Ask Bea

Bea's Biography

Bea began her career in financial services in August 2001, as an underwriter for Chelsea Building Society. In January 2004 she joined Clydesdale Bank as a Mortgage Adviser, and then joined John Charcol in January 2007 as a mortgage consultant. John Charcol, the sister company of Charcol, provides independent mortgage advice.

Bea’s has been chosen as our mortgage expert due to her excellent reputation both within John Charcol and with her clients through exceptional customer service and management, and first class broking skills. Bea typifies the standards clients can expect from John Charcol. In the words of one of her clients, “Bea has arranged our transaction and has explained what is happening at every stage of the process. I am very pleased and impressed with both her approachable, common sense attitude and ability to obtain the best deal on both my properties, securing mortgages that were far better than what I was used to paying. At every point of contact Bea has been professional and extremely helpful, going above and beyond what would normally be expected.”

Outside of work Bea lives in Richmond with her husband and enjoys reading, painting, good food and great wine.

If you would like to discuss your specific situation in more detail, or would like further advice, please call and speak to one of our qualified mortgage consultants now on: 0845 034 2100

STOP PRESS - Due to a techncial fault beyond our control, we have just found out that we have lost a number of questions submitted over the last month or so. We are extremely sorry about this and apologise to those that are still waiting for a response. If you could re-submit yout question we will endeavour to answer it as soon as possible.

Please be aware that these answers can only be generic and no personal recommendations can be made.

What are the risks of taking the equity from my flat to buy a second property?

Posted on 24 September 2007

I have 240K equity in my flat which I want to release to buy a second property that I will live in. I would rent the current property out. My property has been valued at £300-£320.00K. The current mortgage is £60K The rental...

Category: Buy-to-let, Raising capital out of property, Tax issues

Can I take out a mortgage on a property that I will inherit a third of for renovations?

Posted on 7 September 2007

I live with my parents in a large house which has no mortgage. Is it possible to take out a mortgage so we can do some renovations? I will inherit 1/3rd of the house upon my parents death.

Category: Equity release, Remortgaging, Tax issues, Unsecured loans

Can I get a young professional's mortgage as a trainee solicitor?

Posted on 4 September 2007

I am about to embark as a trainee solicitor with a law firm. My salary in the first few years will be low. Currently I earn £30,000. I would like to borrow c. £175,000 and I have a deposit of about £15,000. My parents might be...

Category: First-time buyer, Lower mortgage payments, Special circumstances, Tax issues

Will a new-build part exchange enable my daughter and her partner to afford their dream home?

Posted on 4 September 2007

Dear Katie...My daughter and her partner, ages 35 and 37 respectively, own an immaculate end-of-terrace home in a slow-moving area but are anxious that their aspirations seem to be sliding fast away. They wish to invest in a...

Category: Lower mortgage payments, New build, Tax issues, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property

Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage and part occupy the property myself?

Posted on 1 September 2007

I am thinking of getting a buy-to-let mortgage and partly occupying the property myself at

Category: Buy-to-let, Tax issues

What are the mortgage options for my daughter earning £25,000?

Posted on 29 August 2007

My daughter is a nurse, 27, single and working in London. Annual income I believe to be £25,000, no significant loans or credit card debts. Are there any mortgage options available to her for a £180,000 flat which she has found?

Category: First-time buyer, Lower mortgage payments, Shared ownership, Special circumstances, Tax issues

What's the best way to raise money for a second property?

Posted on 20 August 2007

We are buying a second property that we wish to extend and then move into. The money for this purchase is secured on our current property which we have virtually no mortgage on and we do not wish to sell until after the...

Category: Remortgaging, Second properties, Tax issues

What type of mortgage do we need for a holiday home?

Posted on 15 August 2007

We currently own our family property with no mortage in the UK and intend to purchase another property in the UK with a mortgage which will be used as a hoilday home. Can you tell us whether this would come under a buy-to-let...

Category: Buy-to-let, Holiday homes, Mortgages in retirement, Tax issues

Is there a stamp duty liability if I add my partner to the mortgage?

Posted on 19 July 2007

I have a mortgage on my current home that is in my name alone. I would like to add my partner onto the mortgage, as he has been contributing to it for many years. I asked Halifax, my current lender, how to do this - they said I...

Category: Tax issues

Answers provided in response to Ask Bea are based on the information provided and do not constitute advice under the Financial Services & Markets Act. They reflect the personal views of the authors and do not neccessarily represent the views, positions, strategies or opinions of Charcol Limited. All comments are made in good faith, and neither Charcol Limited nor Bea will accept liability for them.

We recommend you seek professional advice with regard to any of these topics where appropriate.