Category Archives: Advice

When arranging a mortgage, most people focus on rates, deposits and affordability. But there is a more important question sitting behind it all. What would happen to your home if your income stopped?

At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we believe mortgage advice is about more than securing the right deal. It is about helping you protect your financial stability for the long term. Income protection plays an important role in that conversation.

As experienced mortgage advisors in Manchester including clients looking for mortgage services in Burnley, Rawtenstall, Accrington and surrounding areas, we regularly see how income protection is overlooked, particularly by self-employed clients and growing families.

In this blog, we break it down clearly so you end up with a clear understanding of what income protection is, and how it can help. 

What is income protection?

Income protection insurance, sometimes referred to as permanent health insurance, is designed to provide a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.

Unlike critical illness cover, which provides a one-off lump sum, income protection pays regular monthly payments. These payments are designed to help cover essential living expenses such as your mortgage, rent, bills and daily living costs. Payments continue until you are able to return to work, retire or reach the end of the policy term, whichever comes first.

Income protection can cover a wide range of medical conditions, from mental health issues such as depression to long-term illnesses or physical injuries. The aim is to protect your financial stability if you are unable to earn for an extended period.

For homeowners, business owners and employed professionals alike, that stability can make a significant difference.

Do you need income protection?

Whether income protection is right for you depends on your personal situation and financial safety net.

If you were unable to work for several months, would your savings comfortably cover your mortgage and essential outgoings? Does your employer offer a sick pay scheme, and if so, how long would it last and would it cover all your monthly commitments?

For those who are self-employed, contractors or company directors, the question is often more direct. If you are not working, are you still earning?

If you are the only earner in your household, or you have dependents relying on your income to keep a roof over their heads and maintain day-to-day living costs, the financial impact of illness or injury can be significant.

As part of our mortgage advice in Manchester and across the North West, we discuss protection alongside borrowing, so your home is supported by a wider financial safety net.

How much cover do you need?

The amount of cover required depends on your financial commitments and the level of income you want to replace. Typically, income protection policies cover between 50 and 70 percent of your monthly pre-tax income.

When assessing the right level of cover, it is important to consider your essential living expenses, including mortgage payments, utility bills, food and travel costs. Any employer sick pay or state benefits you may receive should also be taken into account, as these can reduce the amount of cover required.

Dependants and long-term financial commitments also play a role. The objective is to ensure you have enough protection to maintain financial stability, without over-insuring and paying more in premiums than necessary.

Jack Cunningham, Business Principal, Mortgage & Protection Advisor at Gordon Anthony Mortgages explains:

“When we arrange a mortgage, we are not just looking at what you can afford today. We are looking at how sustainable that mortgage is if life changes. Protecting your income is often the piece people forget, but it is one of the most important.”

At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, that long-term thinking drives our advice across the board, supporting clients who need mortgage advisors in Manchester, Burnley, Accrington, Rawtenstall and the surrounding areas.

Why mortgage advisors in Manchester and across the UK recommend protecting your income 

As mortgage advisors in Manchester, we see first-hand how closely income and mortgage commitments are linked. Securing the right deal is important, but ensuring that mortgage remains affordable if circumstances change is equally vital.

When working with a mortgage broker in Manchester, income protection should form part of a wider conversation about financial resilience. It is not an add-on. It is a safeguard.

At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we look beyond interest rates. We consider sustainability. That means understanding how your mortgage would be supported if illness or injury prevented you from working.

What affects the cost?

Several factors influence the cost of income protection insurance.

Your age and health are key considerations, as younger applicants typically pay lower premiums and medical history can affect pricing or exclusions. Your occupation also matters. Policies that cover you if you are unable to perform your specific job, known as own occupation cover, generally provide more comprehensive protection but may cost more than policies that only pay out if you are unable to perform any occupation.

The deferred period, sometimes called the waiting period, is another important factor. This is the length of time between becoming unable to work and when the policy begins to pay out. Deferred periods can range from around four weeks to twelve months. A shorter waiting period means payments begin sooner but premiums are usually higher. A longer deferred period can reduce the cost but requires you to manage financially for longer before support begins.

You may also choose index-linked cover, which increases your benefit in line with inflation to help maintain its value over time. Policies can be arranged with guaranteed premiums, which remain the same throughout the term, or reviewable premiums, which may change over time.

