Mortgage guides

Our mortgage guides help you get the best deal on the biggest purchase you are likely to make in your life.

Browse our full range of mortgage guides

Mortgages: The basics

A house is probably the most expensive thing you’ll ever buy, so avoid being caught out by learning the basics of mortgage lending...
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First Buy scheme: loans to help first-time buyers raise a deposit

Many Brits simply can’t afford to save for a deposit on a house. So, could the government’s new First Buy scheme provide the help they need?
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Reducing your monthly mortgage repayments

If you’re under pressure paying your mortgage, it’s easy to feel like you’re trapped. But there are ways of cutting your monthly mortgage payment...
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Equity release - is it for me and how does it work?

If you are a homeowner, aged over 55, and are looking to access some extra cash without having to sell your property, then equity release could be for you...
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Do I need a homebuyer survey to get approved for a mortgage?

If you’re thinking of buying a house, you should find out if it’s in good condition and whether it requires work to rectify any issues - such as leaky roof or damp problems...
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Keyworker mortgages: What is available?

Police officers, nurses and teachers are just some of the keyworkers who are eligible for government help to buy a property...
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Right to buy: How to buy your house from the council

Have you been a council or public sector tenant for five years or more? If yes, then you could buy your current council house at a discounted price under the government’s Right to Buy scheme…
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The mortgage application process - from beginning to end

If you’re fed up with renting or living with mum and dad and want to take the plunge into buying your first house, here’s the essential guide to how it works...
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Buy-to-let: Is now a good time to get into the rental market?

If you’re thinking about buying a property to rent out, now could be a good time to get yourself a mortgage…
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How much can I borrow for a mortgage?

Your earnings, deposit and your credit worthiness are all taken into account when you apply for a mortgage...
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Four things your mortgage adviser will try to make you buy

Do not feel indebted to your mortgage adviser just because they're giving you a mortgage. You could find yourself signing up for expensive products you don't need…
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Do you need life insurance to get a mortgage?

If you are ready to take the plunge and get your first mortgage, you might be confused about whether or not you need some form of mortgage life insurance...
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Why can’t I get a mortgage?

Most people are struggling to get a mortgage at the moment, but what’s causing the problem?…
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Shared ownership schemes for first time buyers

For first-time buyers not keen on shared equity schemes, there is also the option of a shared ownership deal...
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How a shared equity scheme could help you get a home

If the idea of getting a mortgage and buying your own house is nothing but a fantasy, try a shared equity scheme to help you get on the property ladder…
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How to get a leg-up onto the property ladder

If you haven’t got the buying power to get mortgage, a guarantor mortgage is one way to get your foot in the door...
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Mortgage protection and life insurance: What’s the difference?

Confused about mortgage protection and life insurance? We make both clear…
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Mortgages: Lifetime tracker or long-term fix?

What’s the best mortgage deal to have for the coming years – a fixed rate deal or a tracker?...
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Buying a house: Do I need a 25% deposit?

House buyers need a much bigger deposit in order to get a good deal on a mortgage than they did before the credit crunch…
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Five golden rules for buying a house at auction

Our top tips for buying a property at auction will help you avoid the usual pitfalls and turn your property-owning dream into a reality...
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Four money-saving reasons to remortgage now

Don’t put off remortgaging; you could cut your monthly payments and guard against future interest rate rises…
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Can I afford to get a mortgage?

In this guide we examine the financial issues you’ll face if you want to step onto the property ladder...
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House prices: Past, present and future

What has happened to house prices and what will happen next? This guide explains the facts…
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Is now a good time to get a mortgage?

House prices appear to be stabilising, so is now the right time to take your first step on the property ladder?
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What will happen to mortgage rates in 2009?

Will mortgage rates stay low well into 2010 or are they about to move up? This guide weighs up the evidence…
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Tracker mortgage or fixed-rate mortgage – Which should you choose?

How do you decide whether to get a fixed-rate or tracker mortgage, and is there a good compromise...
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Trackers look cheap but beware rising interest rates

Beware of the 'cheap' tracker mortgage

Stop! Is that tracker mortgage you’re about to sign up for, going to cost too much in the long-run?
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Repossession: What to do if you can’t pay your mortgage

Are you worried about having your home repossessed? Our guide explains what you should do if you can’t pay your mortgage…
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Do I need to worry about negative equity?

We explain what negative equity is, how to work out whether you are in negative equity and how to avoid it…
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Capped tracker and droplock mortgages – The perfect compromise?

