Everything You Need to Know
In this section, you’ll find all the support you need and answers to your questions. If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch.
About Merit Mortgages
Merit Mortgages are an independent mortgage and protection brokerage based in Basingstoke, Hampshire (34 Compton Way, Basingstoke, RG27 0SQ).
Led by Daniel Tillson, the team has over 35 years of combined industry experience and helps clients across the UK with first-time buyer mortgages, remortgages, buy-to-let, home mover mortgages, and personal protection insurance.
You can email us or scroll down to the bottom of the page to book a call.
Alternatively, call/WhatsApp us on 01256 973 975.
Yes. Merit Mortgages Ltd is an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Merit Mortgages is based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, but advises clients across the UK via telephone and video (Zoom) consultations.
Merit Mortgages searches deals from more than 90 mortgage lenders and a wide range of insurance providers to find the most suitable product for each client’s circumstances.
Merit Mortgages holds an Excellent rating on Trustpilot with verified reviews, five star Google rating, is consistently praised for being professional, responsive, stress-free, and knowledgeable.
Read more reviews here.
An independent broker like Merit Mortgages searches across 90+ lenders – including deals not available directly to the public – and provides regulated, impartial advice tailored to your circumstances. Banks can only offer their own products. Merit Mortgages also manages the entire application process on your behalf.
Merit Mortgages is a bespoke, family run, independent brokerage that offers a personal, hands-on service with a named adviser throughout. They have many years of combined experience, are qualified to the highest level, a 4.9-star Trustpilot rating, and offer free initial consultations with no obligation.
About Fees & Costs
There is no charge for an initial consultation, and there is no limit on the number of consultations you can have with us. Buying, remortgaging or reviewing your mortgage is an important financial decision, and we are here to support you properly throughout the process. We believe good mortgage advice should be clear, thorough and tailored to your circumstances. Our £99 initial assessment and Agreement in Principle service allows us to review your situation in detail, understand your goals, check the information needed, and give you a clear idea of the options available before moving forward. Our broker fees are then fixed and charged on application, so you know where you stand from the outset. This includes researching suitable lenders, preparing and submitting your application, dealing with lender queries, liaising throughout the process, reviewing your rate up until completion where possible, and including an insurance review with every application. We can also guide you on related services such as solicitors, surveys and the wider buying or remortgage process.
- Purchase applications – £349
- Remortgage applications – £199
- Mortgage capacity reports – £499
- Complex applications, such as adverse credit – £499
- Equity release or RIO mortgages – £995
Yes. Your initial consultation with Merit Mortgages is free of charge. You can book directly via our Calendly link or by emailing us at info@meritmortgages.co.uk.
About Services
Yes. Merit Mortgages specialises in helping first-time buyers understand affordability, navigate the mortgage process, and secure competitive rates – from the initial consultation through to completion.
Yes. Remortgaging is one of Merit Mortgages’ core services. They can help you switch to a better rate when your current deal ends, avoid moving to a Standard Variable Rate (SVR), or release equity from your property.
Yes. Merit Mortgages advises on buy-to-let mortgages for both first-time landlords and those expanding a property portfolio. Note: some buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA.
Yes. Merit Mortgages helps home movers find the right mortgage for their next property, whether they are porting an existing mortgage or taking out a new product.
Yes. Through Merit Protect, the team advises on life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, family income benefit, and accident & sickness cover – comparing policies from a wide range of insurers on a whole-of-market basis.
Yes. Merit Protect offers a review of any existing life insurance or protection policies to check they are still suitable, up to date, and represent good value.
About The Process
Merit Mortgages follows a five-step process:
(1) free initial consultation by phone or Zoom;
(2) document gathering and affordability assessment;
(3) whole-of-market research across 90+ lenders;
(4) mortgage application submitted on your behalf with ongoing updates;
(5) fee only due on formal mortgage offer. Their aim is to make the process hands-off and stress-free for the client.
Merit Mortgages offers fully remote consultations via Zoom or telephone, meaning you don’t need to visit an office. They serve clients across the UK.
Typically you will need proof of income (payslips or accounts if self-employed), bank statements, a photo ID, proof of address, and details of any existing debts. Merit Mortgages will advise you specifically based on your circumstances.
Yes. Once Merit Mortgages has found a suitable lender, they complete a Decision in Principle (DIP) on your behalf. This indicates how much a lender is likely to offer you and is not a formal mortgage offer, but is a useful step before making an offer on a property.
About Eligibility & Scenarios
Yes. Merit Mortgages has experience with complex and non-standard mortgage cases, including self-employed applicants, those with impaired credit, and unusual property types. Their access to 90+ lenders means they can often find solutions where a high street bank cannot.
Led by Daniel Tillson, the team has over 35 years of combined industry experience and helps clients across the UK with first-time buyer mortgages, remortgages, buy-to-let, home mover mortgages, and personal protection insurance.
Yes. Merit Mortgages regularly assists self-employed applicants, using specialist lenders who assess income differently to standard PAYE calculations.
Merit Mortgages recommends starting the remortgage process around 3–6 months before your current fixed-rate or tracker deal ends to avoid falling onto a lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR), which is typically higher.