Your independent Mortgage Broker in Tunbridge Wells.
Helping property buyers at every stage of life.
First-time buyer mortgages.
Remortgages for homeowners and movers.
Buy-to-let and business mortgages.
Supporting clients across the UK.
- See what they say about their experience →
Independent Mortgage Brokers & Advisors in Tunbridge Wells.
Trusted by homebuyers, landlords and businesses across Kent and Sussex for straightforward, expert mortgage advice.
Buying a property or refinancing can feel overwhelming - but it doesn’t need to.
We’re a team of experienced, fully independent mortgage brokers based in Tunbridge Wells, helping clients across Kent and Sussex secure the right deal with clear, impartial advice. As independent mortgage advisers, we’re not tied to any lender - which means we search the whole market to find what’s best for you.
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up the ladder or investing in buy-to-let, we’re here to help you make smart decisions without pressure or confusion.
We’ll guide you through every step, from first conversation to final approval - and beyond.
Speak to a Mortgage Adviser in Tunbridge Wells today if you’re ready to get started or just want an expert to explain your options clearly.
Not sure where to start?
We’ve grouped the most common reasons people visit us into four simple options. Just pick the one that suits you best.
Find out what we do.
Explore our services and how we work with people like you.
Book a consultation.
Speak directly with one of our advisers for expert guidance.
Learn about mortgages.
Understand the basics of the mortgage lending process.
What could I borrow?
Try our quick borrowing calculator - no login needed.
Mortgage services in Tunbridge Wells.
Straightforward advice, whatever your situation. From first homes to final settlements, we help you find the mortgage that fits.
We help homebuyers, landlords and business owners at every life stage secure tailored, independent mortgage advice.
Here’s how we can support you:
First-time buyers, remortgages & moving home.
Buying a home or refinancing can feel overwhelming. Should you fix your rate or keep it variable? How much can you actually borrow?
We’ll guide you through the process step by step, helping you secure the right mortgage with clarity and peace of mind.
Second homes, holiday lets & buy-to-let mortgages.
Buying a second property involves more than just rates - from stamp duty to tax planning and affordability rules.
Whether it’s a weekend home or an investment, we’ll help you structure it correctly from the start.
Further advances, bridging loans & secured lending.
Need to release capital for home improvements, or bridge the gap between sales? These are time-sensitive, complex transactions where getting it right matters.
We can help you stay in control.
Green mortgages for energy-efficient homes.
Some lenders now offer better mortgage rates or higher loan limits for energy-efficient homes.
Whether you’re retrofitting or buying new, we’ll show you what incentives are available.
House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) mortgages.
HMO conversions can boost returns, but require the right funding.
We help landlords access lenders who understand the complexity and compliance involved.
Equity release & lifetime mortgages (over 55s).
As proud members of the Equity Release Council, we offer safe, regulated lifetime mortgage advice to help you unlock capital without risking your financial security or independence.
Mortgage Capacity Reports for divorce & legal cases.
We provide clear, independent reports for legal representatives and courts, helping to assess what level of borrowing a party could reasonably achieve in new circumstances.
Meet your local mortgage advisers in Tunbridge Wells.
Behind every mortgage we arrange is a real conversation.
Our advisers bring not only decades of technical experience but also a calm, personal approach that helps clients feel confident from the very first meeting.
Laura Ashby CertSMP, CertsCII (MP & ER).
Senior Mortgage & Protection Specialist.
Laura is a fully qualified Independent Mortgage and Protection Specialist (IFA), and a member of the Society of Mortgage Professionals.
Laura also holds specialist qualifications in Mortgage Advice, Equity Release and Mortgage Capacity Reports.
Known for her calm manner and attention to detail, Laura supports clients through complex or sensitive mortgage cases with clarity and patience.
Whether advising a first-time buyer or navigating a legal settlement, she brings steady guidance and practical insight.
Sean Adams CertSMP, CertsCII (MP & ER).
Mortgage Broker.
Sean has worked in the Financial Services sector since 1989 and holds specialist qualifications in Advanced Mortgage Advice and Equity Release.
