London and Country experience

cs94njw

Hi

I recently used London and Country for mortgage advice, and the service was worrying.

I am divorcing, selling the shared home, and moving into a flat by myself.

I won't be getting much of the assets and so I'll have only a 5% deposit.

Firstly, the guy knew my wife had talked to an L&C person before and was forceful in trying to get me back in contact with her for "consistency" - even though I had never talked to her, and the advice I needed had nothing to do with previous advice. He laughed and ignored me when I said don't bother.

Secondly, the consultant wasn't that familiar with Help To Buy.
I said I wanted to use Help To Buy, and he asked, "Is it a new build?", I said "No." He said Help to Buy doesn't apply to non-New builds.
I had to correct him that the "5% Help to Buy" can apply to non-New builds.

Then he said that I couldn't use Help To Buy when moving home, and had to be out of the house for 6 weeks before I would qualify - even though 2 government websites say I can use it when moving homes, and the Romans financial advisor:
HelpToBuy.org.uk - Am I eligible for the Scheme?
Gov.uk - Help to Buy: mortgage guarantees

Thirdly, when I mentioned cheaper rates I had found on the Money Saving Expert mortgage finder tool. He was disbelieving and couldn't understand how I was finding them. And this was for Mortgage providers that L&C support.

I was disappointed by the service, and while I don't expect them to magic the perfect mortgage for me, I do expect them to be knowledgeable.

Currently giving Which? a try...

Nicholas

ACG

Little bit of a data protection breach there by the sounds of it!

Your ex would have right to complain if they found out.

cs94njw

We're still living in the same house - amicable divorce So wasn't too bothered about that bit

ftb2015

We ditched them for a local broker after poor service. Again with HTB on new build l&c didn't have much knowledge. My husband is self employed and again they gave us inconsistent advice around his borrowing capability and deposit requirements.

We found someone else who had it all in hand straight away and we're now in our new home.

brittany_191

Same here, the advisor we spoke to was really short with me when asking questions, may have seemed stupid questions to her but we are FTB.

We changed to a local broker he is great, but said the AIP they gave us meant nothing as it did not include any sort of credit checks.

cs94njw

Congratz on your new home!

cs94njw

Hmmm...Thanks Brittany. I'm glad I'm not the only one then.

graduate

Similar experience here. The advisor was nice enough but wasn't impressed with their recommendation. I found a cheaper rate online with the same company that they had recommended! I decided to go direct myself.