Suite 120 Railway House, 14 Chertsey Road Woking, United Kingdom, GU21 5AH,
First class service! Straight forward to deal with, answered all questions quickly and a speedy turn around to mortgage offer being issued. I cannot recommend AJMS and the Team highly enough. I would…
Thank you so much to AJMS for helping out with my recent remortgage. Always available on his mobile to answer any questions I had and made the whole process as stress free as possible for me. I would…
AJMS was extremely helpful in arranging my remortgage. His excellent knowledge allows him to provide a fast, efficient and professional service. Previously I have tried to arrange these myself which …
Highly recommended explained everything well, went to and from the lender so many times making sure all was agreed before spending my money on a survey 5 star amazing service!
Thank you AJMS for helping us with our mortgage! We really appreciate your patience and for always being at the end of the phone to answer any questions no matter how big or small!
Thank you so much to AJMS for helping out with my recent remortgage. Always available on his mobile to answer any questions I had and made the whole process as stress free as possible for me. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family!
“I received protection advice from Brian at AJMS and we proceeded to arrange various insurances for myself & my partner. I am very happy with the service I received and the policy I was recommended, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Brian’s services to anyone looking to arrange their personal insurance. “
AJMS has been our mortgage/financial advisor for many years now. His knowledge and expertise is second to none and I can’t recommend his services enough!
Alexander James Mortgage Services - The Best Woking Mortgage Brokers
AJMS is extremely knowledgeable, professional, supportive and well versed in many financial services, including but not limited to Mortgages. I would highly recommend you engage with him and his company to assist with your financial needs and mortgage application. A one stop shop in financial services with friendly advice and exceptional service delivery. Happy Customer !!
Alexander James Mortgage Services - Woking Mortgage Brokers
AJMS has been very helpful and knowledgeable helping me out get the mortgage to get my first house. His knowledge does not only limit on mortgage but broader financial areas. I was a happy customer and would definitely ask him for your help if I will need to get more properties with mortgages or advice on financial planning.
I used AJMS over the course of the years for my property purchases. In all my dealings with him he has always given me impartial advice and in my opinion found the best rates on the market. I would recommend AJMS as an honest and genuine financial adviser.
We were recommended to use the services of Alexander James Mortgage Services by our then financial adviser.
In retrospect, this was an excellent recommendation as AJMS provided an outstanding service.
We were so impressed with the service that AJMS provided that when our youngest daughter decided to purchase a flat, we again secured the services of AJMS.
Who provided a first class service in helping her obtain a very competitive mortgage and appropriate life, critical illness, contents and health insurance cover.
And in the future will help her to set up a private pension fund.
So to anyone looking for sound, sensible and straightforward financial advice, we all recommend Alexander James Mortgage Services.”
Suite 120 Railway House, 14 Chertsey Road Woking, United Kingdom, GU21 5AH,
The final Bank Holiday of summer has arrived, and so has the last edition of our Summer Mortgage Series 2026.
If you’re a first-time buyer in Woking, this is a useful moment to pause, take stock and prepare for the autumn market. The summer may have been filled with holidays, warm evenings and perhaps one too many coffees out, but September brings a renewed sense of momentum. Think of it as the financial equivalent of getting your stationery ready for the first day back at school!
We know buying your first home can feel overwhelming, stressful and confusing. There are deposits, mortgage rates, surveys, legal costs and unfamiliar terms to navigate. Our aim is to help you move into autumn feeling organised and confident.
August brought some encouraging news for borrowers. A number of major lenders, including Halifax, Nationwide, HSBC, Santander, Leeds Building Society and TSB, announced rate cuts or repriced selected mortgage products during the month.
That does not mean every borrower will automatically receive a lower rate. Mortgage pricing depends on your deposit, loan-to-value, income, credit history, property type and individual circumstances. However, lender competition is positive news for first-time buyers who are getting ready to make an offer.
The Bank of England’s latest Bank Rate information confirms that Bank Rate is currently 3.75%, with the next scheduled decision due on 17 September 2026.
Remember, Bank Rate is not the same as the mortgage rate you will be offered. It is the central bank’s base rate, which influences wider borrowing costs. Your mortgage rate is set by the lender and is affected by several other factors.
So, should you wait for the September decision? There is no guaranteed answer. Rates may move up, down or remain unchanged. Rather than trying to time the market perfectly, focus on understanding what you can afford and preparing so that you can act when the right property and mortgage become available.
The latest Rightmove House Price Index showed that average asking prices for newly listed homes fell by 2.0% in August, a reduction of £7,360, to £364,999.
Rightmove also reported that the number of homes available for sale reached a 12-year high for this time of year. More properties on the market can mean more choice, less pressure to rush and potentially greater scope for negotiation.
This is particularly useful if you’re searching in Woking. A slower market does not mean every seller will accept a low offer, but it may give well-prepared buyers more room to have sensible conversations.
As always, asking prices are not the same as completed sale prices. Use them as an indication of market sentiment rather than a promise of what a property will eventually sell for.
Woking remains a popular and relatively high-value local market, supported by its transport links, amenities and proximity to London and the wider Surrey area.
