Impartial guidance across 90+ UK lenders from our Clerkenwell team—handling your application from first enquiry to completion without bank bias or paperwork stress.
We work exclusively for you, not the banks. Because we aren't tied to any single institution, we scour the entire mortgage market to pinpoint the most competitive rates and underwriting terms.
Direct access to core high-street giants, with dedicated broker lines bypassing retail queues.
Mutual lenders offering bespoke human underwriting and regional flexibility for unusual properties.
Lenders specializing in day-rate contractors, 1-year company accounts, and complex income streams.
Exclusive intermediary schemes via PMS and Legal & General mortgage clubs with tailored discretion.
Whether purchasing your first flat, consolidating equity, or structuring an SPV property portfolio, we match each application to the lender whose criteria fit best.
Step-by-step guidance from soft Decision in Principle to completion. Transparent advice on Stamp Duty, legal fees, and deposit gift structures.
Lock in competitive new terms 6 months before your existing deal expires. Avoid punitive Standard Variable Rates and release equity for home extensions.
IT, finance, and management contractors assessed on annualized gross day rates (Day Rate × 5 × 46 weeks) rather than company dividends or salary.
Sole traders, LLP partners, and limited company directors. We work with lenders who assess Salary + Share of Net Retained Profit, not just dividend drawings.
Tailored finance for individual and SPV limited company investors. Optimization for Section 24 mortgage interest relief, HMOs, and multi-unit blocks.
Discounted interest rates, fee waivers, and cashback schemes for homes with EPC A or B ratings, as well as eco-renovation follow-on funding.
Demystifying complex borrowing with a transparent, four-stage roadmap. Explore each phase to view timeframes, document checklists, and the dedicated team progressor supporting your journey.
We begin with an obligation-free review of your financial scenario. By stress-testing your borrowing capacity against 90+ lenders, we secure a Soft-Footprint Decision in Principle (DIP). This demonstrates verified purchasing power to estate agents without leaving an adverse mark on your credit profile.
Behind every mortgage approval is a unique client story. Here is how our whole-of-market approach and underwriter relationships turn challenging scenarios into completions.
High-street banks rejected the applicant due to fixed-term contract expiry within 8 weeks. We engaged a specialist underwriter who evaluated 5 years of continuous industry track record, utilizing gross day rate to secure full borrowing power.
Read Full Case Study →Applicant had previously been employed before founding a lucrative consultancy. Standard lenders required 2-3 years of filings; we presented 1 year's accounts and retained profits to a specialist lender matching full borrowing capacity.
Read Full Case Study →Following extensive renovations, the homeowners held £45,000 in unsecured card debt at 19% APR. We restructured the debt into a competitive residential remortgage, saving substantial monthly interest while releasing funds for landscaping.
Read Full Case Study →Founded in 2007 by Principal James Carter, Independent James has grown into one of London's premier independent mortgage consultancies. Headquartered in the former Victorian schoolhouse at Kingsway Place, Clerkenwell, we combine deep market relationships with an approachable, transparent advisory ethos.
Every adviser is CeMAP qualified, and our dedicated case progressors ensure your purchase or remortgage moves smoothly between solicitors, estate agents, and underwriters.
A mortgage is only as safe as your health and income. Guided by our dedicated protection specialist Lorna Stevens, we safeguard your property and family against life's unpredictable moments.
Independent James is proud to hold a verified 5.0 ★ rating from 616 Google reviews. Here is what borrowers say about our responsiveness, market knowledge, and support.
"We cannot recommend Independent James highly enough. As first-time buyers purchasing our home in London, the mortgage process initially felt daunting, but the team made everything straightforward and stress-free from start to finish. A special mention goes to Tom Costelloe, Senior Mortgage Adviser, whose expertise, professionalism, and outstanding communication were invaluable throughout the entire journey... Having that continued support well beyond the initial purchase made a huge difference."
"I had an excellent experience with Independent James throughout my remortgage. I approached IJ at quite a late stage, with only around a month remaining before my existing mortgage deal expired... Shangerjen and Matthew handled the entire process incredibly efficiently and managed to complete everything on time. Throughout the process they were professional, knowledgeable, responsive and always happy to answer my questions. They even continued monitoring the market after my application had been submitted and secured me a lower interest rate before completion, which was a wonderful surprise and something I really appreciated."
"Highly recommended! Having just completed on my first property purchase, Independent James (Tom & Raul in particular) were a great help in supporting us through the process. They were readily available, always friendly and provided sound advice. Both my partner and I also went through job changes during the process which they handled seamlessly."
"We have had the pleasure of Tom & his team working with us over the last couple of years, helping us secure our mortgage and again to remortgage. From the start they have always gone over and above and helped us in more ways they needed to with lots of extra advice etc. The communication is always fantastic and they have made us feel like we can fully trust them, they have made the process as stress-free as possible which is huge!"
"This independent company helped secure our new mortgage and provided a thorough review of the market at the time and a concise set of recommendations. Super easy to use and professional at all times - would highly recommend and Dan really looked after us. Five stars 👍"
Consistently rated 5 stars across 616 genuine client reviews on Google. Impartial, honest, and proactive service every step of the way.
Read All Google Reviews ↗Direct, plain-English answers to essential borrower questions on credit scores, timeframes, deposit thresholds, and contractor affordability.
No. Independent James primarily sources Decisions in Principle using soft credit searches. A soft footprint confirms your eligibility to estate agents and sellers without appearing to other lenders or negatively affecting your credit rating. Only when you submit a full mortgage application is a hard search performed.
Typically, obtaining a formal mortgage offer takes between 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the lender's current processing queue and property valuation scheduling. Our dedicated case progressors chase all parties weekly to prevent administrative bottlenecks.
The minimum deposit is 5% of the purchase price (95% Loan to Value). However, significantly more competitive interest rate tiers become available as your deposit reaches 10%, 15%, 25%, and 40% (60% LTV). Gifted deposits from immediate family members are accepted by the vast majority of lenders we work with.
Rather than assessing company accounts or taxable salary/dividends, specialist contractor lenders use your annualized gross contract rate: Day Rate × 5 days × 46 to 48 weeks. For example, a contractor earning £500/day is assessed on £115,000 gross annual income, providing significantly greater borrowing power.
Independent James continuously monitors the market even after your application has been processed. If the lender reduces their rates or introduces a more competitive product before your legal completion date, we proactively apply to switch you to the lower interest rate, as highlighted in Katrina Xiao's verified review!
A high-street bank can only sell you their own limited products, regardless of whether a competitor offers a cheaper rate or better criteria. Independent James is whole-of-market: we compare products across 90+ lenders and access exclusive intermediary club rates via PMS and Legal & General that are unavailable on high-street branches.
Book an obligation-free initial consultation with an independent adviser. We offer in-person meetings at our Kingsway Place studio, phone consultations, or video calls.
All consultations are confidential and without obligation. Guaranteed response within 1 business day.
Independent James Limited
54 Kingsway Place, Sans Walk
Clerkenwell, London EC1R 0LU
* Arrival note: Enter via the large black gates on Sans Walk; check in at the on-site security lodge.
| Monday – Friday: | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday: | Closed |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Phone: 020 3848 6500
WhatsApp: Message us on WhatsApp ↗
Email: advice@independentjames.com
