the start. It affects lender choice and, occasionally, whether funds are retained until the work completes.
What to check before you instruct
- FCA authorisation — check the Financial Services Register
- Whether advice is whole-of-market
- How the adviser is paid
- FCA authorisation
- Check the firm and the individual on the FCA's Financial Services Register. Advice on mortgages and protection must be given by an authorised firm.
- Whole of market or panel
- Ask directly whether the adviser searches the whole market, a panel, or a single lender.
- How they are paid
- Fee, commission or both. This must be disclosed and should be in writing before you proceed.
- Complaints route
- An authorised firm gives you access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. An unauthorised introducer does not.
We publish factual detail supplied by each business. We do not rate, rank, endorse or guarantee anyone listed, and no business pays for placement. Checking registration, insurance and references is always your decision.
Questions to ask before you instruct
- What is your FCA firm reference number?
- Are you whole of market, and if not, which lenders are on your panel?
- How are you paid on this case, and what will it cost me?
- What is my early repayment charge if I sell before the fixed rate ends?
- Can my current mortgage be ported to the next property?
- What documents do you need to issue a mortgage in principle?
Businesses listed
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Lothian Property is a property information and professional-introduction service operated by Maybury Scotland Limited. Lothian Property is not an estate agency. Where requested, we may connect homeowners with independent estate agents and other property professionals. How we work.
Mortgage and financial advisers: common questions
- How do I check a mortgage adviser is authorised?
- Search the firm and the individual on the FCA's Financial Services Register. The register also shows exactly which activities the firm is permitted to carry out.
- What is a whole-of-market mortgage adviser?
- One who can recommend from across the lender market rather than a restricted panel or a single lender. Ask which it is, and whether any lenders are excluded.
- Can I port my mortgage when moving within Scotland?
- Many products allow the rate to move with you subject to a fresh affordability assessment and valuation. It is a lender-specific question and worth asking before agreeing a settlement date.