Sean is incredibly experienced in supporting clients with complex borrowing, including divorce and later-life lending.
Sean is known for his clear, straightforward communication style and his ability to simplify even the most technical lending decisions.
Clients appreciate his long view, calm presence, and strong grasp of regulatory detail.
Here’s what our clients say about working with us.
Our clients tell us the same thing – clear advice, calm support, and financial decisions they felt confident about. Here’s what they’ve shared on Google.
Ready to talk? Get honest, expert mortgage advice with no obligation.
Wherever you are in the UK, we’re here to provide personalised financial advice, for every stage of life.
Just leave your details and one of our experienced advisers will be in touch to talk through your situation and answer your questions.
Our office is based in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, but we work with clients across the country.
Why choose AVT?
Independent mortgage advice.
Free consultations & quotations.
A wide range of lenders.
Friendly, experienced advisers.
Clients across Kent and the UK
A simple, secure process.
Excellent value for money.
Our location.
AV Trinity Limited
Oakhurst House
77 Mount Ephraim
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN4 8BS
Tel: 01892 612500
Email: info@avtrinity.com
Areas we cover.
Locally, we serve individuals and businesses throughout Kent, including Ashford, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, and Tonbridge.
In East Sussex, we have clients in Bexhill, Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hastings, Heathfield, and Uckfield.
Mortgage Broker FAQs.
Got questions? You’re not alone. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common queries clients have when arranging a mortgage with us, covering what we do, how we help, and what to expect.
Useful Mortgage Advice links.
The Money Advice Service mortgages homepage has more tips on planning your finances when moving house.
The Which? Mortgages homepage has practical tips on getting a mortgage.
The FCA Mortgage Advice page has information on your rights when getting mortgage advice.
Useful mortgage calculators are available from MoneySavingExpert.com.
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) - for free financial guidance and debt advice.
Citizens Advice offers help to those with mortgage problems.
Why use an Independent Mortgage Broker in Tunbridge Wells, Kent?
As well as advising you on the most appropriate mortgage for your needs, circumstances and level of affordability, our independent and experienced mortgage brokers (also known as a Mortgage Adviser) can secure a new mortgage, residential mortgage, remortgage, landlord mortgage or lifetime mortgage from a wide range of providers to get you the best deal and repayments, wherever you are on the property ladder. Most banks and building societies offer a very narrow selection of their own, in-house products, whereas our independent mortgage advisers offer impartial advice and a range of mortgage solutions as part of our highly rated, mortgage service.
With our extensive local networks, we can also put you in touch with a local solicitor here in Kent, who has the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation to make the buying process as easy as possible. Our mortgage brokers can also assist you to secure the most appropriate and affordable buildings and contents insurance to secure your new property.
Furthermore, an expert Mortgage Advisor can also advise on an appropriate level of protection to ensure you, your family and financial dependents can continue to live in your home, pay the mortgage and have some peace of mind should something you suffer an accident, become ill or pass away during the term of your mortgage.
Buying a property is a big investment and often the biggest decision you will make; our Independent Mortgage Brokers have the depth of knowledge required to help you make the right decisions and choose the right mortgage product. You can also talk to an adviser in our Financial Planning department to discuss your pensions and investments.
How much does your mortgage advice cost?
A typical fee for mortgage advice is £250, however there may be instances where we charge more than that. The amount we charge will depend on the size of your mortgage and the complexity of your needs. When we provide you with mortgage advice, we will also advise you on buildings and contents insurance, protection for your mortgage and your loved ones in the event of ill health or death, and Private Medical Insurance, should you require this.
What are the different types of mortgage?
There are different types of mortgage available. Your mortgage broker will advise you on the most appropriate mortgage available for you based on your financial needs and circumstances. Here is a description of the main types of mortgage:
A fixed-rate mortgage is a mortgage that has a fixed interest rate for a specified term, typically 2, 3 or 5 years. This type of mortgage offers the certainty of payments each month for the pre-determined period. At the end of that period, you can choose to select another fixed rate, switch to an alternative mortgage rate or move to the mortgage lender’s standard variable rate.
