About me and my story.
Who’s the guy behind the laptop?
Buying your first home, moving, remortgaging or investing can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to. I’m Damian Kennedy, the founder of Damian Charles Mortgages and with more than 25 years in the property industry and five years as a mortgage adviser, I provide clear, personal guidance to help you understand your options and make confident decisions at every stage of your journey.
Whether you’re here in Exmouth, elsewhere in Devon or living anywhere in the UK, you’ll receive advice tailored to your circumstances, priorities and long‑term plans. No jargon, no pressure — just straightforward support from someone who takes the time to understand what you’re trying to achieve.
That’s why I created Damian Charles Mortgages: to offer a more personal approach to mortgage advice. I wanted to build a mortgage boutique where clients feel they can pick up the phone, ask a question and know they’re speaking to someone who knows their circumstances.
My involvement can start long before a mortgage application is submitted. If you’re planning to buy your first home in a few years, wondering how much deposit you should aim for, or trying to understand what you might realistically be able to afford, I’m happy to have that conversation now. And when you’re ready to take the next step, I’ll be there to guide you through the mortgage search, application and completion.
I believe good mortgage advice is about much more than a transaction. It’s about listening, explaining things clearly, being proactive and being there when you need someone to help make sense of what can sometimes feel like a complicated process.
In my spare time you can often find me running/jogging the local parkrun, walking along the South West Coast Path or in a Spinning class.
How we can help you.
At Damian Charles Mortgages, we believe mortgage advice should start long before an application is submitted. Whether you’re ready to begin viewing properties today or planning for the future, we’re here to help you understand your options, make informed decisions and put yourself in the strongest possible position to achieve your homeownership goals.
We can talk through what you might be able to afford, how much deposit you may need, and the steps you can take now to prepare for buying, moving or remortgaging. Our aim is to give you clear, personal guidance from the very beginning — so when the time comes to apply, you feel confident, prepared and supported.
Extensive Mortgage Search
When you’re ready to move forward, we’ll carry out a detailed mortgage search based on your circumstances, priorities and long‑term plans. With access to a wide range of lenders, we can explore the options available to you and explain them clearly, helping you make an informed decision about the mortgage that’s right for your situation.
We’ll look at affordability, deposit requirements, future plans and the type of property you’re considering, before guiding you through the application and supporting you right through to completion. Our aim is to make the process feel straightforward and manageable, with clear communication at every stage.
Bespoke Mortgage and Protection Recommendations
Every client is different, which is why we take the time to understand your circumstances, priorities and plans before making any recommendation. We’ll look at your income, deposit, affordability, future goals and preferences to identify a mortgage that is suitable for you — not simply the one with the lowest headline rate.
Your mortgage is important, but protecting your income, family and financial commitments matters just as much. We can discuss the right protection options for your situation, helping you make informed decisions about safeguarding what’s most important to you.
Your Mortgage Concierge
Our support can begin long before you’re ready to submit a mortgage application. Whether you’re planning to buy in a few months or your first home is still a few years away, we can help you understand how much deposit you may need, what you could potentially afford and what steps you can take now to strengthen your position.
We can also talk through the types of properties and areas that may work within your budget, before guiding you through the mortgage search, application and completion. From early planning to final approval, you’ll have clear, personal support at every stage.
Let’s Talk About
Your Plans
If you’d like to discuss your plans, explore your options or simply understand what might be possible, you’re welcome to pop into our offices in Exmouth Town Centre for an informal chat. Appointments are also available by phone or video if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying a home or remortgaging can feel overwhelming, so I’ve put together clear answers to the questions I’m asked most often by clients across Exmouth, Exeter, East Devon and further afield.
🔑 How much deposit do I need for a mortgage?
Most lenders require a minimum 5% deposit, though a larger deposit can unlock better rates. Buy‑to‑let deposits typically start at 25%.
📊 How much can I borrow?
It’s one of the questions I’m asked most often, and there are many variables that can influence the outcome — age, income structure, existing commitments, dependents and even the type of property you’re considering. Your borrowing capacity depends on a range of factors including your income, regular outgoings, credit profile and each lender’s individual criteria. The most helpful next step is to arrange an initial appointment so we can explore your potential borrowing level and, just as importantly, your comfortable monthly budget. This is an area that often surprises people, and it’s well worth understanding before booking viewings or making plans.
📄 What documents do I need?
You’ll usually need:
ID
Proof of address (typically 3 years address history)
Bank statements
Payslips or accounts
Proof of deposit
Details of loans or credit commitments
💳 Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
Often yes — depending on the type and timing of the credit issues. Some lenders specialise in helping clients with adverse credit.
📈 Should I fix my mortgage rate?
Fixed rates offer stability and predictable payments. Variable rates offer flexibility and potential savings. The right choice depends on your plans and comfort with risk.
