Topic

Mortgages

Everything on getting, moving and remortgaging a home loan in the UK, from first-time buyer to buy-to-let.

Mortgages

Islamic Mortgages in the UK

How Islamic mortgages work in the UK: Home Purchase Plans, the Ijara, Murabaha and Diminishing Musharaka structures, who still offers them, and what they actually cost.

31 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Mortgages

Are 99% Mortgages Making a Comeback?

99% mortgages let you buy with a 1% deposit. What they are, who offers them in 2026, the catches to watch, and whether a low-deposit deal is worth it or a 5% deposit is smarter.

30 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Mortgages

Can You Negotiate a Mortgage in Principle?

A mortgage in principle is not negotiable, but you can often increase the amount. How the figure is worked out, and the practical ways to borrow more, from clearing debt to switching lender.

30 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Mortgages

Overpaying Your Mortgage: Should You Do It?

Overpaying your mortgage gives a guaranteed, tax-free return equal to your rate, but it is not always the smartest move. The pros, cons, the 10% limit, and when saving, investing or a pension wins instead.

30 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Mortgages

What Is a Standard Variable Rate (SVR)?

Your lender's SVR is the default rate you roll onto when your fixed deal ends, often 7% to 8%. What it is, why it is so high, whether to stay on it, and how to avoid the SVR trap.

30 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Mortgages

Are Mortgages Haram?

Are mortgages haram? An overview of the Islamic finance view on riba and the Sharia-compliant alternatives: Ijara, Murabaha and Home Purchase Plans.

26 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Mortgages

How Do People Afford Houses?

How do people afford houses? An honest look at deposits, income multiples, joint buyers, gifted money and schemes — plus realistic ways to bridge the gap in the UK.

26 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Mortgages

5 Considerations for First Time Buyers

Five things worth sorting before you apply for a first mortgage: your deposit, your credit file, what lenders count as income, the costs beyond the deposit, and an agreement in principle.

22 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Mortgages

Amenity Land

All there is to know about Amenity Land, or Amenities Land, including the chances of financing the purchase, with planning permission, through a commercial land mortgage.

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

Best Way to Save for a House Deposit

Save a house deposit faster with a high-interest account, automatic monthly saving and a clear target. Use our calculator and savings hacks to hit your goal sooner.

22 Jul 2026 · 9 min read

Mortgages

Bridge to Let Mortgage

A bridge-to-let mortgage lets landlords buy quickly, then switch to a buy-to-let deal. Terms run 3-12 months, deposits from 25%. See how it works and how to exit.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

Buying a House: Step by Step Guide

Buying a house step by step: mortgage in principle, offer, conveyancing, survey, exchange, completion. First-time buyers need a 5% deposit, no stamp duty to £300k.

22 Jul 2026 · 13 min read

Mortgages

Serviced accommodation mortgages

Serviced accommodation mortgages offer investors an opportunity to benefit from financial leverage and access to higher rental yields through the short term let market.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

Buying to Let as a First Time Buyer

If you're buying to let as a first time buyer, learn about the requirements and options you have available before you begin to invest in your first rental property.

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

Can I change conveyancers

You need the right legal experts when buying or selling a home. What happens if you're not happy with your current conveyancer? Can you change them?

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

Can I Get a 40 Year Mortgage?

Yes, you can get a 40-year mortgage in the UK: it lowers monthly payments but adds interest overall, with age caps near 75-80. Use the calculator to compare.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

Can You Get a Bridging Loan to Buy Land?

Can you get a bridging loan to buy land? Yes, you can! This type of financial solution, has become increasingly popular amongst property developers, investors, and speculators for land acquisition.

22 Jul 2026 · 10 min read

Mortgages

Can You Remortgage Early?

Remortgaging early can cut your payments or release cash, but an early repayment charge can swallow the gain. Here is how to work out which applies.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

Can You Remortgage if House Prices Drop?

Discover how to navigate remortgaging in a volatile housing market. Can you can remortgage if house prices drop? Yes, but it's not straightforward. Consider factors like your equity, affordability, costs, and seek professional advice.

22 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Mortgages

Does The Seller Get a Copy Of The Survey?

The seller does not automatically get a copy of the survey. The property survey belongs to the buyer, and the seller will only know the survey results if the buyer decides to share them.

22 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Mortgages

What is a Flood Risk Search?

Learn about the flood risk search in property conveyancing. Understand its importance, types of assessments, data analysis, and implications for property value and insurance coverage.

22 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Mortgages

Furnishing A Buy to Let

Furnishing a buy to let is not only a great way to add value to the property, but it also makes it more attractive to potential tenants.