A variable-rate mortgage is a mortgage in which the interest rate charged on the outstanding balance varies as market interest rates change. This means that your mortgage payments each month can change. Mortgage lender’s standard variable rates tend to be higher than most fixed-rate mortgages, but they do offer more flexibility if you are planning to re-mortgage or move house shortly.
A tracker mortgage is a type of variable rate mortgage, which means your mortgage payments can change each month. What makes them different from other variable-rate mortgages is that they follow (or track) the movements of another rate. Most commonly, the rate that is tracked is the Bank of England Base Rate.
A discount rate mortgage is where the interest rate is a set amount below the mortgage lender’s standard variable rate for either a set period or the whole term of the mortgage. It is another type of variable rate mortgage, which means your mortgage payments can change each month.
A cap and collar mortgage is a mortgage in which the interest rate charged is within a band; the cap is an upper limit or maximum interest rate that will apply, whereas the collar is the lower limit or minimum interest rate that will apply. It is another type of variable rate mortgage, which means your mortgage payments can change each month; however, the interest rate will never exceed the cap and never go below the collar.
An offset mortgage lets you link your mortgage to your savings. The savings balance is used to reduce the amount of interest charged on the mortgage. This type of mortgage could help you save thousands of pounds in mortgage interest, but it does mean you will need to maintain a level of savings in your linked account.
What is 'joint property ownership’?
If you are buying your property jointly, it is important to consider how you will legally hold each share of your property. You have two options:
Joint tenants;
Tenants in common.
Joint Tenants: Each person has a 100% stake in the property's value. In the eyes of the law, you must act as a single owner. That means you will need to get one joint mortgage to cover the value of the whole property.
If one of you dies, your part of the property automatically passes to the other owner. You can't leave part of the property to someone else in a will.
You must both agree if you want to sell the property.
Married couples that own property together would typically be joint tenants.
Tenants in Common: You can all own a separate share of the property, and these shares don’t have to be equally sized, for example, you may own 50% of a property, while each of your two children owns 25%.
Each owner can also leave their share of the property to whoever they choose in a will when they die.
In theory, each owner can mortgage their part of the property separately. But in reality, few, if any, mortgage lenders would be willing to agree to this. So you will still normally need to take out a joint mortgage.
As with joint tenancy, you must each agree if you want to sell the property.
This type of joint ownership is typically used by friends or relatives who are buying together.
What are Title Deeds?
Title deeds are legal documents that show who officially owns and holds title to a property or land. Titles deeds are sometimes known as land certificates and need to be officially registered with the HM Land Registry. HM Land Registry register the ownership of land and property in England and Wales.
Why are title deeds needed?
Title deeds are used as an official record of who owns the title to a property. For example, if a buyer is interested in purchasing a property then a solicitor will check the title deeds to make sure that the seller is entitled to sell the property. The title deeds may also have details on whether there are mortgages on the property, and whether anyone else has an interest in the property. The title deeds are also useful in gaining information on property boundaries and rights of way through a property.
Where are title deeds kept?
Where the title deeds are kept is mainly dependant on whether there is a mortgage on the property or not. If there is a mortgage then the deeds will be kept by the mortgage lender. The deeds will only be returned to the owner once the mortgage on the property has been fully paid although photocopies of the deeds can normally be requested at any time. If no mortgage is held on a property then the title deeds will be kept by the owner. They can either be kept in the home or they can be held by a solicitor. You can obtain information about registered property or land in England and Wales by visiting HM Land Registry. Records are now digital, so they don’t store paper title deeds.
How much does the interest rate affect a mortgage?
Over time, even a low mortgage interest rate can add up to tens of thousands. Our article on mortgage interest rates covers this in detail.
Further Information.
Although based in Tunbridge Wells, at AV Trinity we offer mortgage advice to clients all over the UK, including Kent, East Sussex and the South East. This means that whether you are searching for 'Independent Mortgage Brokers Kent' or an 'Independent financial adviser in East Sussex', we can help. As a client, we offer you independent financial advice on a broad range of topics in the financial services sector including mortgage advice as an independent mortgage advisor (mortgage broker), equity release advice plus more general financial planning.
