Guides

Feeling a bit lost in the world of mortgages? Don't worry, you're not alone! Our helpful library of mortgage guides is here to be your friendly companion, lighting the way at every step of your UK property adventure. Whether you're just starting out as a first-time buyer and terms like 'LTV' (Loan to Value), 'Standard Variable Rate' (SVR), or 'Agreement in Principle' (AIP) sound like another language, or maybe you've been around the property block and are looking to remortgage for a better deal or even dip your toes into buy-to-let – we've got you covered! We take all those complicated financial and legal bits and explain them in simple, straightforward ways you can understand.

Come on in and explore our easy-to-understand explanations of all the different kinds of mortgages you’ll find in the UK. We'll chat about fixed-rate mortgages (and help you think about how long you might want to fix for), variable-rate options like tracker mortgages (and how they bop along with the Bank of England base rate), and discounted variable rates. We also untangle trickier ones like offset mortgages, showing you how they could cleverly use your savings, and talk honestly about interest-only mortgages. Plus, we’ll give you the lowdown on helpful government schemes like Shared Ownership, or how things like Lifetime ISAs can give your deposit a boost.

We know getting your finances sorted can feel like a big job, so we'll guide you through it step-by-step. You’ll find handy tips on how to polish up your credit position with the UK credit reference agencies, why having a clear budget is a game-changer, and smart ways to save up that all-important deposit. We’ll even help you get your head around those extra costs like Stamp Duty Land Tax (or Land and Buildings Transaction Tax if you're in Scotland, and Land Transaction Tax in Wales), solicitors' fees, and what to expect with survey costs. Our aim is to help you confidently figure out how much you might be able to borrow and understand what lenders are looking for.

And when it comes to the actual mortgage application? We’ll make that feel less like a maze too! We’ll explain what paperwork you’ll need to gather (think payslips, P60s, bank statements, and proof of who you are), explain what a 'Decision in Principle' really means for you, and give you a heads-up on what happens during the lender’s underwriting checks. We’ll also help you understand the conveyancing process (that’s the legal bit), the part your solicitor plays, and what to look forward to as you get closer to exchanging contracts and finally getting those keys!

Our goal is for you to feel clued-up and understand the mortgage journey. We want you to feel confident, ready to ask all your questions, and able to really weigh up the advice you get. That way, you can make smart money moves that feel right for you, both now and for your future in your wonderful new home, navigating the property market like a pro.