The working figures for June 2026 place the average Woking house price at approximately £434,000, with the average first-time buyer purchase around £330,000. These figures are broad benchmarks, so individual streets and property types can vary considerably.
For many first-time buyers, Knaphill and Sheerwater remain important entry points.
At around the £330,000 level, Knaphill may offer two-bedroom flats or smaller terraced homes, depending on condition and exact location. Sheerwater can sometimes provide more space for the budget, including larger two-bedroom properties and, in some cases, three-bedroom houses.
There are trade-offs to consider. Knaphill has an established community feel, while Sheerwater is undergoing regeneration, which may bring short-term disruption alongside potential longer-term benefits. Look carefully at the property, lease, service charges, transport options and local surroundings rather than choosing based on price alone.
Start with your total budget, not just the maximum mortgage figure.
List your deposit, expected mortgage payment, council tax, utility bills, insurance, service charges, commuting costs and regular spending. Add a contingency for repairs and moving costs. That state-of-the-art kitchen or cosy home office may be part of your future plan, but it should not leave you financially stretched on day one.
It is also sensible to keep an emergency fund after completion. A lender may approve a particular amount, but only you can decide what feels comfortable month after month.
A 5% deposit may be possible in some circumstances, although a larger deposit can sometimes provide access to more mortgage options or lower rates.
Do not forget the costs beyond the deposit. These can include:
Under the current GOV.UK Stamp Duty guidance, eligible first-time buyers pay no SDLT on properties up to £300,000 and 5% on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000. For example, a £330,000 purchase could mean £1,500 of SDLT, subject to eligibility and the rules applying at the time.
Always check the official guidance before relying on an estimate.
Autumn is not the time to discover that your bank statements are scattered across several accounts or that an old address is missing from your application.
Prepare:
Getting everything together now can make the mortgage application much smoother and help prevent unnecessary delays.
Before booking dozens of viewings, find out what you may be able to borrow and which mortgage structures could suit you.
An Agreement in Principle, or AIP, is an indication from a lender of how much it may be prepared to lend, subject to a full application and checks. It is not a guarantee, but it can help you search within a realistic price range and demonstrate that you are a serious buyer.
Working with a mortgage broker in Woking can also help you compare options across a wide range of lenders rather than relying on one bank’s products. We can talk you through fixed rates, tracker mortgages, deposit levels and affordability without leaving you to decode every piece of jargon alone.
Check your credit reports and make sure the information is accurate. Register on the electoral roll if appropriate, avoid applying for unnecessary credit and keep up with all payments.
Do not panic if your circumstances are not straightforward. A missed payment, variable income or previous financial difficulty does not automatically mean you cannot obtain a mortgage. The important thing is to discuss the full picture honestly so that we can explore suitable routes.
Make a list of your non-negotiables and your nice-to-haves.
Would you accept a flat instead of a house? Could you consider Knaphill or Sheerwater? Is a shorter commute more important than an extra bedroom? Would you rather buy a property needing cosmetic improvements, or pay more for one that is ready to move into?
More homes for sale means you can compare carefully. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but keep your offer grounded in the property’s condition, local evidence and your own budget.
When viewing a home, look beyond the freshly painted walls.
Check the age of the boiler, roof condition, windows, damp, storage, parking and broadband availability. For flats, investigate the lease length, service charge, ground rent, planned major works and any restrictions.
A survey can highlight issues that are not obvious during a viewing. It may feel like another expense, but it can provide valuable information before you commit to what could be the largest purchase of your life.
Your mortgage payment will become one of your biggest monthly commitments. Consider what would happen if you were unable to work because of illness or an accident, or if your household lost an income.
Mortgage protection insurance can include options such as income protection, life insurance and critical illness cover. These policies are not compulsory, and the right level of cover depends on your circumstances, budget and attitude to risk.
Our mortgage protection and insurance advice can help you understand the options and consider how to protect your home and family if life takes an unexpected turn.
Your first mortgage deal will eventually end. At that point, you may need remortgage advice to review your options and avoid automatically moving onto a lender’s higher standard variable rate.
When the time comes, it is often sensible to start reviewing your options three to six months before your deal ends. If you are considering switching early, check whether an early repayment charge applies. We can talk you through the cost and whether changing deals could still be worthwhile.
You can read more about the process in our guide to remortgage advice.
The summer series may be ending, but your home-buying journey could just be beginning. With rates being repriced, more homes available and first-time buyer opportunities in areas such as Knaphill and Sheerwater, preparation could put you in a stronger position this autumn.
We know the process can feel stressful and confusing, but you do not have to work everything out alone. As a local mortgage advisor in Woking, we are here to talk you through your options, handle the paperwork and relieve as much of the pressure as possible.
This is our final summer edition, but the AJMS team is here throughout the year. Contact us to discuss your specific circumstances, budget and ambitions. We would love to help you take the next step towards your first Woking home!
The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute personalised mortgage, financial, tax or legal advice. Mortgage products, rates and lending criteria can change and depend on individual circumstances. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.