Torn between a fixed-rate mortgage and a tracker? A capped tracker or mortgage with a droplock option could offer the ideal solution...
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Mortgages - Top 10 predictions for 2020

What will the future hold for mortgages in a post-credit crunch world? Here are some pointers from top mortgage experts...
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Mortgages: What the 2009 Budget means for homeowners

If you’ve got a mortgage or are trying to get on the first rung of the property ladder, don’t miss this essential guide to what was in the Budget for you…
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The seven types of mortgage

When it comes to mortgages, the variety is almost endless. Make sense of the seven most common varieties with our no-nonsense guide...
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Switching mortgages – Top 10 tips

If you are considering switching mortgages, make sure you follow our top 10 tips to get the best deal…
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How big a deposit do I need to get a mortgage?

The size of your deposit is a crucial factor when it comes to getting a decent mortgage, in the current market. But how big does it need to be?
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Fixed-rate mortgages

Our guide introduces you to fixed-rate mortgages, explains how fixed-rate deals work and looks at the advantages and disadvantages...
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Is now a good time to get a fixed-rate mortgage?

Many people on tracker mortgage deals are benefiting from low interest rates. So why are professionals suggesting they switch to a fixed-rate deal?
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SVRs - Standard variable mortgage rates explained

This guide explains the basics of SVRs and looks at how they have been affected by the credit crunch...
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Variable-rate Mortgages

This guide will explain everything you need to know about variable rate mortgages, how they work and their advantages and disadvantages...
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Repayment mortgages

If you’re looking to buy a property now, should you choose a repayment or interest-only mortgage? What are the benefits of a repayment mortgage, and are there any drawbacks?
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Interest-only mortgages

What are the pros and cons of taking out an interest-only mortgage, and who are they suitable for?
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Tracker mortgages

With base rate cuts coming thick and fast, tracker mortgages have looked particularly appealing recently. But what are they and is getting one a good idea?
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Discount mortgages

This guide will explain everything you need to know about discount mortgages, how they work and the advantages and disadvantages you need to be aware of...
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Mortgages for first time buyers

Despite recent panic there are still a variety of mortgage products on the market for first time buyers, but to get the best deal you have to do your research...
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Remortgaging

Remortgaging onto a better mortgage deal could save you hundreds, if not thousands of pounds. This guide takes you through the process step-by-step...
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Mortgage overpayment

Overpaying your mortgage can save you thousands if not tens of thousands of pounds. We look at the ways to do it well…
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Offset mortgages

What are offset mortgages, how do they work and how can they save me money?
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Do I need mortgage protection cover?

There’s no avoiding it – we should all examine our need for mortgage protection cover (MPPI) as it seems no-one will escape the chill of the recession...
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Should I use a mortgage broker?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a mortgage broker? What are my other options when trying to find the best deal?
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100% mortgages - What are the alternatives?

The death of 100% mortgages has left many people struggling to remortgage and others unable to get on the housing ladder. What options are left?
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Bad credit mortgages

These days it can be hard to get a mortgage even if you have a good credit history, but what if you don’t? We take a close look at adverse mortgages…
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French mortgages: A beginner’s guide

Our basic guide to French mortgages explains everything you need to know if you’re considering buying a property in France...
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Taking out a French mortgage

With a number of mortgage products available on the French market, choosing the right one for your circumstances is an important decision...
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Top 10 tips for mortgages in France

It’s getting more and more popular to use a French mortgage to finance your property purchase abroad. Here are 10 great tips to make sure your purchase and the mortgage approval process runs smoothly...
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Switching mortgages - What to think about

Switching mortgages - What to consider

Switching mortgages could save you hundreds if not thousands of pounds. If you’re thinking of switching mortgages, there are plenty of things to bear in mind...
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Commercial mortgages – An introduction

Thinking about taking out a commercial mortgage? Our guide will help you make the right decision and get the best deal for your circumstances...
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What are early repayment charges?

Early repayment charges can cost you thousands of pounds. This guide explains when and why they are charged and how to avoid paying them…
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Moving house – 10 things you need to do when you move in

Are you moving house? Here’s a handy checklist of 10 things you need to do when you move into your new home...
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Capped mortgages

Not sure whether to fix your mortgage or take a chance on a cheap tracker? A capped mortgage could offer an attractive compromise…
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THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING ANY DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

Mortgages

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Mortgage guides

Browse our full range of mortgage guides