On The Ladder Ep.4 | How to Find the Right Property (Estate Agent Q&A)|

You've found a house you love… now what? This is the part of the journey that can feel the most exciting, and the most overwhelming. From knowing whether it's really "the one" to making an offer and navigating negotiation, there's a lot to get right. In this episode of On The Ladder, we break down exactly what to do next once you've found a property, including: How to define your non-negotiables and make confident decisions What to look for when viewing properties (beyond the surface) Why your gut feeling matters, but shouldn't lead the whole decision What happens when it's time to make an offer Plus, we're joined by an estate agent who shares honest, behind-the-scenes insight into how negotiations really work, and what buyers should (and shouldn't) say. These tips are genuinely empowering if you want to: Feel more confident making an offer Avoid overpaying Position yourself as a strong, proceedable buyer Whether you're actively house hunting or preparing for the next step, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.

In this episode of M's The Word, Shelley Shicklehosts to facillate Sarah Tucker, Gemma Bennett and Jade Timson-Proud to talk openly about their experiences of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. Together they share their personal stories, the challenges they faced, and the ways they found support while navigating grief and recovery. The conversation aims to raise awareness, break the silence surrounding miscarriage, and remind others that they are not alone. ⚠️ This episode contains discussion of pregnancy loss. Support and information can be found through organisations such as the The Miscarriage Association and Tommy's.

They say moving house is one of the most stressful things you will ever do and if you've ever been through it, you'll know exactly why. The paperwork, the waiting, the uncertainty, the endless to-do lists… it can quickly feel overwhelming. We aim to help alleviate some of that stress in this episode. In this episode of M's The Word, we share practical advice for both a first-time buyer and a seasoned home mover, giving you real-life insight from both sides of the experience. From getting your finances in order and understanding the process after your offer is accepted, to managing timelines, staying organised, and preparing for moving day, we cover the things we wish we'd known sooner! We also talk honestly about the emotional side of moving, the excitement, the doubts, the delays and the unexpected hurdle, and how to stay calm and in control when things don't go to plan.  Whether you're stepping onto the property ladder for the first time, upsizing, downsizing, or simply planning ahead for the future, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you feel confident, prepared and ready for your next move. 🎧 Listen now and be the calmest mover ever!

The Hardest Part of Therapy? Realising Disney Isn't Real | M's the Word Romance doesn't usually disappear overnight, it fades slowly, when we stop noticing each other. In this episode of M's the Word, we explore what really happens behind closed doors in long-term relationships. From love languages to emotional disconnection, we dive into the quiet killers of romance and the small, intentional actions that can reignite connection.   Did you know the average couple with kids only talks for 24 minutes a day? Amanda was starting to feel like just housemates with her partner, we unpack why that happens and how to turn it around. Topics in this episode: Why Disney set us up for unrealistic romance expectations The subtle shifts that erode intimacy How to speak your partner's love language Tools for reconnecting after disconnection Whether you're married, in a long-term relationship, or just curious about how real love works - this one's for you. 🎧 Listen now and rediscover what keeps love alive.

In this episode of M's The Word, we're getting real about money mistakes, the ones we've made, the ones we regret, and the ones we wish we talked about more. Did you know 1 in 3 women say that credit card debt is their biggest financial regret? From credit card creep to the illusion of "free money" with 0% interest offers, we explore how easy it is to overspend, and how hard it can be to break the cycle. 🎙️ What's your biggest money mistake? We're sharing ours (yes, boozy shopping is a thing!), and opening the conversation around debt, mindset, and financial self-worth. Coming next Monday: Part 2 – Marriage & Keeping the Romance Alive 💕 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review if this episode resonates with you.

Stamp Duty, confusing, expensive, and often misunderstood. But if you're a first-time buyer in 2025, you might be paying less than you think… or even nothing at all. In this episode of On The Ladder, Sarah Tucker, award-winning mortgage expert, founder of The Mortgage Mum, and regular contributor to This Morning, BBC and The Times, breaks down exactly how Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) works in England and Northern Ireland,  including the updated 2025 relief rules. Joined by Gemma Bennett, acting Senior Mortgage Adviser, we'll guide you through: ✅ What Stamp Duty is — and why it exists ✅ Who qualifies for first-time buyer relief in 2025 ✅ How much you'll actually pay (with real examples) ✅ Why some buyers pay nothing at all ✅ Key rules for Shared Ownership and buying jointly ✅ Differences if you're buying in Scotland or Wales ✅ How and when Stamp Duty is paid ✅ Smart ways to plan for it in your buying budget If you're planning to get on the property ladder, this episode is a must-listen. 🎓 On The Ladder is the no-jargon, expert-led podcast for first-time buyers in the UK — giving you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take your next step toward homeownership. 🔗 Learn more: www.themortgagemum.co.uk 📲 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @the_mortgage_mum 📥 Subscribe for new episodes every month

