Gloucestershire Mortgage Adviser Launches Early Mortgage Advice Service to Help Renters Break Free from the Private Rental Trap

Local mortgage adviser Clare Gregg, founder of That Mortgage Woman, has launched a new Early Mortgage Advice Service to help renters who want to buy a home but don’t know where to start.

The service is designed to bridge the gap between the first thought of homeownership and being ready to secure a Decision in Principle with a lender. Offering practical, step-by-step guidance right from the very beginning of the journey.

It helps renters take early, practical action by assessing their current circumstances, identifying what lenders look for, building realistic savings plans, and tackling any affordability or credit issues long before they apply for a mortgage.

“Everyone deserves the security of a home they can call their own,” said Clare. “But with the cost-of-living crisis and short-term tenancy uncertainty, many feel stuck. This service is about turning confusion into confidence and renting into ownership.”

Unlike traditional mortgage advice, which usually starts once someone is “application ready,” Clare’s approach begins much earlier. Her new service blends the fact-find and research stage of regulated advice with education, planning, and personalised coaching. Clients leave with a clear plan for how to get to ‘mortgage-ready’ within a realistic timeframe.

By combining professional mortgage advice with coaching and accountability, Clare helps clients make steady progress rather than being turned away for “not being ready yet.” It’s a proactive and inclusive model built for real people, not just perfect applicants.

The launch comes as rent prices in Gloucestershire continue to soar. According to the latest ONS data (September 2025), average monthly rents in Gloucester have risen by 11.6 % in the past year, reaching around £1,050. In contrast, property prices have grown by just 2.4 %, with the average home now costing £232,000, or £204,000 for first-time buyers.

As the gap between rent and mortgage costs widens, homeownership is increasingly making better long-term financial sense. But many renters still believe it’s out of reach because they lack the “perfect mix” of savings, deposit, credit score, or income.

Clare’s mission is to change that mindset by providing early, accessible advice that empowers renters to take control.

“I work with people across Gloucesetershire who’ve been renting for years and genuinely believe they’ll never be able to buy,” said Clare. “But in many cases, they’re closer than they think. The key is to start early, know your numbers, and build a plan based on facts, not fear. Waiting for the perfect time rarely works, I should know, I rented for 18 years before I bought my first home.”

Clare’s passion for helping others is deeply personal. Once a homeless teen mum, she went on to become a graduate, teacher, and is now a successful business founder, living a life she once thought unachievable. Her journey underpins her belief that with the right information, plan, and support, anyone can change their financial future.

Through That Mortgage Woman, Clare provides inclusive, jargon-free advice, tailored action plans, and practical tools to help renters understand their options and take confident steps towards owning their first home. For more information, visit www.thatmortgagewoman.com.

About That Mortgage Woman

Clare Gregg is the founder of That Mortgage Woman an FCA-regulated Mortgage & Protection Advice company. A former SEND teacher, Clare is known for her inclusive and accessible approach to regulated mortgage advice. 

She uses her professional expertise in both mortgage advice and education to empower people to overcome their barriers to homeownership, getting them out of the private rental trap and into the security of owning their own home. 

email claregregg@thatmortgagewoman.com