💷 What fees should I expect?
We can look at all your typical costs including lender fees, valuation fees, solicitor fees, broker fees (if applicable), and moving costs.
🌐 Do you offer whole of market advice?
Yes — I access a wide panel of lenders to find the right mortgage for your needs.
🏠 Do you help with remortgages?
Yes — including rate switches, and debt consolidation.
🏘️ Do you advise on buy‑to‑let mortgages?
Yes.
🛡️ Do you offer insurance and protection?
Yes — life cover, critical illness, income protection and home insurance. Conditions and exclusions apply.
📞 How do I book an appointment?
Call: 01395 219 666 Mobile/WhatsApp: 07763 170 666 Email: damian@dcm.homes
THE small PRINT
Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage
As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.
You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.
Not all Buy to Let Mortgages are regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority.
Damian Charles Mortgages is a trading style of Damian Kennedy, which is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
We are entered on the Financial Services Register under firm reference number 1053550
Client Testimonials
Client feedback means a great deal to me, and it reflects the personal, clear and proactive approach I aim to bring to every mortgage journey.
Affiliations and Memberships
Privacy Notice
Damian Charles Kennedy T/A Damian Charles Mortgages
Last updated: August 2026
- Who we are
This privacy notice explains how Damian Charles Kennedy T/A Damian Charles Mortgages (“we”, “us” or “our”) collects, uses, stores and protects your personal information when you use our website, contact us, or use our mortgage advice and brokerage services. Damian Charles Kennedy T/A Damian Charles Mortgages is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are entered on the Financial Services Register under firm reference number 1053550.
Our business contact details are:
Damian Charles Kennedy T/A Damian Charles Mortgages, Rooms 9-10 Strand Court Chambers, 1 Victoria Road, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 1DL
Email: hello@dcm.homes - Our commitment to your privacy
We take the privacy and security of your personal information seriously. This privacy notice explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, who we may share it with and the rights you have in relation to your personal information. We process personal information in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, as amended from time to time. - Information we collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect information including:
your name and contact details; your address and previous addresses; your date of birth; information about your employment and income; information about your financial circumstances; details of your existing mortgages and other financial commitments; information about the property you own or wish to purchase; information about your credit history and credit commitments; information relating to your mortgage application; identification and verification information; information about your communications and interactions with us; information contained in emails, messages, forms and other correspondence; information about how you use our website; and
any other information you provide to us that is necessary to provide our services. Some of the information we process may constitute special category personal data where this is relevant to your circumstances. Where this occurs, we will only process it where permitted by applicable data protection law. - How we use your information
We use your personal information where necessary to: provide mortgage advice and brokerage services; assess your circumstances and requirements; identify suitable mortgage products and lenders; prepare and submit mortgage applications; communicate with you about your mortgage and our services; verify your identity; carry out necessary checks relating to fraud, money laundering and financial crime; comply with regulatory and legal obligations; maintain appropriate records of our advice and services; deal with complaints and resolve any concerns; protect our business and prevent fraud or misuse of our services; improve our services and website; and
where permitted, provide information about relevant services or products that may be of interest to you.
We will only use your personal information where there is a lawful basis for doing so. - Our lawful basis for processing your information
Depending on the circumstances, we may process your personal information because:
It is necessary to perform a contract or take steps at your request before entering into a contract. For example, where you ask us to provide mortgage advice or arrange a mortgage for you. We have a legal or regulatory obligation. For example, we may be required to retain records or provide information to our network, regulators, government bodies or law-enforcement authorities. We have a legitimate interest in processing the information. For example, to operate and improve our business, maintain appropriate records, manage our relationship with you, protect our business and prevent fraud, provided that our interests do not override your rights and freedoms. You have given consent. Where consent is required, we will ask for it before carrying out the relevant processing. You can withdraw consent at any time, although this will not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before you withdrew it. - Mortgage applications and sharing your information
Providing mortgage advice and arranging a mortgage may require us to share your personal information with other organisations.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
mortgage lenders and banks; our principal, Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd; mortgage sourcing and application platforms; credit reference agencies; providers involved in identity, fraud and financial-crime checks; surveyors, valuers and other professionals involved in a mortgage application; solicitors and conveyancers where relevant; insurers or other financial-services providers where relevant; technology and service providers who process information on our behalf; and regulators, government bodies, law-enforcement agencies or other authorities where we are legally required to do so.
We only share information where there is a legitimate reason to do so and, where applicable, where we have the necessary legal basis. - Information obtained from other sources
We may receive information about you from sources other than you, where this is necessary to provide our services or comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.