With regard to mortgages more specifically, our expert mortgage advisers will find the right mortgage for you, whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced investor. Your financial advisor can even help with more complicated situations, such as finding a self-employed mortgage. As independent mortgage advisers, your mortgage adviser has access to mortgage products from the whole of the mortgage market to find you the perfect mortgage deal with an affordable interest rate, repayment and from a reputable lender. Furthermore, you can count on our mortgage experts to support you at every stage of your ideal mortgage application and assist you with finding the right protection and life insurance policy.
The mortgage & home buying process explained.
Buying a home is one of life’s biggest financial decisions, but it doesn’t need to feel complicated. Below, we’ve broken the process into clear, simple steps – so you can understand what’s involved, what to expect, and where we come in.
Step 1: Initial meeting or call with a Mortgage Adviser.
During an initial meeting with us, either in person or over the telephone, we will ask you some important questions about you, your needs and preferences, your circumstances and your finances so we can complete a full assessment of your income and outgoings. This enables us to confirm how much you may be able to borrow and whether it will be affordable.
Before applying for a mortgage, you will need a Decision in Principle (DIP). This is also known as an Agreement in Principle (AIP) or a Lending Certificate. It confirms what a lender would be prepared to lend to you. Getting a DIP involves a credit check, although this is normally only a ‘soft’ credit check which won’t affect your credit score. Typically, you will need the following information to obtain a DIP:
Type of property and how much you want to borrow;
Personal information including address history for the last 3 years;
Details of your income and outgoings;
Details of any financial commitments such as credit cards or loans.
If you already own a property and have an existing mortgage which you are seeking to make changes to, you will move straight to step 3.
Step 2: Finding your new home.
Now you know how much you can afford to borrow, you can search for your new home and make an offer on the property. Once your offer has been accepted, you will make a further appointment to meet with us again.
In Scotland, because there is a legally binding contract when a buyer makes an offer on a property, you should make sure you have a mortgage offer from a lender before you make an offer on a property.
Step 3: Mortgage approval and application.
Your next meeting with us, either in person or over the telephone, is an important one, at which we will find out what’s important to you so we can advise you on the right mortgage. We will also take details of the property you’re buying.
Getting approved for a mortgage is one of the most important steps in the home buying or re-mortgage process. For many borrowers, it can be a stressful time.
However, for many people, getting approved for a mortgage can be straightforward and not the daunting experience some fear. But certain factors can make the process more difficult. For instance, anyone with adverse credit, anyone self-employed, or anyone looking for something unique.
Generally, approval is based around several key areas:
Affordability;
Deposit;
Credit history (it as at this stage that a full credit check will be undertaken).
At this stage we will go through a full mortgage application and obtain a mortgage illustration for the mortgage deal from the lender – this is your quotation. This shows you the monthly payment and the different costs and fees associated with your chosen mortgage.
The time taken from submitting the full application to obtaining the agreement is usually several working hours for most mainstream lenders, but can be several working days for the more specialist firms. This is on the basis that all required documents are provided upfront – it can take longer if the processing is delayed waiting for customers to send in further information.
Mortgage Protection - An important area we will discuss at this meeting is the different ways in which you may need to protect your mortgage. This will include Buildings and Contents Insurance, Life and Critical Illness Insurance and Income Protection Insurance. Further details of these types of insurance policies can be found in the Additional Information section of this document.
Following the meeting, we will provide you with a Client Advice Report which details all the factors we have taken into account when advising you on your chosen mortgage and mortgage protection.
Step 4: Appointing a solicitor or licenced conveyancer.
There are legal costs involved in setting up your mortgage which vary according to the circumstances involved. Often lenders will have an approved list of solicitors or licenced conveyancers they can refer you to. If you choose a solicitor or licensed conveyancer who isn’t on the lender’s approved list, they may need to instruct another firm to act for them - this is called dual representation. If this is the case there may be additional costs involved and applications may take longer to be processed.
Your mortgage offer may be withdrawn if either:
1) The solicitor/licensed conveyancer can’t provide an unqualified report or title for the property; or
2) By completion, your mortgage offer has any outstanding conditions which need to be satisfied.
