Transparent Mortgage Services

Independent mortgage advice from Hastings, East Sussex

Transparent Mortgage Services is a trading style of Transparent Financial Associates Limited, entered on the Financial Services Register under reference 925926. The firm operates as an independent mortgage broker from its office in Hastings and presents itself as local to Sussex, searching the whole of the market rather than a single lender's product range.

The practice covers both regulated mortgages and non-regulated finance, and combines mortgage sourcing with protection advice. Its stated approach is to assign each client a dedicated adviser who reviews the client's requirements before making a recommendation.

Mortgage and finance products

The service range is organised around several distinct areas of lending:

• Residential mortgages for clients moving home or arranging finance for themselves and their families.
• Buy-to-let mortgages, aimed at both new and experienced landlords.
• High-value mortgages, described as anything over half a million pounds.
• Commercial finance for businesses, with examples given that range from retail to golf courses.
• Bridging finance, presented as short-term property finance for problem-solving and fast completion.
• Development finance, from loft conversions to multi-unit complex developments.

Protection and insurance advice

Alongside mortgages, the firm advises on protection products. The areas listed are life cover, critical illness, family income benefit, income protection, private medical insurance and business protection. This allows mortgage and protection needs to be reviewed together.

How the advice process works

The firm describes a three-stage process. It begins with a discussion of the client's options with a mortgage adviser. The adviser then searches what the firm describes as thousands of products and presents a recommendation. In the final stage, the adviser completes the application, liaises with the lender and keeps the client informed until completion.

The firm states that it is independent and unbiased when reviewing lenders, and that it is flexible around busy schedules. It also emphasises problem-solving, particularly for complex cases.

Fees and initial consultation

According to the information provided, the initial consultation is free. Charges depend on the loan amount and the complexity of the client's circumstances, and the firm says it explains the fee before an application proceeds. For regulated mortgages, including consumer buy-to-let, the typical fee is £599, payable when the mortgage offer is received. Fees for non-regulated mortgages, primarily business buy-to-let and commercial mortgages, can vary with the client's requirements. The firm notes that adding the fee to the loan may be possible in some cases, such as a remortgage, but that this is restricted for purchases and depends on the lender.

Borrowing, deposits and credit circumstances

The firm's published guidance addresses common borrower questions. It advises against relying solely on online borrowing calculators and instead recommends a brief financial review with an adviser. On deposits, it cites a general figure of 5% while noting alternatives such as family-assisted mortgages that can allow a purchase with no deposit, subject to status. It also states that mortgages are usually available to applicants with adverse credit, with the severity and date of the credit issues affecting the rate offered, and that self-employed applicants may be able to obtain a mortgage with only one year's accounts.

Team and case experience

The firm identifies its co-founders as Russell Braiden and Matthew Fairy. Braiden is described as an independent mortgage adviser with ten years in the mortgage and protection market, often handling complex cases and working with lenders to place clients appropriately. Fairy is presented as having experience in commercial property and finance, with a focus on structured finance packages for large portfolio landlords and high-net-worth property developers. Katie, a senior mortgage consultant, is credited with 15 years in financial services, including more than eight years at what the firm describes as the largest mortgage brokerage in the UK, and specialises in residential and buy-to-let purchases and remortgages. Hannah is the office co-ordinator.

Published case studies include the refinance of a UK portfolio for Dubai residents and a second-charge drawdown bridging facility against a £4 million commercial portfolio. Articles listed on the site cover remortgaging versus rate switching and the benefits of a second-charge mortgage.

Complaints and regulatory information

The firm states that clients wishing to register a complaint can write to its email address or telephone the office. A summary of its internal complaints handling procedures is available on request. If a complaint cannot be settled, the client may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.