Mortgages guides

Mortgages can be complex. Our guides break down the intricacies of every vital mortgage topic including; deposits, guarantors, fixed or tracker and the lending available to first-time buyers. What type of mortgage are you looking for?

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Bank of England base rate

The Bank of England base rate influences all loan and mortgage interest rates in the UK. When the BoE increases or decreases the bank rate, interest rates usually follow. The current base rate is 5.25%

What is a bridging loan?

A bridging loan could help you buy a property while you wait for the sale of your existing home.

7 ways to save up a mortgage deposit

With the cost of renting almost as high as paying a mortgage, it can be an uphill struggle to save a deposit. Here is how to save a deposit to get a foot on the property ladder instead.

Is now a terrible time to buy a house?

Picking the right time to buy your first home helps you check it's affordable and get a good deal. But is now a good time to buy or are you better off waiting?

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Mortgages in the metaverse

Interested in purchasing virtual property? Wondering how much a mortgage in the metaverse costs? We delve into the potential future of real estate to find out.

World relocation report

In this age of remote working, many people are considering packing their bags and relocating to another part of the world. But which major cities are the best for those looking to move?

Animal Crossing homes

Animal crossing addicts can spend hours in-game pruning their gardens and decorating their interiors, but what is the real value of your virtual Animal Crossing house?

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How to get a mortgage with no deposit

Here is how to get on the property ladder as soon as possible with a 100% LTV mortgage, or how to get a no deposit mortgage. There are several schemes and mortgages that can help, whether you are saving for your first home or have owned one before.

Smelly Places Index

From exhaust fumes to air pollution, and cigarette smoke to fly-tipping, there are lots of things that can give cities an unpleasant odour, but where in the UK are these smelly places located?

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Stamp duty calculator

Discover how much Stamp Duty you need to pay on your chosen property whether you're in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. We give you the current Stamp Duty rates fand explain how to pay your tax if you need to do it yourself.

Education premiums

We all want the best for our children, but how much does living close to one of the country’s best schools add to house prices?

HMO mortgages

If you want to buy a property to let to individual tenants you’ll need a specialist mortgage. We explain what you need to know about HMO mortgages.

How to get a mortgage if you are an older borrower

Getting a mortgage can be more difficult when you get closer to retirement. Here is how to find one whether you want to move house or remortgage your current home.

How to apply for a mortgage in principle

To be sure that you can borrow the amount of money you're likely to need to buy a property, you can apply for a mortgage in principle. We look at what you need to be prepared for to get your agreement in principle right first time.

How much does it cost to buy a home?

Your home could be the most expensive purchase you ever make. Here is how much you might spend and how to make sure you can afford a mortgage and all of the other costs.

How to get your first mortgage

Getting on the property ladder is much easier if you know what help is available, where to find a mortgage and how to apply for a mortgage. Here is everything you need to know about how to get a mortgage and buy your first home.

How do joint mortgages work?

You could get a larger mortgage if you buy a home with someone else. Here is everything you need to know about joint mortgages whether you want to buy with your partner, another person or a group.

Joint-borrower-sole-proprietor mortgage

If you’re struggling to get onto the property ladder, we look at one way to make getting a mortgage easier without some of the drawbacks of buying jointly.

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Should you rent or buy a home?

With average house prices and rents both rising, choosing between buying and renting can be a challenge. Renting can offer flexibility but often costs more, while buying your own home is a long-term commitment. Find out which is the best, most affordable option for you.

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Should you get an interest only or repayment mortgage?

The two main ways to pay off your mortgage balance are interest only and repayment. Here is how to work out which best suits your finances.

How to interview your mortgage broker

We explain how to make sure your broker is both qualified and capable of finding you the best deal before they start your search for the perfect mortgage.

Should I overpay on my mortgage?

If you have extra money to spare, you could make overpayments on your mortgage. This can reduce the amount you pay and shorten your mortgage term, but is it right for you?

What does divorce mean for your mortgage?

Getting divorced or splitting up with your partner when you have an outstanding joint mortgage together can be difficult. Here are your options to make it less stressful.

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Holiday let mortgages

We look at the type of mortgage you’ll need if you want to buy a holiday home to let, including the costs involved and how to find the best deal

Inheritance tax: the basics

Inheritance tax is paid on any assets you leave to family or friends when you die, we explain what you need to know and how to avoid it altogether.

