Expert Mortgage Advice, Made Simple.
Navigating the path to your new home in Shrewsbury and beyond. Personal, professional guidance from start to finish.
Mortgage Solutions For Every Step
Whether you're buying your first home or expanding your property portfolio, I offer tailored advice to meet your specific needs.
First-Time Buyers
Stepping onto the property ladder is exciting, but can feel daunting. I specialise in guiding you through every stage, from understanding your deposit options and navigating government schemes, to securing an Agreement in Principle and submitting your final application. My goal is to make your first purchase a clear and confident one.
Download Your Free First-Time Buyer's Guide
Get our essential guide to navigating your first mortgage application.
Moving House
Ready for a new chapter? Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, I can help make the financial side of your move seamless. We'll explore whether to port your existing mortgage or find a new deal, calculate your new borrowing potential, and ensure the funding is ready when you need it, letting you focus on the excitement of your next home.
Re-mortgaging
If your current mortgage deal is coming to an end, it's the perfect time to ensure you're not overpaying. I can compare thousands of products from across the market to find you a more competitive rate. We can also explore options for releasing equity to fund home improvements, consolidate debt, or for other large purchases. Let's make your biggest asset work harder for you.
Mortgages for the Self-Employed
As a business owner myself, I understand that proving your income isn't always as simple as providing a few payslips. Many advisors shy away from the complexity of self-employed mortgages, but I specialise in them. I know how to present your income—whether you're a sole trader, a limited company director, or a contractor—to the right lenders who understand your financial situation. Let me handle the paperwork and find you the competitive mortgage you deserve.
Download Your Free Self-Employed Checklist
Get our essential checklist for a smooth and successful application.
Developers & Bridging Loans
For property developers and investors needing short-term, flexible funding, I provide access to a wide range of specialist lenders. Whether you're purchasing at auction, funding a refurbishment project before selling, or bridging a gap in a property chain, I can arrange fast and effective finance solutions like bridging loans and development finance to keep your projects moving forward.
Considering Your Financial Safety Net
My role is to give you a clear picture of all your options, and that includes looking at how you can protect your new home and your family. It's an important conversation, but one that should be had without any pressure.
My approach is simply to provide you with straightforward information about the different types of protection available so you can make a fully informed decision about what feels right for you. These can include:
- Life Insurance: Designed to help clear the mortgage, so your family can keep their home.
- Critical Illness Cover: Provides a lump sum to ease financial pressure if you're diagnosed with a specified serious illness.
- Income Protection: Offers a regular replacement income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury.
The decision is always yours. My job is to ensure you understand the choices available, allowing you to proceed with complete peace of mind.
Ready to discuss your options?
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat about your mortgage needs.
Mortgage Planning Calculator
Estimate your monthly payments and see how overpayments could save you time and money. For a tailored quote, please get in touch.
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This calculator is for illustrative purposes only and is not a formal mortgage quote. The actual rate and APRC you are eligible for will depend on your individual circumstances. Please get in touch for a personal illustration.
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Your Personal Mortgage Advisor
Hello, I'm Phil Tracey, the founder of Peppercorn Finance. My expertise comes from a practical, real-world background rather than a traditional corporate path. For years, I've started, run, and managed the finances of businesses, giving me a robust, all-round knowledge of the financial industry. This hands-on experience became directly relevant when building my own property portfolio, where I encountered the same challenges many clients face and saw a clear need for a simpler, more transparent mortgage process.
That personal experience is the foundation of Peppercorn Finance. It drives my commitment to work harder for you, to anticipate the challenges, and to make your journey smoother. My philosophy is built on transparency and a personal touch, and I am dedicated to being the advisor I wish I’d had when I started.
I'm based in Shrewsbury but help clients all across the UK to achieve their property goals. I am fully CeMAP qualified and committed to finding the right solution for your unique circumstances.
Guides & Insights
Expert advice to help you navigate the mortgage landscape.
5 Government Schemes That Can Help You Buy Your First Home
Learn about the various government-backed schemes available in the UK designed to help you get on the property ladder faster.
Read More →
Is Now the Right Time to Re-mortgage? A Simple Guide
Understand the key factors to consider when deciding if re-mortgaging could save you money or help you achieve new financial goals.
Read More →
Pay Off Your Mortgage Years Early: A Guide to Overpayments
Discover how making mortgage overpayments can shave years off your loan and save you thousands in interest.
Read More →Common Mortgage Terms Explained
Your simple, no-jargon guide to understanding the world of mortgages.
A conditional offer from a lender stating that they will 'in principle' lend you a certain amount, based on initial information. It shows estate agents you are a serious buyer and gives you a clear budget.
The ratio of the mortgage you are borrowing compared to the total value of the property, expressed as a percentage. For example, a £180,000 mortgage on a £200,000 property is a 90% LTV.
The default interest rate a lender will charge after your initial fixed, tracker, or discounted deal period ends. It is usually higher than other rates and can change at any time.
A penalty fee charged by a lender if you overpay more than is allowed or pay off your entire mortgage during your initial deal period (e.g., during a 2-year fix).
Mortgage Myth-Busting
Let's clear up some common misconceptions about getting a mortgage.
Reality: While a larger deposit can secure better interest rates, it's far from essential. Many lenders offer mortgages with just a 10% or even a 5% deposit. We can explore government schemes and lender-specific products to find the right solution for your deposit level.
Reality: This is a common fear, but it is definitely not the end of the road. A rejection from your bank or a poor credit history doesn't automatically disqualify you. Every lender assesses risk differently. As a broker, I work with a wide range of specialist lenders who are experienced in helping applicants with past credit issues or those who don't fit the strict criteria of high-street banks. The key is knowing which lender to approach, and that's where I can help.
Reality: This isn't true. In fact, as an independent broker, I can often save you a significant amount of money. I'm not tied to one bank, so I can compare thousands of products from a wide panel of lenders to find the best mortgage for your situation, not just the best one a single bank offers. I also have access to exclusive deals not available directly.
My fee structure is completely transparent: for the vast majority of my clients, my service is completely fee-free. I am paid a commission by the lender once your mortgage completes, which means my goals are perfectly aligned with yours. For very complex cases, a small fee may be applicable, but this would be discussed and agreed with you in full transparency before you commit to anything. The value I provide is my primary goal.
Reality: Not at all. This is one of the biggest myths in the mortgage world. While the paperwork is different from a standard employed application, it's absolutely possible to get a competitive mortgage. Lenders will typically want to see one to three years' worth of accounts or tax returns (SA302s) to verify your income. Some advisors avoid these cases because they can be more complex, but I specialise in them. I know which lenders are best for sole traders, limited company directors, and contractors, and I can guide you through the process to properly showcase your income.
Get In Touch
Ready to take the next step? Contact me directly, send a message below, or schedule a call.