The length of the policy term will also influence cost. Short-term policies typically pay out for a limited period, often one to two years. Long-term policies continue until you return to work, retire or reach a specified age, commonly 65 or 70, and provide more comprehensive protection.

Reviewing your cover regularly

Life changes, and so do your financial needs. It is important to review your income protection policy regularly to ensure it continues to provide adequate cover.

A salary increase, change in employment, becoming self-employed, starting a family or taking on additional financial commitments may all mean your existing cover needs adjusting. Over time, inflation can also reduce the real value of your protection if it is not reviewed.

As part of our ongoing service, we encourage clients to revisit protection arrangements to ensure they remain appropriate and cost-effective.

Speak to a mortgage broker in Manchester about income protection

Securing the right mortgage deal is an important step. Protecting the income that supports it is just as important.

At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we provide mortgage advice in Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and surrounding areas, as well as supporting clients looking for mortgage advisors in Manchester and across the North West. Our approach is clear, tailored advice, straightforward explanations and long-term support.

If you would like to review your protection arrangements or explore income protection as part of your mortgage planning, speak to our team today.

We are here to help you protect more than just the rate.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. The cost of this insurance depends on several factors, such as your age, where you live and your occupation. As a result, the cost you will pay is based on your own circumstances. 

Frequently asked questions about income protection

How much income protection can I take out?

Most income protection policies cover between 50 and 70 percent of your gross monthly income. The exact amount depends on your earnings, employment status and insurer criteria.

When does income protection start paying out?

This depends on the deferred period you choose. Payments can begin after a waiting period of around four weeks up to twelve months. The longer the deferred period, the lower the premium is typically.

Is income protection worth it if I have sick pay?

Employer sick pay can provide short-term support, but it often has a time limit. Income protection can provide longer-term financial stability if you are unable to return to work for an extended period.

Does income protection cover mental health conditions?

Many policies cover a wide range of medical conditions, including mental health issues such as depression, subject to policy terms and underwriting.

Important information

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain.

Your mortgage protects your home. Family protection protects the people who live in it.

When clients come to us for mortgage advice, the focus is usually on rates and affordability. But once the keys are in hand, another question becomes just as important.

If something happened to you, would your family be financially secure? At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we believe responsible mortgage planning includes protecting the income and lives behind it. Family protection is not about fear. It is about preparation.

As mortgage advisors in Manchester and across the North West, including Burnley, Rawtenstall and Accrington, we help families put structured protection in place alongside their mortgage.

What is family protection?

Family protection typically includes:

• Life insurance
• Critical illness cover
• Income protection

These policies are designed to prevent financial hardship if a main earner dies, becomes seriously ill or is unable to work.

A payout may come as a lump sum or as a regular monthly income. In both cases, the purpose is to help cover essential commitments such as mortgage payments, household bills and ongoing living costs.

Each policy serves a different role. Together, they create a practical financial safety net.

Why mortgage advisors in Manchester and across the UK raise protection early

As mortgage advisors in Manchester and surrounding areas,  we see how closely income and mortgage commitments are linked. When working with a mortgage broker in Manchester, the conversation should not stop at what is affordable today. It should also consider whether that mortgage remains sustainable if circumstances change.

For many families, the mortgage is their largest financial commitment. Without protection in place, illness or bereavement can create significant pressure at an already difficult time.

That is why protection forms part of our advice process.

Life insurance, protecting your family if you are no longer here

Life insurance pays a lump sum if the policyholder dies unexpectedly or prematurely. While it can be uncomfortable to consider, planning ahead ensures your family is not left facing financial uncertainty.

Life insurance can help:

• Repay the mortgage
• Cover funeral costs
• Maintain household income
• Safeguard long-term financial plans

As Jack Cunningham, Business Principal, Mortgage & Protection Advisor at Gordon Anthony Mortgages, explains:

“When someone takes on a mortgage, they are committing to their family’s future. Protection is about making sure that commitment can still be honoured, even if life takes an unexpected turn.”

That long-term thinking underpins our advice.

Critical illness cover, financial support during serious illness

Critical illness cover pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified condition, commonly including cancer, heart attack or stroke.

The payout can help reduce or clear a mortgage, replace income during recovery or provide financial breathing space while you focus on your health.

Policies span a wide range of conditions and can be tailored to your circumstances. In addition to severe illnesses, some cover includes earlier-stage conditions to provide support sooner.

