Mortgage Overpayment Limits: How Much Can You Pay Off?
The 10% allowance is not what most people assume, and the base it is measured against changes what you can pay. Here is how to check yours properly.
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Everything on getting, moving and remortgaging a home loan in the UK, from first-time buyer to buy-to-let.
The 10% allowance is not what most people assume, and the base it is measured against changes what you can pay. Here is how to check yours properly.
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.
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.
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.
Mortgage lenders read your bank statements to see how you really manage money. What they check, how overdrafts and gambling look, and how to tidy your statements before you apply.
The mortgagee is the lender; the mortgagor is the borrower. What each term means in a UK mortgage, an easy way to remember which is which, and where you will see them.
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.
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.
You keep paying your mortgage right up to completion, when the sale funds clear and your lender is repaid. How mortgage redemption works, and the timing traps to avoid.
Knotweed no longer automatically kills a mortgage, and the 7-metre rule was scrapped in 2022. Here's how surveyors actually assess it now, what lenders want to see, and who pays to put it right.
Cladding no longer makes a flat unsellable, but it changes what you must check. Who pays for remediation under the Building Safety Act, what an EWS1 form really tells you, and the questions to ask before you exchange.
A mortgage capacity report shows a court how much you could realistically borrow — usually in a divorce. Here's what's in one, what it costs, and when a cheaper alternative will do.
Forgotten when you moved in? Your credit report's address history dates it, and the Land Registry title shows the completion date if you bought. Here's how to pin it down in minutes.
Mortgages get sold between lenders, so the name on your statement may have changed. Your credit report and the Land Registry title both show who holds it.
Are mortgages haram? An overview of the Islamic finance view on riba and the Sharia-compliant alternatives: Ijara, Murabaha and Home Purchase Plans.
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.
What happens if your mortgage offer expires before completion? How extensions and re-applications work, and why to avoid new credit before you complete. A UK guide.
Can two people or two bank accounts pay one mortgage? How joint accounts, two direct debits and overpayments from a second account really work in the UK.
Yes, you can rent a home to live in while owning a mortgaged property. Here is how consent to let, let to buy and telling your lender actually work.
Planning a home extension? Here is when you need to tell your mortgage lender, whether they revalue, plus buildings insurance and leasehold consent.
Your Help to Buy equity loan is interest-free for 5 years, then monthly fees start. Here are your options: repay, remortgage, staircase or sell.
A high Help to Buy valuation raises what you owe to staircase or redeem your equity loan. Here is how RICS valuations work and how to challenge one.
The pros and cons of buying a house with a north facing garden — sunlight, plants, house temperature, and what it means for the price you pay and the value when you sell.
Solicitor says they have not received your mortgage offer? Here is who sends it, why it is delayed, and exactly how to chase your lender and solicitor.
The Avocado Index puts the "stop buying avocado toast and you could afford a house" myth to the test with live UK house price data. See how many avocados a deposit is really worth right now.
A plain-English guide to the Bank of England base rate: what it is, who sets it, how it moves your mortgage, savings and borrowing, and what a change means for a typical household.
Asking-price reductions are a normal part of the housing market. Here is why sellers cut their price, how common it is (our study found 38% did), and what a reduced listing really means if you are buying.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A bridging loan lets you buy a smaller home before selling your old one, with no repayments until it sells. See how downsizing this way works and the costs.
What you need to know about the Buy to Let opportunity and mortgages in Glasgow area
Is your property buyer not instructing solicitors? Learn how to handle the situation and ensure a smooth transaction. Key insights and practical tips provided.
When buying a council house, new rules will continue to come into play. Keep up to date with this insight to find out how eligibility has changed.
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.
You can buy a shared ownership share with cash and no mortgage, cutting monthly costs to rent and service charges. See how it works, the costs and the pros and cons.
Serviced accommodation mortgages offer investors an opportunity to benefit from financial leverage and access to higher rental yields through the short term let market.
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.
Have you been wondering, can I buy a house and keep my council house? Explore the impact on housing benefits, Right to Buy scheme, and inheriting a property.
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?
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.
Yes, first-time buyers can get a buy-to-let mortgage. This UK guide covers lender criteria, deposits, the stamp duty surcharge, and the pros and cons.
Yes, you can get a mortgage with a new job, often with just one month's payslip or a signed contract. Here's what lenders look for and how to improve your chances.