22 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Mortgages

Further Advance Mortgage Explained

A further advance lets you borrow more from your current mortgage lender. Here's how it compares to a remortgage or second charge, plus rates, uses and LTV.

22 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Mortgages

Gifted Deposits Explained

Using a family gift towards your deposit is common and accepted. Here's how gifted deposits work, what lenders need, the gift letter, and the IHT angle.

22 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Mortgages

Guarantor Mortgages: How They Work

A guarantor mortgage lets a parent or grandparent use their savings or property as security so you can borrow more. Here are the risks and which lenders offer them.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

HMO Mortgages Explained

How HMO mortgages work: specialist lenders, deposit and licensing requirements, and how bricks-and-mortar versus investment valuations affect what you can borrow.

22 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Mortgages

House Hacking in the UK

House hacking is commonly used in the US to describe a method used to try and self-finance a mortgage. But, is House hacking in the UK really a possibility?

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

How Easy Is It To Switch Mortgages?

How easy is it to switch mortgages? Switching your mortgage (remortgaging) can be very straightforward - stay organised, return your paperwork quickly, and your mortgage adviser handles the rest.

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

How Long Does a Mortgage Application Take?

How long does a mortgage application take? It's too long! Learn about the paperwork, and how to speed it up. Move into your new home quicker by understanding the mortgage timeline.

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

How To Find Good Tenants

Find good tenants by listing on Rightmove and Zoopla, then screening with references, credit and Right to Rent checks. Here's how to attract reliable renters.

22 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Mortgages

How to Put Pressure on Solicitors

Discover how to speed up the complex conveyancing process. Understand the role of solicitors and factors impacting speed. Communicate effectively, set deadlines, involve estate agents, and leverage mortgages.

22 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Mortgages

Interest Only Mortgages

Looking for information on interest-only mortgages? Read our insight to learn what an interest-only mortgage is, how it works, and the pros and cons of this type of mortgage.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

Is a 125 Year Lease Long Enough?

Is a 125 year lease long enough? it may not be, it gives you a limited time to you owning your lease. One way or another, you must take action, either selling or extending yours.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

Is Buy to Let Worth It?

Buy-to-let can still work, but rules bite: a 25% deposit, rent of about 125% of the mortgage and a 5% stamp duty surcharge. We weigh the costs with a real example.

22 Jul 2026 · 12 min read

Mortgages

Is It a Good Time To Buy a House?

Is it a good time to buy a house? We look at the factors that really matter — affordability, mortgage rates, how long you plan to stay, and the risks to weigh up — rather than trying to time the market.

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

Limited Company Buy to Lets

A limited company buy-to-let pays corporation tax not income tax, with full mortgage interest relief and no Section 24. The 5% stamp duty surcharge still applies.

22 Jul 2026 · 9 min read

Mortgages

What is a Mining and Subsidence Search?

Understand the benefits of the mining and subsidence search. Learn about historical activities, hazards, and insurance considerations for properties in mining-affected areas.

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

The Mortgage Advice Process

Mortgage advice is a qualified, FCA-regulated adviser recommending a deal for your situation. Here's what to expect at each stage, from fees to recommendation.

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

Mortgage Prisoners Explained

Mortgage prisoners are borrowers stuck on expensive deals they can't switch away from. Here's who they are, why it happens, and the options to escape.

22 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Mortgages

Mortgage With Less Than 3 Years In The UK

Obtaining a mortgage with less than 3 years in the UK is difficult, but not impossible. This insight explains all you need to know to get on the housing ladder as soon as possible.

22 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Mortgages

Mortgages For Over 60s

Yes, mortgages for the over-60s exist if you can evidence affordability - many lenders go to age 75, some to 85. Pensions, investments and work income can all count.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

Negative Equity Explained

Negative equity means your mortgage is bigger than your home's value. Learn how it happens, what it means for selling or remortgaging, and how to get out of it.

22 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Mortgages

Peppercorn Ground Rent

Peppercorn Ground rent is an exceptionally low fee made to the freeholder for renting the land if you own the leasehold of your property.

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

Porting Your Mortgage Explained

Porting lets you take your existing mortgage deal to a new home. Here's how eligibility, re-underwriting and timing work — and when porting can fall through.

22 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Mortgages

Remortgaging When House Value Has Increased

Discover key insights on remortgaging when house value has increased, including understanding equity, benefits of increased value, factors to consider, and the importance of expert advice.

