D A Calder

12/06/2026

Then get ready! The Scottish Government's First Homes Fund officially opens by the end of this month, offering first-time buyers up to £10,000 towards their deposit on properties under £300K.

The race is officially on. With only 2,000 spots expected in the initial phase, the buyers who win will be the ones who already have their mortgage advice sorted.

Let’s get your mortgage position ready before the portal opens!

10/06/2026

The First Homes Fund is making a comeback.

The Scottish Government has just confirmed that the first round of applications will open by the end of June. If saving for a deposit has been the biggest barrier keeping you from your first home, this shared-equity scheme could be a massive game-changer, giving you up to a £10,000 boost.

Learn more on our blog or contact us today for impartial advice.

04/06/2026

It’s not the LBTT. It’s not the solicitor costs. It’s the cost of bad advice.

When you navigate the mortgage market alone, it’s easy to focus purely on the "lowest interest rate." But a low rate with a big upfront product fee can actually work out more expensive over 2 or 5 years than a slightly higher rate with no fees at all.

Lenders structure their deals in complex ways, and the math can get messy quickly.

That is why an Independent Mortgage Broker can be your secret weapon. We will calculate the true total cost of the loan, ensuring you don’t accidentally pay thousands more than you need to.

02/06/2026

What does the return of the First Home Fund mean for First Time Buyers?
🔸Up to £10,000 interest-free towards your deposit.
🔸Available for both new-builds AND existing (second-hand) homes.
🔸Zero monthly interest charges or repayments.

The catch? When this scheme last launched, the entire year's budget was snapped up in just 8 days. Because you need an active property purchase on the go to apply, you cannot afford to wait until the portal opens to get ready.

We’ve broken down exactly how the 2026 scheme works, who qualifies, and the steps you need to take right now to ensure you don’t miss out. Copy the link, or visit the link in our bio: https://www.dacalder.com/the-return-of-the-first-homes-fund/

29/05/2026

Calling all First Time Buyers! The Scottish First Homes Fund is coming back!

You could receive up to £10,000 towards the purchase of your first home...no, really!

We've broken down the news and everything you need to know here:

The Scottish Government has officially confirmed that the First Homes Fund is making a comeback, with applications set to open […]

27/05/2026

High street banks love borrowers who fit neatly into their 'boxes'. If you’re self-employed, a contractor, or have a complex income structure, their algorithms often default to "No."

But the high street isn’t the whole market.

We have access to specialist lenders who actually look at the person behind the paperwork. If there's a way to get you your keys, we'll find it.

Tired of the automated rejections? Get in touch and let’s look at the real options.

22/05/2026

Waiting until you’ve saved a huge deposit while house prices keep rising can feel like running up a hill...made of sand...in wellies.

The reality? There are mortgage options available for lower deposits; you just need to know where to look.

Ready to stop renting? Visit dacalder.com to book your meeting today

20/05/2026

It looks so tempting. Your fixed rate is coming to an end, and your current provider sends a letter saying, "Just click this button to switch to our new deal - no paperwork required!"

It’s called a Product Transfer, and while it's easy, it could be costing you more.

At DA Calder, we check your renewal offer against the entire UK market.

Is your fixed rate ending in the next 6 months? Don't just click "renew." Contact us and let's see if we can beat it!

18/05/2026

Managing your finances and staying on top of rates and regulation changes can take hours of research and administration.

Our role as your Independent partner is to give that time back to you.

By trusting us to navigate the market, handle the paperwork, and monitor the regulations, you gain the "Mental Dividend" of knowing your finances are in expert hands.

Get in touch to see if we can help reduce your mental load.

13/05/2026

Your Pension is not a "Savings Account" - it’s your future Salary.

How many of you have "zombie pensions"? Old schemes from previous employers that are sitting in high-fee, low-growth environments.

As Independent Financial Advisers, we help you breathe life back into your retirement planning by:
🔸Consolidating Portfolios: Bringing multiple pots together for better oversight.
🔸Performance Reviews: Ensuring your funds are aligned with current market opportunities.
🔸Flexible Drawdown: Mapping out how you can take an income that lasts as long as you do.

Your pension should be working as hard as you did to earn it.

Let’s review your retirement roadmap. https://www.dacalder.com/services/planning/