u/Efestiones

Hi all,

Does anyone have recent experience with how long SC clearance is currently taking for an internal Civil Service/Government move?

I submitted my SC application back in February and I’m still waiting. I already hold CTC clearance, so I was hoping the process might be relatively straightforward, but I appreciate SC is a separate level of vetting.

I’m not looking for case-specific advice, just trying to understand whether waiting around 3 months is still within the normal range at the moment, or whether it suggests the application may be stuck somewhere with UKSV/HR/the sponsor.

Would it be reasonable to ask HR or the vacancy holder for an update at this stage?

Thanks.

Hi all,

I’m looking for a bit of advice / sense check on a housing situation.

I currently own two properties — one I live in (joint mortgage) and another that I rent out (buy-to-let). I’m considering selling the rental property and using the proceeds, along with savings, to buy out my partner and take full ownership of my current home.

Rough numbers:

- Salary: ~£46k

- Savings: ~£25k

- Estimated equity from sale (after costs): ~£70k+

- Potential tax refund (ADS): ~£14k

- Buyout cost (deposit + equity): ~£30k

That would leave me with roughly £75k–£80k to put towards the property.

The home is worth around £245k, so I’d likely need a mortgage in the region of £160k. From what I can tell, repayments would be around £900–£1,000/month depending on rates.

My main questions:

- Does this seem financially sensible on a single income?

- Is a ~£160k mortgage realistic on a £46k salary?

- Would lenders likely be comfortable with this setup?

- Better to maximise deposit vs keep more cash buffer?

- Any obvious risks I’m missing?

Also, one specific point I’m unsure about:

When buying out my partner, what is generally considered fair to repay?

My understanding is:

- Their initial deposit → yes

- Their share of capital repaid → yes

- But not mortgage interest or legal costs (as these are sunk/living costs)

Is that broadly correct, or do people typically handle this differently in practice?

Would really appreciate any insights.

Thanks!