Step 5: Mortgage valuation and property survey.
Once the mortgage application is completed, the lender will arrange for the property to be valued. The valuation is so the lender knows the value of the property is adequate for the mortgage you need.
A mortgage valuation is not a survey. It doesn’t advise you on the condition of the property in any detail. If you’re buying a property, you should arrange for your own, independent survey to be completed (if you haven’t already done so). This will help you to understand the condition of the property before you commit to the purchase.
You can find a surveyor by through the independent professional body, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). There are three levels of RICS Home Survey. Visit the RICS website for more information.
Step 6: Your mortgage offer.
Once the lender has received the valuation they can make you a formal mortgage offer, meaning your mortgage has been approved.
In your formal mortgage offer pack, you will normally receive:
The mortgage offer;
Tariff of fees;
Terms and Conditions.
Once you’ve received a formal offer you have a seven day ‘period of reflection’. This is there to give you a chance to review the mortgage offer and check you still want to continue with it. Your solicitor or licensed conveyancer will carry out all the required checks and searches on the property.
Step 7: Exchange of contracts.
The exchange of contracts (known as ‘missives’ in Scotland) is a legal process which only applies when you are buying a property – it commits both parties to the sale and purchase of the property. The final contract between the buyer and the seller is prepared when:
The solicitor or licensed conveyancer and buyer are satisfied that reasonable responses have been received for all enquiries;
Any surveyor’s report has been received and any necessary action is taken;
The formal mortgage offer from the lender has been received by the borrowers;
Arrangements around the payment of a deposit have been made; and
The date of completion has been agreed by all parties.
When you’re happy with the contract and you’ve signed it, your solicitor or licensed conveyancer will ‘exchange’ your contract with the seller’s solicitor - this is then legally binding.
Under Scottish law, missives are concluded once the offer has been accepted (step 2). At this point, neither party can withdraw without incurring a liability for damages to the other party.
Step 8: Buildings insurance.
You must have arranged for Buildings Insurance to be in place by this point.
Buildings Insurance is a requirement of your mortgage and is essential to protect you against damage caused by events like fire and flooding. It’s also advisable to protect your belongings with contents insurance. Please refer to your mortgage offer for details of any specified minimum insurance value for the property.
In Scotland, once missives have been concluded, the buyer is responsible for any damage to the property, so the buyer should arrange for buildings insurance to be in place once their offer on the property has been accepted (step 2).
Step 9: Mortgage deed.
The mortgage deed will be completed at the same time as the exchange of contracts. The mortgage deed is the contract between the borrower and the lender. This can sometimes be known as the legal charge form. Your mortgage deed is usually a 1 or 2-page document that, once signed, confirms that you’re happy to proceed based on the terms of your mortgage offer. Upon completion, the signed mortgage deed is a legally binding document.
Within the mortgage deed, the lender is referred to as the mortgagee and the borrower is referred to as the mortgagor. The deed itself creates the lender’s legal charge over the mortgaged property.
If you already own the property on which you are obtaining a mortgage (or making changes to an existing mortgage), this is the final step in the process. If you are moving an existing mortgage to a new lender, the new mortgage lender will arrange for your solicitor to complete the transfer from your existing lender to the new lender.
Step 10: Completion.
Completion is the final stage of the home buying process where you gain full legal ownership of the property.
It is at this stage that your solicitor will request the funds from the lender and forwards the required amount to the seller’s solicitor. If several properties are involved in the ‘chain’, multiple solicitors are likely to be following this process simultaneously with funds being continually transferred electronically between different lenders, solicitors and individuals.
At the same time as the money is transferred, the signed mortgage deed will be executed and all parties named in it will become contractually obliged by its conditions.
This is the point at which you can collect the keys from the estate agent and start the process of moving into your new home.
Further reading to help you decide.
Whether you’re working out what you can afford or weighing up your options, these quick reads offer clear, practical guidance on the next steps in your mortgage journey.
What is the impact of high interest rates and falling house prices? Understand the causes, consequences and actions that both homeowners and investors can take.