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Insurance & Protection

Rent a Room Scheme

The Rent a Room Scheme lets you earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free from a lodger in your furnished main home. No tax return is needed if you stay under the limit.

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

SA302s for Mortgages

Self-employed? Get your SA302s from your HMRC online account to prove income for a mortgage. Most lenders want 3 years — here's how they assess the figures.

22 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Mortgages

Searches When Buying a House

The three main searches when buying a house are local authority, environmental, and water & drainage. Your conveyancer arranges them and most lenders require them.

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

Second Home Stamp Duty

Buying an additional property? You may need to pay the second home stamp duty surcharge. This insight explains what you need to know.

22 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Mortgages

Section 24 Landlord Tax Explained

Section 24 restricts mortgage-interest relief for individual landlords to a 20% tax credit. Here's who's affected and how personal and company landlords differ.

22 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Mortgages

Self-Build Mortgages Explained

Self-build mortgages release money in stages as your home is built. Here's how arrears and advance stage payments work, plus deposits and buying a plot.

22 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Mortgages

Self-Employed Mortgages

How the self-employed get a mortgage in the UK: the accounts and SA302s lenders want, deposits, and how contractors and company directors are assessed.

22 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Mortgages

Shared Ownership Stamp Duty Explained

You do pay stamp duty on shared ownership, but you can pay on the full market value upfront or in stages as you staircase. First-time buyer relief may also apply.

22 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Mortgages

Should I Buy a 1 Bed or 2 Bed Flat?

Should I Buy a 1 Bed or 2 Bed Flat? If your budget stretches, it's a tough choice to choose an extra bedroom, it comes with extra costs. Is it worth it?

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

Signs The Housing Market Will Crash

Signs of a housing market crash include soaring prices, rising mortgage debt, high inflation and economic shocks. Here's what experts watch and past crashes reveal.

22 Jul 2026 · 11 min read

Mortgages

Specialist Mortgages

Specialist mortgages help the self-employed, people with adverse credit and later-life borrowers get approved when high-street banks say no. Apply through a broker.

22 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Mortgages

Stamp Duty Explained

Stamp Duty (SDLT) explained for England and Northern Ireland: the current bands, first-time buyer relief, the 5% second-home surcharge, and Scotland/Wales.

22 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Mortgages

Standard Variable Rate Mortgage

If you are on a standard variable rate you could be paying more than you need to be. We cover what to know and if there are any benefits to remaining on the SVR.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

What Influences Mortgage Rates?

Understand the factors that influence mortgage rates in the UK and how in turn that can help you to understand what is a good mortgage rate.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

The LIFT Scheme in Scotland: Shared Equity Explained

The LIFT scheme in Scotland provides affordable home ownership options for individuals and families who face financial barriers. This guide covers eligibility requirements, differences between Shared Equity and Shared Ownership, the NSSE scheme, the application process, finding eligible properties, fees and costs, and potential benefits and drawbacks.

22 Jul 2026 · 13 min read

Mortgages

Weekly Mortgage Payments: Explained

Paying your mortgage weekly means 52 payments a year instead of 12, trimming interest and clearing the loan sooner. Not every lender allows it — here's the catch.

22 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Mortgages

What Can A Bridging Loan Be Used For?

Perhaps someone has mentioned a bridging loan, and that has left you wondering, what can a bridging loan be used for? Is it the solution to your property chain?

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

What Is a Charge on a Property?

A charge is a legal claim securing a debt against a property — a mortgage is one. Here's what a charge means, the main types, and how to get one removed.

22 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Mortgages

What Is A Cheeky Offer On A House?

Learn, what is a cheeky offer on a house, plus what % is a cheeky offer on a house? When cheeky offers are appropriate, how to calculate your offer, and its implications in the home buying process.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

What Is A Mortgage Promise?

A mortgage promise, or Agreement in Principle, shows how much a lender may let you borrow after a soft credit check. It lasts around 3 months and isn't a guarantee.

22 Jul 2026 · 10 min read

Mortgages

What Is A Reasonable Service Charge?

Wondering what a reasonable service charge is? Learn the average, factors to consider, property type impact, and what to do if it's too much. Including Sunny Avenue data.

22 Jul 2026 · 8 min read

Mortgages

What is a Tracker Mortgage?

A tracker mortgage adjusts its interest rate in line with a market benchmark, such as the Bank of England base rate. But, that won't be right for everyone. We explain why...

22 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgages

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal work of transferring property ownership when you buy or sell. A solicitor or conveyancer handles it, usually £500–£1,500 plus fees.

22 Jul 2026 · 6 min read