Income protection, replacing earnings if you cannot work

Income protection supports you if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It pays a monthly income, typically between half and two thirds of your gross annual salary, depending on the policy.

Unlike life insurance, which pays out on death, income protection replaces lost earnings while you are still living but unable to work.

For clients seeking mortgage advice in Manchester and across the North West, particularly self-employed professionals and business owners, this can be one of the most important forms of protection.

Why arranging protection early matters

Premiums are largely based on age and health. The earlier you arrange cover, the more likely you are to benefit from lower premiums and fewer exclusions.

Waiting can mean higher monthly costs and reduced flexibility if health changes occur. Protection should not be reactive. It should be proactive.

Estate planning and writing policies in trust

Life insurance can also play a role in estate planning. Proceeds may help meet immediate costs such as Inheritance Tax, funeral expenses or debts, allowing loved ones to retain long-term assets.Writing a policy in trust can help ensure funds are passed to beneficiaries efficiently. A trust is a legal arrangement where trustees oversee distribution of the payout according to your wishes. This can be particularly important for unmarried partners or blended families. For further advice within this area, please seek independent legal advice.

A personal service tailored to your family

At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, protection advice is never one size fits all. You are supported by one experienced team, delivering consistent, personal and tailored advice designed around your circumstances, your family and your long-term goals.

We take the time to understand your family structure, financial commitments and long-term goals, then tailor cover to suit your needs and your budget.

Our approach is personal, considered and built around you.

Speak to a mortgage broker in Manchester about protecting your family

If you are arranging a mortgage, reviewing your finances or experiencing a major life event, it may be time to review your protection. At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we provide clear mortgage advice, family income protection and insurance cover services across Manchester, Burnley, Rawtenstall and the wider North West.If you would like to explore life insurance, critical illness cover or income protection as part of your financial planning, contact our team today. Protecting your mortgage is important. Protecting your family is essential. Contact our friendly team today.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. The cost of this insurance depends on several factors, such as your age, where you live and your occupation. As a result, the cost you will pay is based on your own circumstances.

Frequently asked questions about family protection

What does family protection include?

Family protection typically includes life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection. These policies work together to provide financial support if you die, are diagnosed with a specified illness or are unable to work.

Do I need family protection if I have a mortgage?

If your mortgage depends on your income, protection can help ensure payments continue if something unexpected happens.

When is the best time to arrange family protection cover?

Arranging protection earlier in life often results in lower premiums and fewer health-related exclusions.

Can life insurance help with estate planning?

Life insurance can help meet costs such as Inheritance Tax and may be written in trust to allow funds to pass to beneficiaries efficiently.

Important information

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain.

Moving home is an exciting milestone, but it’s also one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or simply looking for a change of scenery, a successful move relies on careful planning, clear financial advice and a good understanding of what lies ahead.

At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we support clients with mortgage advice in the North West, helping you navigate every stage of the moving process with clarity and confidence. With close links to estate agents across the region, we understand not just the numbers, but the realities of buying and selling homes in Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and surrounding areas.

This guide brings together the key things to consider before, during and after your move, helping you feel prepared at every step.

Reviewing your mortgage before you move

One of the first and most important steps when planning a move is reviewing your current mortgage if you have one. Many mortgages are portable, meaning you may be able to transfer your existing mortgage deal to your new property without paying early repayment charges.

However, just because a mortgage is portable does not automatically mean it’s the best option for your next move.

Your mortgage offer will confirm whether porting is possible, but it’s equally important to check whether your existing mortgage deal is still competitive in a constantly changing mortgage market. Interest rates, fees and lender criteria evolve, and what worked a few years ago may no longer suit your circumstances.

As part of our mortgage advice Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and surrounding areas, we help clients:

• Compare their existing rate against current mortgage deals
• Understand any early repayment charges or arrangement fees
• Assess whether additional borrowing is needed
• Review protection cover to reflect changed circumstances
• Explore whether porting, switching or a combination of both makes sense

Early advice allows you to move forward with clarity, rather than making rushed decisions later.

Preparing your home for sale

If you’re selling as part of your move, preparation can have a significant impact on both timescales and outcomes. Small steps taken early can help your property stand out and attract the right buyers.

Key considerations include decluttering and depersonalising your home to create a sense of space, carrying out minor repairs and ensuring everything is clean and well presented. Kerb appeal also matters more than many people realise, as first impressions often shape buyer perception before they even step inside.

