Business Details
20 Years
experience
Trusted Mortgage Brokers in Colchester, Essex
Acorn Mortgage Services is a family-run mortgage and insurance brokerage established in 2006 by director Mark Smith, with over 35 years of combined industry experience. Our director began his career in the early 1980s within estate agency and financial services, gaining extensive expertise before founding Acorn. In 2021, his son Connor joined the business, bringing fresh perspective and modern qualifications to complement our traditional values of honesty and reliability. We specialise in providing tailored mortgage and protection advice, serving first-time buyers, home movers, and landlords across Essex and beyond. Our approach prioritises professional yet friendly relationships, ensuring clients understand all aspects of their financial arrangements.We offer comprehensive services including residential and buy-to-let mortgages, re-mortgaging, new build purchases, and a range of insurance products. Our team maintains strong industry connections, enabling referrals for bridging finance, equity release, and development finance when required. As an appointed representative of HL Partnership Limited, we operate under the Financial Conduct Authority's regulatory framework. Our commitment to transparency extends to clear fee structures, with mortgage advice fees starting at 199. With offices in Great Bentley, Colchester, we combine local market knowledge with national product expertise to deliver solutions that meet individual client needs.
Services
First Time Buyers
Home Movers
Re-mortgaging
Buy To Let
Life Insurance
Income Protection
Landlords Insurance
Critical Illness Cover
New Build Purchases
Self Employed Mortgages
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Over 35 years combined experience in mortgage and insurance sectors
- Family-run business with FCA-regulated professional standards
- Personalised service for first-time buyers and property investors
- Transparent fee structure with clear mortgage advice pricing
- Established relationships with trusted third-party financial partners
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
Services
Mortgage Advice
Our mortgage advice service provides tailored guidance on residential and buy-to-let mortgages. We assess individual circumstances to recommend suitable products, including first-time buyer schemes, re-mortgaging options, and investment property financing. Our FCA-regulated advisors help clients navigate the application process while maintaining transparency about fees and potential risks.
Buy To Let Mortgages
Specialist buy-to-let mortgage advice covers standard and limited company structures. We help property investors secure competitive rates, manage portfolio financing, and understand tax implications. Our service includes guidance on landlord insurance products and regulatory requirements for rental property owners.
Life Insurance
We offer comprehensive life insurance and protection products tailored to individual needs. Our services include term life cover, critical illness insurance, and income protection policies that provide financial security for families and businesses during unexpected circumstances.
Re-mortgaging
Our re-mortgaging service helps homeowners secure better rates and release equity from their properties. We assess current mortgage terms, credit positions, and market options to recommend refinancing solutions that align with financial goals while explaining potential early repayment charges.
Self Employed Mortgages
Tailored mortgage solutions for self-employed individuals and CIS contractors. We help clients with non-standard income structures demonstrate affordability to lenders, offering access to specialist products that accommodate variable earnings and tax arrangements.
People
Mark Smith
Director
With over 35 years in financial services, Mark established Acorn Mortgage Services in 2006 after working with Prudential and local estate agencies. He specialises in mortgage and protection advice, focusing on honest, reliable service for property buyers and investors.
Connor Smith
Mortgage Advisor
Joining Acorn in 2021, Connor brings modern expertise through his CeMAP qualifications and experience in mortgage administration and paraplanning roles. He provides advisory services to both new clients and long-standing customers of the family business.
Questions
What mortgage types do you specialise in?
We specialise in first-time buyer mortgages, buy-to-let portfolios, re-mortgaging, new build purchases, and self-employed mortgage solutions.
Are your services regulated?
Yes, we operate as an appointed representative of HL Partnership Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
What insurance products can you advise on?
We offer life insurance, income protection, critical illness cover, landlords insurance, and accident/sickness/unemployment policies.
How much is your mortgage advice fee?
Our standard mortgage advice fee starts at £199, with exact costs depending on individual circumstances.
Do you help self-employed clients?
Yes, we have specialist mortgage solutions for self-employed individuals and construction industry contractors.
Can you assist with property investment?
We provide comprehensive buy-to-let mortgage advice, including limited company buy-to-let structures and portfolio management.
