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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?
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.
How to get a remortgage
Getting a new mortgage deal could cut the interest you pay and save thousands of pounds. Here is how to remortgage to a better deal, avoid fees and reduce what you pay each month.
How do offset mortgages work?
An offset mortgage is linked to your savings account and could save you money on interest. Here is how they work, who they suit and how much you could save.
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.
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.
Should you rent or buy a home?
Buying your own home can be expensive but could save you money over the years. Renting offers less freedom to live by your own rules but more flexibility if you need to move. Here are the benefits of each and how to decide whether to rent or buy.
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.
How to save up a mortgage deposit
Saving a mortgage deposit is your first step towards buying your own home. Here is how deposits work, how to save one and what help you can get.
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.
How do buy to let mortgages work?
If you want to invest in property and rent it out to someone else, you will need a buy to let mortgage. Here is everything you need to know about them.
What the new stamp duty holiday means for you
The chancellor has announced temporary changes to stamp duty to help cut costs for anyone buying a home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what it means for you.
How does Help to Buy work?
The Help to Buy scheme could make it easier for you to get your first home with help from the government. Here is how it works and how to use it.
What insurance do you need with your mortgage?
Your mortgage is likely to be the biggest expense you will face in life, but what happens if you can no longer pay it? Here are the types of insurance that can help you pay your mortgage.
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.
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?
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.
What is a guarantor mortgage?
If you are unable to buy the home you want with a normal mortgage, a guarantor could help you get accepted or borrow more. Here is how they work and how to get one.
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.
How to avoid first time buyer regrets
A staggering 10% of first time buyers regret buying their first home, but you don't have to make sacrifices you'll regret or break the bank to get your foot on the property ladder.
How to manage your mortgage
Keeping track of your mortgage can help you keep up with repayments, save money in fees, get you the best deal and run it smoothly. Here is how to manage your mortgage account.
Why you can't trust your bank for mortgage advice
You're ready to buy a house and need a mortgage next. It's just a case of popping into your bank and seeing what they've got, right? Here's why that's a bad idea.
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.
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.
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.
Can you afford a mortgage?
Before you buy a home, check whether you can afford the cost of a mortgage. Here is how to check if lenders will accept your application and if you can keep up with the repayments.
What is equity release?
Find out what is involved in releasing equity from your home, how you can do it, and if it is a step worth taking.
Should you get a limited company buy to let mortgage?
As a landlord, you could invest in buy to let (BTL) properties through a limited company instead of in your own name. Here's how to find out if this could help you save money and pay less tax.
What does negative equity mean for me?
Find out what negative equity means, whether it affects you and what you can do about it.
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?
Should I use my savings to pay off my mortgage?
We weigh the pros and cons of using your savings to clear your mortgage.
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.
11 massive mortgage application mistakes you need to avoid
You've saved a deposit, found the perfect house, and now need a mortgage: what could go wrong? Don't make these 11 mistakes that could ruin your plans.
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.
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
Mortgage broker or direct deal
Here are all the advantages and disadvantages of using a mortgage broker vs applying for your mortgage direct. This will help you decide on the best way to find a mortgage.
Can you get a mortgage with bad credit?
You could still get a mortgage even if you have bad credit and have missed payments before if you know where to look. Here is how to get a bad credit mortgage.
Can I get a mortgage if I'm self employed?
Yes, you could still find a mortgage if you are self-employed, but there are some boxes you need to tick first. Here is what you need to know about getting a self-employed mortgage.
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 to switch your mortgage deal mid-term
Would you switch your mortgage mid-term if you could save money? Here is what you need to know before you decide.
How to apply for a mortgage payment holiday
Recent research suggests that more than 2 million UK home owners 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.
How to get your first mortgage
Getting on the property ladder is much easier if you know what help is available and where to find a mortgage. Here is everything you need to know about how to buy your first home.
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.
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.
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.
What is the Right to Buy mortgage scheme?
The revamped Right to Buy scheme offers council tenants in England up to £77,900 (or £103,900 in London) off the market price of their council home. Here is what you need to know about the scheme.
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.
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.
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.
Revealed: the top 20 healthiest places to live
The mortgage experts at money.co.uk rank the healthiest countries and cities in the world, with good food, good company and good transport links all being great for the people who live there.
The listing prices and mortgage repayments of some of the world’s most iconic palaces
The personal finance experts at money.co.uk have discovered the listing prices and mortgage repayments of some of the world’s most iconic palaces.
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.
Make believe Christmas mortgages
Want to find your perfect ho-ho-home? We’ve worked out how much the homes from Christmas classics would cost if you wanted to own them.
First time buyer mortgage rates
This guide explains why the size of your deposit matters and the sort of mortgage rates first-time buyers can expect to get.
Home ownership: joint tenants or tenants in common?
This guide offers a detailed overview of different home ownership options and explains why your choice matters.
What is a commercial mortgage?
Commercial mortgages are used to buy non-residential property and they are different to the mortgage you would use to buy your own home to live in.
80% buy to let mortgage
If you want to invest in a property to rent out you will need a buy to let mortgage, unless you have enough money to buy it outright.
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
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.
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.
What is a bridging loan?
A bridging loan could help you buy a property while you wait for the sale of your existing home.
The 2020 Renovation Nation Report reveals which areas of their properties homeowners have been upgrading under lockdown
With lockdown restrictions keeping most of us indoors, homeowners have been busy upgrading their homes to make them more comfortable and usable while working from home. Some have used personal loans, money from their holiday fund or have remortgaged to fund the renovations.
How much do celebrity property conversions actually cost?
An insight into how much underground tunnels and infinity swimming pools actually cost celebrities and how this can affect the long term selling price or their homes.
The make believe mortgage - how much would you have to spend to live in homes from films, TV and games?
If have you ever wondered how much it would cost to own some of tv, film and gaming's most iconic homes then wonder no more. Our new mortgage guide reveals what the cost of owning some of the most recognisable properties in the world would be...
How will coronavirus affect the property market?
Find out what impact COVID-19 could have on the property market and what it could mean for home buyers and sellers.
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.
Coronavirus: Getting a mortgage payment holiday
Try our handy tool to help you understand if a mortgage payment holiday is the right option for you and what impact it might have on your future payments.
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.
Should I buy a house with friends?
Buying a house is still out of reach for many first time buyers. Sharing the costs with friends or family can seem like a good idea, but what do you need to know before you take the plunge?
Negative equity but need to sell: Your options
Being stuck in negative equity when you need to sell your home puts you in a difficult situation - but there are ways to get around the problem. We explain your options.