Because we work closely with estate agents across the North West, we understand what buyers are responding to locally and how presentation can influence demand and pricing. We’re always to happy to share this information with you. 

Choosing the right estate agent and marketing strategy

Selecting the right estate agent is a crucial decision. A good agent will understand your local market, advise on realistic pricing and guide you through negotiations with confidence.

Professional photography, accurate pricing and a well-planned marketing strategy all play a role in generating interest. Overpricing can delay a sale, while pricing realistically based on comparable properties can help maintain momentum.

Our experience working alongside estate agents means we appreciate how mortgage readiness and strong marketing work hand in hand to keep transactions moving smoothly.

Financial planning for your move

A successful move depends on more than just securing a mortgage. There are several additional costs that should be factored into your budget early on, including:

• Solicitors’ fees – covering conveyancing, searches, legal documentation and Land Registry registration
  
• Estate agent fees – typically charged as a percentage of your sale price, with some agents offering additional marketing services
  
• Stamp Duty – payable on property purchases where applicable, depending on price and buyer status
  
• Removal costs – which vary based on distance, property size and whether you use professional movers
  

There are also other costs that are often overlooked, such as:

• Surveys – ranging from basic valuations to more detailed inspections
  
• Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) – a legal requirement when selling a property
  
• Utilities and services – including connection or transfer fees for gas, electricity, water and broadband
  
• Repairs or renovations – any immediate work needed to make your new home comfortable
  

Providing financial advice in Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and surrounding areas, we help clients plan realistically, ensuring their move is financially comfortable rather than stretched.

Finding the right home for your needs

Finding a new home is about balancing needs, wants and budget. Defining your essential requirements early, such as location and number of bedrooms, helps focus your search, while noting desirable features allows flexibility.

It’s also important to think ahead. Future family plans, working from home and long-term lifestyle needs should all be considered when choosing your next property.

Researching the area thoroughly can prevent surprises later. Visiting at different times of day, checking local amenities and understanding council tax and running costs all help build a clearer picture.

When viewing properties, taking notes and asking the right questions is key. Understanding why the seller is moving, what fixtures are included and whether any major work has been carried out can inform your decision.

Making an offer with confidence

Once you’ve found the right property, being prepared financially allows you to act decisively. Understanding local market values and having a mortgage agreement in principle already in place strengthens your position.

This is where our experience in mortgages in Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and surrounding areas supports clients, ensuring offers are backed by solid financial foundations and realistic expectations.

What to do once you’ve moved in

The moving process doesn’t end on completion day. Once you’ve moved in, there are several practical steps that help you settle smoothly.

Updating your address with banks, lenders, insurers and other organisations is essential, as is transferring or setting up utilities and services. Taking initial meter readings ensures accurate billing from the start.

It’s also wise to review your buildings and contents insurance to reflect your new home and consider updating security, such as changing locks or installing alarms.

Taking time to familiarise yourself with the area, register with local services and plan any maintenance or improvements helps turn your new house into a home.

Advice that looks at the whole picture

At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we see moving home as more than a transaction. It’s a significant life event that deserves careful thought and joined-up advice.

“Moving home involves a lot of moving parts, and it’s easy to focus on just one element. Our role is to help clients look at the bigger picture, so their mortgage, protection and finances all work together throughout the move and beyond.”

Jack Cunningham
Business Principal, Mortgage & Protection Advisor

Providing mortgage advice in the North West, and working closely with estate agents locally, gives us a clear understanding of what’s involved from start to finish.

A smoother move starts with preparation

Whether you’re buying, selling or doing both, early planning and professional advice can remove much of the stress from moving home. Understanding your mortgage options, budgeting realistically and knowing what to expect at each stage puts you in control of the process. If you’re planning a move and want clear, supportive mortgage advice in Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and surrounding areas, our team is here to help guide you every step of the way. Contact the team today – we’re ready to help you get moving.

Important information

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain.

Moving home is one of the biggest decisions most people make, and if 2026 is the year you’re planning to make a move, the preparation really starts long before you book a valuation or scroll through property listings.

Whether you’re buying your next home, selling your current one or doing both at the same time, getting your finances in order early can make the entire process smoother, calmer and far less stressful. At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we see time and again that the best moves are the ones that are properly planned.

As a team providing mortgage advice in the North West, with strong links to estate agents across the region, we understand exactly what’s involved at every stage of the moving journey. This guide sets out the key things to consider before you begin.