This may include information from lenders, credit reference agencies, fraud-prevention organisations, our principal or other organisations involved in your mortgage application. Where required by law, we will provide you with appropriate privacy information about how we obtained and use that information. - Website information
When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically. This can include information such as your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited and information about how you interact with our website.
We may use this information to: operate and maintain our website; understand how visitors use our website; improve the content and functionality of our website; monitor website performance and security; and understand the effectiveness of our online activity. Where cookies or similar technologies are used, these are explained in our Cookies Policy. - Cookies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies.
Cookies are small files stored on your device which can help a website function correctly, remember preferences and provide information about how the website is used.
Some cookies are necessary for the website to operate, while others may be used for analytics or other purposes. Where required, we will ask for your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. Please see our Cookies Policy for further information. - Email and other communications
Email and other electronic communications are not completely secure. Although we take appropriate measures to protect your information, we cannot guarantee the security of information transmitted electronically. We will never ask you to transfer deposit funds to a bank account simply by sending you an email containing bank details.
If you receive an email that appears to come from us and contains bank account details or asks you to transfer money, please contact us using our usual telephone number before making any payment. - Telephone calls
Where appropriate, we may record or retain information relating to telephone calls or other communications with you.
This may be necessary to maintain accurate records, provide evidence of the advice and services provided, meet our regulatory obligations, deal with complaints and protect both you and our business. - Complaints
If you make a complaint, we will collect and use the information necessary to investigate and resolve your complaint.
This may include information about you, your circumstances, the services we provided and our communications with you.
We may need to share relevant information with our principal, Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd, or other organisations where this is necessary to investigate or resolve your complaint or to meet our regulatory obligations. - Marketing
We may contact you about our services where permitted by applicable law.
Where we require your consent to send marketing communications, we will ask for your consent before doing so.
You can ask us to stop sending marketing communications at any time by contacting us at hello@dcm.homes or by using any unsubscribe facility included in the communication.
We will not sell your personal information to third parties for their own marketing purposes. - How long we keep your information
We will only retain your personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including to meet our legal, regulatory, accounting and reporting obligations and to establish, exercise or defend legal claims.
As a regulated mortgage adviser, we are required to retain certain records for specified periods. The retention period will therefore depend on the type of information and the circumstances in which it was collected.
Where a specific retention period is not prescribed, we will determine an appropriate retention period based on the purpose for which the information is held and our legal and regulatory obligations. - Keeping your information secure
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against accidental loss, unauthorised access, use, alteration or disclosure.
However, no method of transmitting or storing information electronically can be guaranteed to be completely secure. - International transfers
Some of the organisations that provide services to us may process personal information outside the United Kingdom.
Where personal information is transferred outside the UK, we will ensure that the transfer is made in accordance with applicable data protection law and that appropriate safeguards are in place where required. - Your rights
Under applicable data protection legislation, you may have rights including: the right to ask for access to personal information we hold about you; the right to ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information; the right to ask us to erase your personal information in certain circumstances; the right to ask us to restrict how we use your information in certain circumstances; the right to object to certain processing; the right to receive certain personal information in a portable format; and where processing is based on consent, the right to withdraw that consent. These rights are subject to certain legal exceptions and may not apply in every circumstance.
If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:
hello@dcm.homes
We may need to verify your identity before responding to a request. - Your right to complain
If you have concerns about the way we have used your personal information, please contact us in the first instance using the details above so that we can try to resolve your concern.
You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe that we have not handled your personal information appropriately.
Further information about the ICO and how to make a complaint is available on the ICO’s website. - Links to other websites
Our website may contain links to external websites operated by other organisations.
If you follow a link to an external website, you will leave our website. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content or security of external websites.
We recommend that you read the privacy notice of any external website you visit. - Financial advice
Information provided on our website is for general information purposes and does not constitute personalised financial advice.
If you require mortgage advice, please contact us so that we can assess your individual circumstances and requirements. - Mortgage broker fee
There may be a fee for arranging a mortgage and the precise amount will depend on your circumstances. This will typically be £495.
Any applicable fee will be explained to you before you proceed and will be set out in the relevant documentation provided to you. - Accuracy of website content
We take reasonable steps to ensure that information published on our website is accurate and kept up to date. However, we cannot guarantee that all information will always be complete, accurate or current.
Information on our website should not be relied upon as a substitute for personalised mortgage advice. - Changes to this privacy notice
We may update this privacy notice from time to time to reflect changes to our business, services, technology, legal requirements or regulatory obligations.
The latest version will be published on our website and will show the date on which it was last updated. - Contact us
If you have any questions about this privacy notice, how we use your personal information, or wish to exercise any of your data protection rights, please contact:
Damian Charles Kennedy T/A Damian Charles Mortgages
Rooms 9-10 Strand Court Chambers
1 Victoria Road
Exmouth
Devon
EX8 1DL
Email: hello@dcm.homes