Question 1

What new builds are available in Luton and the Home Counties?

Accepted Answer

McLains Residential tracks every new build release across Luton, Dunstable, Bedford, Milton Keynes, St Albans, Harpenden, Hitchin, Letchworth, Leighton Buzzard and Aylesbury. Because we are Luton-based, we often hear about plots before they reach the open market. Browse our new builds by area guides for live listings and local market insight, or register your interest and we will notify you the moment a plot becomes available.

Question 2

How do I find new builds in my area before they are listed publicly?

Accepted Answer

Register your interest with our team. We maintain a waiting list of pre-qualified buyers and notify them the moment plots are released — frequently before a development is marketed openly. The earlier you register, the wider your choice of plots, prices and orientations.

Question 3

Should I buy a new build off-plan?

Accepted Answer

Buying off-plan means reserving a home before it is built, often at today's price with completion months later. It suits buyers who want the newest specifications, a choice of plots and sometimes early-bird pricing. The main risk is the build timeline shifting. We help you time your mortgage offer around the build programme so it stays valid at handover.

Question 4

Are new builds a good investment?

Accepted Answer

New builds offer energy-efficient design, lower running costs, modern layouts and developer incentives, and they appeal strongly to tenants if you are buying to let. The trade-off can be a slight valuation gap on day one versus an equivalent older home. We advise on which developments hold value best and which lenders are comfortable with new build valuations.

Question 5

Can I really get a mortgage with no deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Through 100% mortgage schemes from lenders including Gable, April and Skipton, qualifying buyers can purchase with no deposit at all. Eligibility depends on your circumstances — a clean credit history and, for Skipton's Track Record mortgage, a proven 12-month history of paying rent on time. We will tell you honestly whether you qualify.

Question 6

Can I get a 100% mortgage on a new build?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on selected new builds. The Gable and April 100% schemes can be used on qualifying new build properties, opening first-time buyers with no deposit to new build stock. Because new build valuations can be stricter, we check the lender is comfortable with the specific development before you commit.

Question 7

How does the Skipton Track Record mortgage work?

Accepted Answer

It is a 100% loan-to-value mortgage for first-time buyers who can prove they have paid rent on time for at least 12 months. Your rental history replaces the need for a deposit. You need a clean credit file and a consistent rental track record to qualify.

Question 8

What deposit do I need if I do not qualify for a 100% mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Most purchases need at least 5% deposit, with 95% loan-to-value mortgages available from a range of lenders. On a typical first home that can mean around £5,000 to £15,000. We show you every option you qualify for, including any government or lender schemes that could reduce your deposit further.

Question 9

I am a first-time buyer — where do I start?

Accepted Answer

Start with a free initial consultation. We review your income, deposit (or eligibility for a 100% scheme) and goals, then search the whole market for the right mortgage. We can also match you to new build developments that fit your budget and timeline. There is no obligation.

Question 10

I am self-employed — can I get a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with lenders who assess self-employed applicants on their real earnings, not just a standard payslip. Whether you are a freelancer, contractor, sole trader or limited company director, we know which lenders will look at your full picture and how to present it.

Question 11

Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Specialist lenders consider applicants with missed payments, defaults or CCJs, though it may affect the rate and deposit required. We review your credit file honestly and tell you which lenders are most likely to accept your application.

Question 12

How do I sell a new build development?

Accepted Answer

We market and sell new build developments and individual properties with a pre-qualified buyer pipeline, in-house FCA-regulated mortgage advisory, and one team accountable from launch to completion. Share the development, location, unit mix and timeline and we will come back with a clear view on price, positioning and likely buyer profile.

Question 13

Why use a new build specialist rather than a general high-street agent?

Accepted Answer

New build buyers have different questions — build timelines, off-plan mortgages, developer incentives and 100% schemes. Our marketing, staging, photography and buyer education are all tuned to new build and regeneration buyers, and our in-house advisors finance-qualify every enquiry before it reaches you, catching the mortgage declines that stall developer sales.

Question 14

Do you finance-qualify buyers before they make an offer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every enquiry is finance-qualified by our in-house mortgage advisors before it reaches you, so offers you accept are far more likely to complete. This is the single biggest difference versus a general agent, where unqualified interest stalls the sales chain.

Question 15

What areas do you cover for sellers?

Accepted Answer

We are Luton-rooted and cover Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, London and the wider South East. Our local credibility and regional reach suit both local developers and those who need a partner who genuinely understands the town and its buyers.

Question 16

Are you regulated to give mortgage advice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mclains Residential is a trading style of Home Guru Ltd, an Appointed Representative of The Finance Planning Group Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Home Guru Ltd appears on the FCA Register under reference 997892.

Question 17

Do you charge a fee for mortgage advice?

Accepted Answer

We confirm any fees at your free initial consultation. Many of our mortgages are paid via lender commission with no fee to you, while complex cases may carry a broker fee. You always know the cost before you commit — no surprises.

Question 18

How long does a mortgage application take?

Accepted Answer

Typically two to four weeks from application to offer, depending on the lender and complexity. New build applications timed to handover may run longer by design. We keep you updated at every stage and chase the lender on your behalf.

The questions buyers and sellers ask us most

New builds & finding a home

100% mortgages & deposits

First-time buyers

Selling a development or property

Working with McLains

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