Start with your finances before you start your property search

One of the most common mistakes buyers make is starting their property search before fully understanding their financial position. Knowing what you could borrow and what you should borrow are two very different things.

Before viewing homes, it’s important to:

• Review your income, outgoings and existing commitments
• Understand your credit position
• Consider how much deposit you have available
• Factor in moving costs, not just the purchase price

Getting clarity early allows you to search with confidence, avoid disappointment and move quickly when the right property comes along.

Why mortgage advice early on makes a difference

Speaking to a mortgage adviser at the start of your journey can save a significant amount of time later. Mortgage products, lender criteria and affordability assessments vary widely, and early advice helps you understand what’s realistic for your situation.

As part of our mortgage services in Rawtenstall, Burnley, Accrington and surrounding areas, we help clients:

• Assess affordability accurately
• Explore mortgage options suited to their plans
• Understand fixed, variable and tracker rates
• Prepare for lender checks and documentation

This early preparation can also strengthen your position when making an offer, particularly in competitive local markets.

Get a mortgage agreement in principle in place

A mortgage agreement in principle (AIP) is often essential before making an offer on a property. It shows estate agents and sellers that you are a serious buyer and that your finances have been assessed by a lender.

An AIP also:

• Gives you a clear price range
• Helps narrow your property search
• Reduces delays once an offer is accepted

In many cases, having this in place early can make the difference between securing a property and missing out.

Thinking about selling? Preparation matters just as much

If you’re planning to sell as part of your move in 2026, financial preparation is just as important. Understanding your likely sale price, outstanding mortgage balance and equity position will shape your next steps.

Because of our close working relationships and experience with estate agents across the North West, we understand what buyers are looking for and how local markets behave. This insight helps clients make informed decisions around timing, pricing and onward purchases.

It’s also worth considering:

• Early repayment charges on your current mortgage
• Whether porting your mortgage is an option – transferring your existing mortgage deal from your current home to a new property when you move
• How sale proceeds will affect your next deposit or borrowing

Budgeting beyond the purchase price

Moving home involves more than just buying and selling. Many costs are often overlooked in early planning, including:

• Legal fees
• Survey costs
• Stamp Duty (where applicable)
• Removal expenses
• Initial home improvements or repairs

Factoring these in early helps avoid financial pressure later. A well-planned move is one where there are no surprises along the way.

Reviewing protection and insurance before you move

A move is also an ideal time to review your wider financial protection. New mortgages, higher borrowing or a change in circumstances may mean your existing arrangements are no longer suitable.

This includes reviewing:

• Buildings and contents insurance
• Life cover linked to your mortgage
• Income protection or critical illness cover

As part of our wider advice, we help clients understand how these elements fit together, ensuring they’re protected not just when they move, but long after they’ve settled into their new home.

Local knowledge makes a real difference

Property markets are not one-size-fits-all. What works in one area may not apply in another, and this is where local insight really matters.

Providing insurance advice and mortgage advice in the North West, and working closely with estate agents in Rawtenstall, Burnley, Accrington and surrounding areas, gives us a clear understanding of:

• Local buyer demand
• Typical timescales
• Common challenges in chains
• How to prepare clients for what’s ahead

This joined-up understanding allows us to guide clients through the process with clarity and confidence.

Avoiding common moving mistakes

Many moving-related stresses come from issues that could have been avoided with early planning. Common pitfalls include:

• Rushing into a mortgage without advice
• Underestimating costs
• Delaying decisions until an offer is accepted
• Not reviewing protection alongside borrowing

Taking time at the start can remove pressure later, particularly when timelines tighten or chains become complex.

“Moving home is about far more than finding the right property. It’s often a significant milestone in your life and a large financial undertaking. We encourage clients to get their finances prepared early, so when the time comes to act, everything is already in place. That preparation gives people confidence and control throughout the process.”

Jack Cunningham
Business Principal, Mortgage & Protection Advisor

Getting ready to move in 2026 starts now

Even if your move feels some way off, the groundwork you lay now can make a real difference. Reviewing your finances, understanding your options and seeking advice early puts you in the strongest possible position.

At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we’re proud to support clients with clear, honest mortgage advice in the North West, backed by genuine local knowledge and experience across the property sector. Whether you’re buying, selling or doing both, our aim is to help you move forward with confidence.

If 2026 is your year to move, now is the perfect time to start preparing.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. 

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.