Disclosures
What we do, how we are paid, and what protects you.
The information a regulated firm has to put in front of you before you commit to anything, gathered on one page rather than spread across a document you receive later.
The firm
Who you are dealing with.
Legal entity and authorisation
A Star Mortgage Services is the trading name of A Star Mortgage Services Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 13128540, registered office 21 Allington Street, Leicester LE4 6AE.
A Star Mortgage Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA reference number 948502.
You can verify the authorisation status and permissions of any UK firm, free of charge, on the Financial Services Register published by the Financial Conduct Authority at register.fca.org.uk.
Contact
21 Allington Street, Leicester LE4 6AE. Telephone 07518 154519, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Email info@astarmortgages.uk.
Scope
What we advise on, and what we do not.
Mortgages
We advise on and arrange residential mortgages — for purchase, for moving home and for remortgaging — and buy-to-let lending.
We offer a whole-of-market service, meaning our search is not restricted to a limited panel of lenders. Some lenders deal only with intermediaries and cannot be approached directly; a small number deal only direct with borrowers and are not available through any intermediary.
Where regulation applies
Regulated mortgage contracts — broadly, loans secured on a property you or a close family member occupy — fall within the FCA's remit, and the protections described below apply.
Buy-to-let lending is in most cases outside that remit. The exception is consumer buy-to-let, which typically covers landlords who did not buy the property as an investment, such as someone letting an inherited home or a former residence. Consumer buy-to-let is regulated. We will tell you which category your case falls into before you proceed.
What we do not do
We do not give tax advice, legal advice or investment advice. Where a decision turns on any of those — the tax treatment of a limited company structure, for example — we will say so and recommend you take advice from the appropriate professional.
How we are paid
Both figures, before you commit.
Commission from lenders
Lenders pay a procuration fee to the intermediary who introduces a case. It is paid by the lender out of its own resources, is not added to your loan, and does not change the rate you are offered. The amount payable on your case will be confirmed to you in writing.
Fees charged by us
Whether a fee applies depends on the case. Where one does, the amount, the point at which it becomes payable and whether it is refundable if the application does not proceed are all confirmed to you in writing before you are committed to anything.
You will never be charged a fee you have not seen and agreed in advance. If you want the figure before you go any further, ask at the first conversation and you will be given it then.
Asking for both together
The commission and the fee together are the total cost of the advice. You are entitled to see them as a single figure, from us or from any other adviser, and it is a reasonable thing to ask for before you appoint anyone.
Protections
What you can fall back on.
The Financial Ombudsman Service
If you are dissatisfied with the service you receive and we cannot resolve it, you may be able to refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. It is independent, free to use, and its decision binds us if you accept it.
How to complain, and the timescales that apply, are set out on our complaints page.
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme
The FSCS may be able to pay compensation if a firm cannot meet its obligations — for instance if it has ceased trading. Advising on and arranging home finance is covered, up to the limit that applies to that activity. Details are published at fscs.org.uk.
Your right to a written recommendation
Where we recommend a product, you are entitled to a written explanation of why it was recommended and why it is suitable for you. Ask for it if it does not arrive.
Risk
The warnings, stated plainly.
Your home is the security
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. A mortgage is secured on the property, and the lender's ultimate remedy is to take possession of it.
Interest-only
An interest-only mortgage leaves the balance outstanding at the end of the term. You need a credible plan to repay it, and it is your responsibility to make sure that plan remains on track.
Debt consolidation
Moving unsecured debt onto a mortgage lowers the monthly payment but secures that debt against your home and usually increases the total amount repaid, because it is spread over a much longer period.
Figures on this site
Figures shown anywhere on this website are illustrative estimates. They do not constitute advice and are not an offer of credit. A lender's own assessment may differ.
Keep reading
Related pages.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Figures shown on this site are illustrative estimates and do not constitute advice or an offer of credit. Buy-to-let lending is in most cases not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Next step
Anything here you want explained?
Ask before you commit rather than after. That is what the disclosure is for.
- No credit check
- No cost
- No commitment