Yes, you can get a mortgage on maternity leave: most lenders use your full return-to-work salary plus an employer letter confirming your return date. See more.
You can borrow against your parents' income without giving them a share of the property. Here is how joint borrower sole proprietor actually works.
Are you thinking about inheritance tax wondering, can I give my house to my children? It's a complex process. Here is what you need to consider:
Yes, you can use equity release to clear your mortgage from age 55, with no monthly repayments; it's repaid when you sell or pass away. See if you can raise enough.
Can your son buy your council house for you? How the Right to Buy scheme, joint applications and the reduced 2024 discounts work in England.
Yes, a product transfer can be declined, though it's rare. You stay with the same lender and often skip income checks, but credit or affordability can stop it.
Yes, you can get a bridging loan when retired: lenders focus on your exit strategy, not income, and there's often no maximum age. See how to improve your odds.
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.
Many people use shared ownership to move up the property ladder quickly, but can you make a profit on shared ownership? This insight explains all you need to know.
If you're due to exchange, you'll have one eye on Christmas. This article tackles the question, can you still move home?
Save money on property service charges. Learn how to negotiate as a homeowner or landlord. Understand the factors, components, and tips for a successful service charge negotiation.
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.
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.
Find out what happens if you get caught living in your buy-to-let property. Avoid legal and financial consequences of occupancy fraud.
A chancel search checks whether a home carries an ancient liability for local church chancel repairs. Done in conveyancing, indemnity insurance can cover the risk.
Consent to let is your lender's permission to rent out a home you have a residential mortgage on. It usually lasts 6-24 months and needs about 25% equity.
The three lender mortgage valuation types explained — desktop, drive-by and full physical — plus AVMs, how each works and when lenders use them.
Consider the disadvantages of buying freehold property. Financial commitment, maintenance responsibility, unforeseen costs, and complex property management.
Buying leasehold brings ground rent, service charges, costly lease extensions and reduced control. See the main drawbacks, plus a leaseholder's real-life experience.
Discover if banks still offer interest-only mortgages and learn about repayment options. Find out key insights, lender recommendations, and how to apply.
A bridging loan can affect a later mortgage application and may leave a mark on your credit file, though a clear exit limits the impact. See how lenders view them.
No, you don't need a credit card to get a mortgage, though some credit history helps. Two or more credit lines over about six months can strengthen your file.
Do you need a solicitor to remortgage? We explain when legal work is required, typical solicitor fees, and how a product transfer can help you avoid them.
This tax is applicable to most land and property purchases above a certain threshold, but there are some exceptions. So, do you pay stamp duty on land in the UK?
Does a Mortgage in Principle Mean You Will Be Accepted? The answer unravels a complex web of factors that could impact the final mortgage approval. Read on to prevent any issues.
Does having a phone contract affect how much you can borrow on a mortgage? find out what a difference it can make here and how to check the impact on you.
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.
A fact find is the set of questions an adviser asks to understand your finances before advising. Here's what to expect and why it's a normal, required step.
Learn about fire safety ratings and their influence on mortgages. Understand B2, A3 ratings, the remedial requirements and lenders' criteria.
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.
The Freedom to Buy Mortgage Guarantee Scheme helps buyers with a 5% deposit get a 95% mortgage. Learn who qualifies, how it works and the alternatives.
Freehold means you own the building and the land under it, with no lease counting down. Here is what that hands you, and what it makes your problem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How HMO mortgages work: specialist lenders, deposit and licensing requirements, and how bricks-and-mortar versus investment valuations affect what you can borrow.
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?
An HMO is one home let to 3+ tenants from separate households sharing a kitchen or bathroom. They bring higher yields but need a licence, as this guide explains.
Understanding how Loan to Value works, and how Loan to Value brackets can impact your mortgage repayments can give you an upper hand over the banks when you apply for your Mortgage.
Swap rates move fixed mortgage rates before the Bank of England does. Here is why your lender repriced when the base rate had not moved at all.
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.
Learn how long it takes to schedule a survey after your offer is accepted. Get insights and tips to help you navigate the process smoothly.
How long it takes to get a mortgage offer after the lender's valuation, what can cause delays, and how a down-valuation affects your application.
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.
Plan on about 10 boxes for a studio, 20 for a one-bed, 30 for a two-bed and 50 for a three-bed. Here's how to fine-tune the count for your rooms and clutter.
Home equity is your property's value minus your mortgage balance. Learn how to work it out, why it matters for remortgaging, and how to grow it.
