WHOLE OF MARKET MORTGAGE ADVICE
Buying - Remortgage
Further Borrowing - Buy to Let
Insurance - Protection
Whole of Market Mortgage Advice
Oakdene Mortgages are independent, whole-of-market mortgage and protection brokers serving clients In Brighton & Hove, East & West Sussex and across the UK. We’re proud to have built a reputation for excellent service, with 5-star reviews from clients who value our approachable style and expert knowledge. From first-time buyers navigating their first purchase to landlords building their portfolio, we combine experience with genuine care to ensure you feel confident and supported throughout the process. All with no Broker Fees
MORTGAGES
MORTGAGES
Whether you are a first time buyer, experienced landlord, home mover, looking to remortgage or to raise money for an extension, Oakdene Mortgages are here to help you every step of the way.
Protection
Protection
It is crucial to ensure that your family, home and loved ones are protected in the event of death, critical illness, accident & sickness.
Stay Connected
Do you know what your home insurance covers? It’s time to review your policy and check that you’re adequately protected. A survey conducted by YouGov has found that many UK adults aren’t sure what their home insurance covers. This uncertainty could prove costly if the unexpected happens and they realise they are underinsured. In this article, we clear up some common misconceptions about home insurance. Your fridge/freezer contents The winter months can exacerbate any maintenance issues in your home, and the extreme weather can cause power cuts. If your fridge or freezer breaks down due to a blown fuse or local power outage, it can be tempting to throw everything away immediately. But most people are unaware that spoiled food is often covered under contents insurance. If your freezer is broken long enough for food to spoil, take a photograph of its contents before disposing of them. Your insurer will then estimate the value of the spoiled goods. Burglaries In the winter, homes may be more susceptible to break-ins as burglars take the opportunity to act under the cover of darkness. If you experience a break-in, buildings insurance typically covers you for any damage to the home, such as broken windows or damage to doors. Meanwhile, contents insurance generally covers you for any items that are stolen; however, if you have high value items (such as jewellery or bikes), you may need specialist cover. Lost keys Misplacing your house or car keys can be stressful and inconvenient, particularly if you need to call out an emergency locksmith. Many people don’t realise that some insurers will cover the cost of replacing lost keys. However, policies can vary, so it’s important to check first. Accidental damage Accidents can easily happen around the house, especially if you have children or pets! Accidental damage is an optional add-on - it can protect you against one-off incidents which cause damage to your home, such as a football smashing the window. It’s easy to forget if you’ve already purchased this cover, so now is a good time to review. The importance of advice According to the YouGov research, a third of those who purchased their home insurance through a price comparison site in the last year are unclear what their policy covers. This highlights the importance of seeking advice when insuring your home and personal belongings. You don’t have to navigate the small print alone - we will clearly explain the policy terms, so you know exactly when you are, and aren’t, insured. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Sources: https://protectionreporter.co.uk/tis-the-season-to-flag-home-protection-gaps.html
The winters are getting colder and stormier, so it’s important to take appropriate steps to protect your home. Here are some top tips. Review your insurance The most important step you can take is to get adequate cover. According to the ABI, in 2024 UK insurers paid out a record £585m for weather-related damage to homes and possessions. This shows that an increasing number of homeowners are relying on their insurance policy to protect them in extreme weather. Watch out for storm hazards If a storm is coming, make sure to safely store any loose objects, such as garden furniture and trampolines. Fences and gates are not always insured against storm damage, so make sure they are secured too. Consider flood risks You can check online if your home is at risk of flooding. There are helplines you can contact during flood emergencies, such as Floodline. If heavy rainfall is on the way, check your gutter - if your drainpipes are clogged, this could cause a leak. Check your boiler Boiler breakdowns can occur during cold snaps and the cost of repair is not always included in standard home insurance policies. To avoid getting caught out, it’s important to get your boiler serviced annually, or you can purchase additional cover. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Sources: https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2025/2/more-action-needed-to-protect-properties-as-adverse-weather-takes-record-toll-on-insurance-claims-in-2024/