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A complete guide to mortgages

Choosing the right mortgage will help you buy a home and could save you thousands of pounds. Here is everything you need to know to find the right one for you.

Should you get a long or short term mortgage?

When you get a mortgage you have to decide how long you need to pay it all off. Here is how to work out which is cheapest and how to make sure you can afford the term you choose.

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Will changing jobs stop you getting a mortgage?

Starting a new job could make getting accepted for a mortgage more difficult - even if you'll earn more. Here's why and what you can do about it.

What is the Right to Buy mortgage scheme?

The Right to Buy mortgage scheme offers council tenants in England up to £84,200 (or £112,300 in London) off the market price of their council home. Here is what you need to know about the scheme.

Will I ever be able to afford a house?

You might be ready to buy your first home sooner than you think, but if you need a leg up onto the property ladder there are lots of ways you can find help. Here is how to get started before you buy and how to check you can afford it. 6

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What insurance do you need when buying a house?

Your mortgage is likely to be the biggest expense you will face in life, but what happens if you can no longer pay it? Many people ask themselves the question: what insurance do you need for a mortgagein the UK? Here are the types of insurance that can help you pay your mortgage.

Should I use my savings to pay off my mortgage?

We weigh the pros and cons of using your savings to clear your mortgage.

What is interest?

Borrowing costs money. A lender will usually charge a borrower a percentage of the money lent, rather than a flat fee. This is called interest. This guide covers the basics of how interest works, what it is and what it means for your finances.

How to access and pay for housing as a refugee

Refugees are able to apply for help with housing in the UK, from money to pay for rent or a deposit to a place to stay. Here we explain the kind of support available, who can apply, how much can be paid, and where to go for it.

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The ethnicity gap in home ownership

Many of the inequalities that affect home ownership are widely reported and debated, yet one lesser-known, stark disparity is persistent: the home ownership gap between different ethnic groups.

The cheapest and most expensive houses sold near you

New figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed the postcodes with the cheapest and most expensive homes in England and Wales, with values ranging from just £25,000 to £5.8million depending on where you are in the country.

Bank of England holds interest rates at 0.1% in March 2021

The Bank of England base rate has again been held at the all time low of 0.1% for March, as confirmed by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Thursday.

How the 2021 Budget affects homeowners

Here's a summary of the key changes that will affect homeowners following the 2021 Budget.

Trends to watch out for in the property market in 2021

As COVID-19 continues to shape the way we buy and sell property, has outlined what to watch out for in the property market over the coming year.

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Residential mortgages

If you’re buying a home we explain how the mortgage you need works, what to be aware of and how to choose the best deal for you.

What does negative equity mean for me?

Find out what negative equity means, whether it affects you and what you can do about it.

What type of mortgage is right for you?

Here is how to choose a mortgage whether you are buying your first home, moving house or remortgaging to get a better deal on your property.

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How to find a mortgage broker you can trust

Taking out a mortgage will be one of the biggest financial commitments you'll ever make, so finding a mortgage broker that understands your needs is essential. We explain how to find a mortgage broker you can trust.

How to apply for a mortgage payment holiday

Recent research suggests that more than 2 million UK homeowners are considering taking mortgage payment holidays. But what is a mortgage payment holiday, how do you take one and what are the potential pitfalls? We explain all you need to know.

Leasehold vs freehold: Which should you get?

If you’re looking to buy a property in England or Wales, you’ll notice that they’re either listed as leasehold or freehold. But what’s the difference? We’re here to explain the terms, and share what they might mean for you as a property owner.

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Should you get a fixed, tracker or variable rate mortgage?

Choosing a mortgage with the right type of interest rate can save you money and make sure you get a deal you can afford. Here are the differences between fixed, variable, tracker and capped mortgages.

A complete guide to buying a home

The process of buying a house can take months, but knowing what to do and where to get help could make it quicker and easier. Here is what to do when you buy a home.

Should you risk being a guarantor for a mortgage?

Helping a friend or family member get their foot on the property ladder can be a rewarding and generous undertaking - but fail to weigh up the consequences and you could soon regret your choice. Here's what you need to consider before signing anything.