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.
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.
Loan to value (LTV) is your mortgage as a percentage of your home's value. Learn the formula, the LTV bands, and why they set your mortgage rate.
"I don't have a utility bill in my name" is a common worry for mortgage applicants. This insight explains how to verify your address with your lender when you can't provide one.
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.
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.
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.
Understand the difference between Consent to Let and Buy to Let mortgages. Learn when to use each option and their implications for renting out your property
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.
The first chat with a mortgage adviser is usually free, as many earn commission from the lender. Any later fees must be explained upfront - here's what you may pay.
Land looks cheap until planning, access and services are priced in. Here is what to check before you bid, and what quietly makes a plot worthless.
Is it worth getting a bridging loan? Learn about the benefits, costs, and considerations before making a decision. Find out now!
A joint borrower sole proprietor (JBSP) mortgage lets up to 4 people share repayments while one owns the home, lifting affordability. Here are the pros and cons.
Find out how you could use a land mortgage to finance the purchase of UK land. Learn about the options available and how to secure financing for your dream property.
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.
Understand the benefits of the mining and subsidence search. Learn about historical activities, hazards, and insurance considerations for properties in mining-affected areas.
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.
A mortgage can be declined right up to completion, usually over credit changes, affordability or errors. Ask the lender why, then speak to a specialist adviser fast.
Yes, you can get a mortgage on Universal Credit - some lenders count it fully, others partly. A whole-of-market broker and bigger deposit boost your chances.
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.
Worried about a mortgage rejection due to an overdraft? Don't lose hope! Understand the impact, take steps to improve your financial situation, and seek expert advice.
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.
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.
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.
Peppercorn Ground rent is an exceptionally low fee made to the freeholder for renting the land if you own the leasehold of your property.
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.
If you are looking to borrow money, you may have heard you can remortgage to release equity. We break down what is possible and whether this is right for your needs.
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.
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.
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.
The three main searches when buying a house are local authority, environmental, and water & drainage. Your conveyancer arranges them and most lenders require them.
Buying an additional property? You may need to pay the second home stamp duty surcharge. This insight explains what you need to know.
Booked a second viewing after your offer was accepted? Here's what to look for, the questions to ask, and how a second viewing helps you buy with confidence.
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.
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.
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.
Discover what to do when a seller pulls out before exchanging contracts. Learn about legal implications, costs, and steps to move forward.
The essential information about your property service charge: what it covers, your rights, and the importance of paying them. Learn everything you need to know.
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.
Shared ownership gets you in with a smaller deposit, but you pay rent on the rest. Here is what staircasing costs, and why selling can be slow.
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?
A west-facing garden gets afternoon and evening sun, ideal for late-day relaxing and hosting. It often sells for less than south-facing — here are the pros and cons.
An east-facing garden welcomes the day with gentle morning sunlight, creating a tranquil haven. Ideal for early risers.
Considering the health risks of buying a property with Red Ash used in construction materials.
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.
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.
Stamp Duty (SDLT) explained for England and Northern Ireland: the current bands, first-time buyer relief, the 5% second-home surcharge, and Scotland/Wales.
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.
Who actually owns the alley between terraced houses, and can a neighbour gate it off? Here is where the right of way stands, and how to settle a dispute.
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.
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.
Learn how using a credit card after your mortgage offer can impact your application. Discover tips to manage your finances wisely and protect your mortgage approval.
Wondering about viewing houses without a mortgage promise? Understand the benefits of obtaining one, save time, gain confidence, and meet agent requirements.
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.
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?
Mortgage lenders check your bank statements for affordability, gambling, overdrafts, undisclosed debts and large unexplained deposits. Here's what matters.
Discover what happens after mortgage offer. Review, accept, and navigate the conveyancing process for a smooth home purchase.
What happens if you have a mortgage but want to move? Discover mortgage porting, the process of transferring your existing mortgage to a new 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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
A mortgage is a loan secured on property: if you stop paying, the lender can repossess and sell it. Terms run about 25–30 years, covering interest and capital.
In England and Wales the buyer arranges the survey; in Scotland the seller provides a Home Report. Book it once your offer's accepted — a survey isn't a valuation.
Learn who to inform when moving house. From notifying contacts to updating utilities and agencies - achieve a seamless transition.
Find out all you need to know about Woolaway Construction homes, including getting a Woolaway mortgage and home insurance options.