Last year saw significant housing reforms for renters and homebuyers – here’s a recap of what you need to know. Change to renters’ rights The Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent in October 2025 and will come into force in three phrases this year. The initial phase of the rollout in May will include the much-awaited end to Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions in England. Plus, all fixed term tenancies will automatically convert to periodic tenancies. Scotland rent controls Scotland has also seen reforms for renters. Local authorities will be able to designate Rent Control Areas, where there will be a cap on how much landlords can raise rent. Plus, councils will be required to act sooner to prevent homelessness. Stamp Duty changes In April 2025, Stamp Duty thresholds reverted to their higher level in England and Northern Ireland. First-time buyers now have to pay the tax on homes above £300,000 and other buyers will be charged on properties over £125,000. Reforms in Wales Legislation is underway to improve the safety of tall buildings and houses in multiple occupation. Also, the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill plans to improve access to housing support. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/what-2025-housing-reforms-mean-for-renters-and-homebuyers-across-the-uk.html
End of year statistics for 2025 offer some reasons to be optimistic about the housing market. According to Zoopla, house sales for 2025 hit 1.2 million, the highest level for three years. First-time buyers showed growing confidence as they accounted for 39% of transactions last year. Meanwhile, house prices lagged last year, with the average house valued at £270,300 at the end of 2025. This is up 1.1% on the previous year but is lower than the 10-year average of 3.8% growth. Zoopla expects prices to rise by 1.5% in 2026 while Rightmove’s outlook is more positive, at 2%. Richard Donnell as Zoopla commented, “We expect a stronger 2026 as buyers return to the market, with more homes for sale.” Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/house-sales-hit-three-year-high-says-zoopla/
Do you know what your belongings are really worth? It can be easy to underestimate their value, which could leave you underinsured. Home contents insurance protects your possessions and furniture against theft, fire and other unfortunate events. When taking out cover, you are usually asked to estimate how much it would cost to replace all the contents in your home. But when was the last time you took stock and assessed this? If you’ve recently bought new gadgets or received an expensive Christmas gift, you may need a higher level of cover. Equally, if you have sold some items, you may be paying for more cover than you now need. A professional adviser can help ensure you have taken into account all your belongings. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.
Recent tax changes have prompted some to reevaluate their reliance on pensions for wealth planning. Amidst this uncertainty, life insurance could provide some peace of mind for those looking to protect their family’s future. Salary sacrifice changes In the Autumn Budget 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to salary sacrifice for pensions from April 2029. Currently, an employee can agree with their employer to give up part of their salary and, in return, their employer will pay the same amount into their pension. At the moment, this employer pension contribution is exempt from National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for both the employer and the employee. Salary sacrifice has therefore often been seen as a reliable way to reduce tax liabilities while boosting retirement savings. However, from 6 April 2029, NICs will apply on contributions above £2,000 per year. Unused pension funds As part of the Autumn Budget 2024, it was announced that most unused pension funds will fall within the value of a person’s estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. This measure was introduced because the government identified that many savers were using their pension pot to transfer wealth instead of funding their retirement. The changes will come into effect on 6 April 2027, so those who had incorporated their unused pension funds into their tax planning are likely to be reconsidering their options. Benefits of life insurance The above tax measures have highlighted the precarity of using pensions for intergenerational planning. Some families may therefore be turning to life insurance to offer some certainty. Life insurance provides financial support to your loved ones when you die. You can choose the level of cover you need based on a range of factors including your dependents, salary, mortgage and other bills. Writing your life insurance policy in trust ensures that the payout is not considered as part of your estate, so it is not subject to IHT. Claims can be paid before probate is granted, enabling your beneficiaries to access the money swiftly. It is therefore a crucial way of safeguarding your family’s future. Time to revisit your protection requirements? We can help you source a life insurance policy that is tailored to your specific needs and family circumstances. There are a range of trusts to choose from, and we can advise on the most appropriate option, ensuring your cover remains effective, tax-efficient and aligned with your wider financial plan. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.ftadviser.com/content/a724d36a-6636-4b53-bcd2-5d354ef62fac
Contact us
Business Hours
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Saturday
- Appointment only
- Sunday
- Closed
Address
41 Oakdene Crescent, Portslade, Brighton, BN41 2RP, United Kingdom
