As a rough guide, most lenders will consider around four to four and a half times your annual income, and some will stretch further depending on your circumstances. The real figure also depends on your deposit, your outgoings, your credit history and how your income is made up. The quickest way to a proper number is a short chat.

For a home you'll live in, you'll usually need at least five per cent of the property's value. A ten per cent deposit or more tends to open up better rates, and around twenty per cent gets you the most competitive deals. Buy-to-let normally needs a larger deposit than a residential mortgage.

The first consultation is free, with no obligation. When a mortgage completes, lenders usually pay the adviser a commission. If there is also a fee for arranging your mortgage, I'll tell you the exact amount up front, before you commit to anything, so you never get a surprise bill.

It's a statement from a lender showing roughly how much they would be willing to lend you, based on your details and subject to full checks. Estate agents often want to see one before they'll take your offer seriously, so it's a sensible early step. It involves a credit check, and there's no obligation to go ahead.

Typically proof of ID and address, your recent payslips and latest P60 (or your accounts and tax year overviews if you're self-employed), a few months of bank statements, and proof of your deposit. I'll tell you exactly what your lender needs, so you're not chasing paperwork.

Usually yes. Lenders just assess self-employed and complex income differently, often through your accounts or SA302s. A big part of my job is knowing which lenders take a sensible view of your situation, and matching you to the right one.

Your bank can only offer its own products. I compare a wide range of lenders, know their criteria, handle the paperwork and keep you posted at every step, so you're more likely to land the right deal without the legwork.

An agreement in principle can sometimes be sorted the same day. A full application usually takes a few weeks, depending on the lender and how straightforward your case is. I'll keep you updated throughout, so you're never left wondering.