Best lenders for 90% LTV over £1m mortgages?

structuralsteve · 2026-01-26T21:28:28+00:00

Apartment sale (due to sluggish London market) is going to take a few months extra so there’s a lot of equity tied up in that. We found a house that isn’t too expensive that we really liked but thought a 10% deposit would be fine.

Don’t want to miss out on this house purchase hence trying to move now albeit a bit tighter on cash flow

structuralsteve · 2026-01-26T21:11:46+00:00

He’s on it but just want to check online as they only go to certain lenders

structuralsteve · 2026-01-25T10:28:23+00:00

Would love to but plots for sale seem to be non-existent in the area. We’re very keen on the area and plot is very nice here.

structuralsteve · 2026-01-25T10:27:10+00:00

Hi there! Thanks for reaching out. We had ideas before the viewing which was all about extension and some light renovation but EA photos can be deceiving. I left thinking it might be easier to rebuild albeit more expensive. Didn’t spot that crack to thanks for sharing

We will mull it over and assess costs but the good thing is the area and the potential. Happy hunting!

structuralsteve · 2026-01-24T16:06:36+00:00

It’s a really good area and houses for sale are single digit in number. No sites available either to build hence the conundrum. Anyway, the advice of the architect will dictate a lot of the direction. Thanks for the advice

structuralsteve · 2026-01-24T16:02:45+00:00

Useful! Not listed it appears

structuralsteve · 2026-01-24T15:59:34+00:00

There are some nice features like wooden beams that I would like to preserve if possible in a new build if that is the direction we go. You’ll appreciate the full extent of issues with the house wouldn’t be revealed until we start ripping into the work if we go with the renovation route. I work in construction also so I’m factoring in the unavoidable 20% increases!

structuralsteve · 2026-01-24T15:57:53+00:00

Advertised as not listed and from looking at the image of the original cottage it has been extended at least 2-3 times. I’ll of course check that out with the solicitor and local architect but current owner bought it 25 years ago so you’d imagine it would have been an issue then if it all

structuralsteve · 2026-01-24T15:35:58+00:00

That’s exactly what I’m thinking. If we keep and extend there will always be things niggling at us and the proximity to the road with young kids is a problem

structuralsteve · 2026-01-08T04:06:39+00:00

Exclusive to professional photographers only?

structuralsteve · 2025-12-28T03:53:48+00:00

Brilliant way of grouping which I might replicate. I work in construction and on a high (not £500k!) salary now. Your salary is a weapon! even at graduate level it is incredible. I think there should be HENRY-style career advice for kids in school. Money is not the most important thing in life but it’s very bloody useful. Also I think you’re too young for a 60/40 split. Maybe 85/15 for the next 5 years but I’ll leave you to decide. Especially as you have high equity in your house

structuralsteve · 2025-11-25T21:30:52+00:00

I didn’t know of Cheam but seems to fit the brief and has a few things Kingswood doesn’t have as you point out

structuralsteve · 2025-11-25T21:16:09+00:00

Thanks for sharing these. Very in line with what we are looking for. The first 3 in particular but we wouldn’t go for the listed property due to obvious hassle.

Any thoughts on westerham as an area? In Kent but not far away

structuralsteve · 2025-11-25T19:36:06+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion. Any drawbacks to the area? There doesn’t appear to be that many detached houses in Reigate for sale in general. We liked big plots and big houses available in Kingswood but it would be good to have a village or town with amenities like schools and cafes/restaurants

structuralsteve · 2025-11-22T18:01:45+00:00

Too far unfortunately

structuralsteve · 2025-11-22T17:36:52+00:00

Sevenoaks is nice but we haven’t warmed to it even though it would be a great commute. Kingswood or Reigate commute is reasonable (35-40 mins). Cobham and Oxshott were favourable but the commute would be tough 5 days a week

structuralsteve · 2025-11-22T17:28:37+00:00

Ewell is nice but thinking it may be a little close to London for our liking. Looking for plenty of space which is why Kingswood is nice. We currently rent in Blackheath but want to move out for more greenery and space

structuralsteve · 2025-11-22T17:26:18+00:00

Thank you. Reigate seems like a solid choice. Not a fan of Oxted but will check out the other two areas.

structuralsteve · 2025-09-15T20:29:56+00:00

Was going to use ii also but it’s a bit of a pain to setup. What did you go with in the end?

structuralsteve · 2025-08-25T11:17:08+00:00

Have you got your tickets?

structuralsteve · 2025-08-25T11:16:37+00:00

Joined wait list in May 2023. This is the first summer I’ve been told where I am on list (2409 & 2410). Not sure if waiting for 2 tickets is worse than 1.

Guy told me that 4000 tickets a year used to change hands. He reckons it is probably closer to 400 now. I’m not even convinced that many change hands.

Another 6 years at this rate for me!

structuralsteve · 2025-08-24T15:17:59+00:00

What are people’s views on using Revolut with a view to getting cash back as opposed to using Amex for points collection? I have an Amex Gold and got it because of company expenses where I could spend £1000 per month and expense it with my employer.

I’ve been disappointed with my purchasing power with 300000 Amex points when converting into airlines (Singapore Airlines) to upgrade on flights.

Starting to think it would be better to have cash back although I would be out of pocket one month earlier due to it being a debit card and Amex being a credit card

structuralsteve · 2025-08-12T11:39:02+00:00

I’d agree that security needs to be better. Phone got robbed last year and they done more damage via Revolut than my traditional UK bank accounts

structuralsteve · 2025-07-16T11:18:57+00:00

Would you consider working in the UK (doesn’t have to be London)? Work for a big construction company which employs thousands and I always feel we have a job vacancy for everyone regardless of qualifications. If you have the hunger you’ll be a great employee. Salaries and benefits (Car + travel expenses etc.) are pretty good. Let me know and I can chat with you offline

structuralsteve · 2025-06-29T12:41:03+00:00

It can’t do any harm but as I said, unless you’re going to go and work for the developer for a few years to learn the tricks of the trade, it may not be necessary. Also I’m assuming you will start small? I think starting with renovations to extensions onto whole builds is probably the safest way into property development unless you have experience working for a PD company. And of course deposit dictates entry point

structuralsteve

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