Worried your deposit isn't enough to buy a home? You're not alone — but a new mortgage solution might help bridge the gap. In this episode of On The Ladder, Sarah Tucker, founder of The Mortgage Mum and mortgage expert on ITV's This Morning,breaks down the Gen H New Build Boost, an innovative equity loan scheme designed to help first-time buyers purchase with just a 5% deposit. Whether you're struggling to reach the typical 10–15% deposit or looking for a smart way to buy a new build sooner, this could be the solution you didn't know existed. Joined by our expert adviser, Gemma Bennett, we cover: ✔️ How the Gen H New Build Boost actually works ✔️ What an equity loan is - and how it impacts future repayments ✔️ Who this product is best suited for ✔️ The key terms: 5% deposit, 15% interest-free equity loan, 80% mortgage ✔️ Why this is a stepping stone - not a shortcut - to homeownership ✔️ How to assess if it fits your long-term financial plan 📌 Quick Facts: • 5% deposit from you • 15% equity loan from Gen H (interest-free for 5 years) • 80% mortgage from Gen H • Repayment tied to your home's future value 🎓 On The Ladder is your go-to podcast for first-time buyers in the UK - cutting through mortgage jargon and giving you expert insights you can act on.   📅 New episodes drop every Monday at 10am 🔔 Subscribe to The Mortgage Mum for real-life affordability tips, mortgage product breakdowns, and expert Q&A 📱 Follow on social: Instagram: @the_mortgage_mum | TikTok: @themortgagemum 🌐 Learn more: www.themortgagemum.co.uk

Welcome to M's The Word – Episode 3 January brings powerful shifts, and in this episode we explore two themes that shape this time of year: marriage and moving on, and manifestation through mood boards. Part 1: Marriage & Moving On January is often a time of reflection and decision-making for couples. We discuss why relationship changes frequently surface at the start of the year and explore the emotional and financial realities of moving forward - including money management, shared responsibilities, and practical considerations when circumstances change. Part 2: Manifestation & Mood Boards We shift the focus to the future, setting intentions, visualising goals, and creating manifestation mood boards that actually support progress. Visualising goals has been shown to increase the likelihood of achieving them, and we break down how to use this practice in a grounded, realistic way. Whether you're navigating a relationship transition or planning your next chapter, this episode offers honest conversation, practical insight, and future-focused energy. Join the conversation: Are you creating a vision or mood board for 2026? Do you believe in January fresh starts? Share your thoughts in the comments - your story may be featured in a future episode. 🔔 Subscribe Be part of the conversation! Share this episode with someone who may need it.

Before you scroll through Rightmove, fall in love with "the one," or even book your first viewing… there's one crucial step every first-time buyer needs - and hardly anyone explains it properly. In this episode of On The Ladder, we're breaking down the Decision in Principle (also known as an Agreement in Principle, Mortgage in Principle, or simply a DIP). This simple document is your very first green light from a lender, proving they're willing - in principle - to lend you money for your new home. We'll walk you through:  What a Decision in Principle actually is Why you should get one before you start house-hunting How a mortgage adviser helps you find the lender that suits your situation The truth about credit checks (and why you shouldn't apply for DIPs everywhere online) How long a DIP lasts — and what to do if it expires Why you should never reveal your full DIP amount to an estate agent Whether you can have more than one DIP  How your DIP becomes a full mortgage application when you find "the one" By the end of this episode, you'll understand exactly why a DIP is the difference between hoping you can buy a home… and knowing you can. If you're a first-time buyer, self-employed, on maternity leave, or simply unsure where to start, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to take the next step. Watch the full episode on YouTube: How to Save for a House Deposit UK | On The Ladder Ep. 1 Follow on Instagram: @the_mortgage_mum 

Can't get a mortgage approved - even though you're paying high rent?  In this episode of On The Ladder, Sarah Tucker breaks down a new mortgage product from Gen H that could be a game-changer for first-time buyers struggling with affordability. It's called a part and part mortgage, and it allows you to buy with just a 5% deposit — while keeping monthly payments lower by putting part of the mortgage on interest-only. 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: What a part and part mortgage actually is (in simple terms) How it can make homeownership more affordable in today's market What kind of income and deposit you'll need to qualify Real-life example: how one couple used this to buy their first home Why having a broker is key to using this product responsibly This isn't a fit for everyone but for the right buyer, it could be the stepping stone you've been waiting for. 🎓 On The Ladder is your step-by-step guide to buying your first home in the UK, with expert advice, real solutions, and no jargon. 🎧 Listen now and take your next step On The Ladder. Or watch the full episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/zfJHOaGdb-k