For what it's worth here's my obervances on getting a mortgage in the current climate (April this year).
– 15% deposit offered with a good lump left over for the inevitable expense of moving.
– Secure Armed Forces job held for the last 14 years with guaranteed employment for the next 12 years (after which final payment will almost clear amount outstanding).
– Credit rating of 999. Was informed by Financial Advisor that he had never encountered one this high (I always pay my bills in good time).
Reply from bank;
Apologies but this customer presents too high a risk.
Cue, two months of arguing to get a mortgage.
Despite a host of promises from the banks, they still seem not to want to lend and are certainly not passing on lower interest rates (bunch of *****).
Yeah, the risk you'll be sent to Afghanistan and the mortgage will have to be written off…