Mortgage Advice for Settle Homebuyers

Buying in Settle: what I see locally

Settle is a proper Dales market town, and buying here comes with a few things that are worth knowing about early:

• Stone cottages and terraces. Much of Settle, Giggleswick and Langcliffe is traditional stone-built housing, from cottages and terraces in and around the town centre to farmhouses and barn conversions further out. Older and rural homes are often very mortgageable, but lenders look closely at things like construction, access and land, so I’ll talk you through the survey and valuation side early.
• National Park rules. Settle sits inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Some homes, particularly newer ones, come with local occupancy or affordable housing conditions (for example, buyers needing a local connection), and the National Park Authority wants new homes to be lived in permanently rather than used as second homes or holiday lets. Not every lender will lend on a property with these restrictions, so it’s really important to tell me about them up front.
• New homes nearby. The National Park Authority has approved nine homes on Stackhouse Lane in Giggleswick, including five affordable homes aimed at local people, and Long Preston is among the proposed housing sites in the draft Local Plan.
• The villages. I help buyers in Giggleswick, Langcliffe, Long Preston, Stainforth, Austwick and the wider Ribblesdale area.
• Commuters. Settle station is on the famous Settle–Carlisle line. Northern’s journey planner puts trains to Skipton at around 24 minutes and to Leeds at around 1 hour 3 minutes on average, with a direct service every couple of hours rather than every few minutes. Plenty of my clients in the Dales work from home or locally.

How I help Settle buyers and homeowners

• First-time buyers: I’ll work out roughly what you could borrow, get your Decision in Principle (usually within 24 hours of our appointment) and explain each step, from your offer to getting the keys. If you’re looking at a local occupancy or affordable home, I’ll check which lenders may consider it.
• Home movers: moving into town, out to a village, or downsizing? I’ll look at whether to move your existing mortgage with you or switch, and help you line up your sale and purchase.
• Remortgaging: I can’t believe how quickly fixed deals come round! I’ll compare staying with your current lender against switching, so you can decide what’s right for you. (Book a remortgage review)
• Buy to let: whether it’s your first rental or you’re adding to a portfolio, I’ll look at the lenders’ rental and affordability criteria with you. (Ask about buy to let)
• Bad credit: missed payments, defaults or CCJs don’t necessarily rule you out. I’ll review your credit file free of charge, without judgement, and tell you honestly where you stand.
• Self-employed: sole trader, company director or contractor, I’ll explain what lenders will want to see and help you get your paperwork together. I also help foster carers, content creators and sports professionals.
• Protection: life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection, so your home and family are looked after. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.

How it works

1. Free chat. Book online, WhatsApp me or call. We’ll talk about your plans and what you need.
2. Decision in Principle. I’ll check roughly how much lenders may be willing to lend, usually within 24 hours of our appointment.
3. Recommendation. I’ll search my panel of lenders and explain my recommendation and why it suits you.
4. Application. I’ll submit your application and keep in touch with the lender, the estate agent and your solicitor.
5. Offer to completion. I’ll keep you updated until you get your keys, then contact you before your deal ends so you’re not left on a standard variable rate.

Settle mortgage FAQs

Do we need to meet in person?
No, all my appointments are by phone, video call or WhatsApp, so you can speak to me from home at a time that suits you. No need to take time off work!

Can I get a mortgage on an older stone cottage in Settle?
Usually, yes. Lenders look at each property individually. If the valuation or survey picks anything up, such as damp, a non-standard build or work needed, I’ll talk you through your options.

The home I like has a local occupancy condition. Can I still get a mortgage?
Often, yes, but fewer lenders will consider these properties, and you’ll need to meet the conditions yourself. Let me know about it as early as you can and I’ll check which lenders on my panel may consider it.

Do you cover the villages around Settle?
Yes. I help clients in Giggleswick, Langcliffe, Long Preston, Stainforth, Austwick and across Ribblesdale, and across the UK.

Can you help if I have bad credit or I’m self-employed?
Yes. I’ll be honest about what’s possible, and I’ll never promise an outcome. Every lender has its own criteria, but I’ll review your situation and explain the options.

How long does it take?
It depends on your circumstances and the lender. I can often get a Decision in Principle within 24 hours of our appointment, and I’ll keep you updated at each stage after that.

FB Mortgages is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are entered on the Financial Services Register under firm reference number 993502. FB Mortgages Limited undertakes credit broking and is not a lender. Some buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBTS SECURED ON IT.