UK mortgages made simple, so you can borrow with confidence.

Mortgage Guides

New to mortgages, or want to understand the process? Our mortgage guides explain affordability and what lenders look at, the application process and the documents you need, plus jargon, valuations, surveys and conveyancing. Learn how to use a mortgage broker, improve your approval chances and get help with arrears, so you can navigate every stage with confidence.

New-build mortgages explained

New-build mortgages explained: how valuations and the new-build premium work, mortgage offer validity and build delays, developer incentives, new-build schemes, lenders' rules and warranties and snagging.

8 June 2026 6 min

Product transfer vs remortgage: which is better?

Product transfer versus remortgage: what each is, the advantages of staying with your lender versus switching, why your lender's offer may not be best, and how to decide which is better.

7 June 2026 6 min

When is the best time to remortgage?

The best time to remortgage: starting before your deal ends, how far ahead to begin, locking in a rate early, avoiding the standard variable rate, and timing around early repayment charges.

26 May 2026 6 min

How to get the best mortgage rate

How to get the best mortgage rate: building a larger deposit for a lower LTV, improving your credit, comparing the true cost including fees with the APRC, choosing the right product, using a broker and timing your application.

22 May 2026 6 min

Limited company buy-to-let: pros and cons

Limited company buy-to-let: what it means, why landlords use it for tax, the easier rental cover ratio, the rate premium and fees, corporation tax and extracting profits, the costs and when it makes sense.

18 May 2026 6 min

Downsizing in retirement

Downsizing in retirement: how moving to a smaller home releases equity outright without borrowing, the lower running costs, the moving costs and stamp duty, the emotional side, and how it compares with equity release.

12 May 2026 6 min

How the Bank of England base rate affects your mortgage

How the Bank of England base rate affects your mortgage: what it is, how it affects trackers directly, the SVR and discounts, fixed rates and swap rates, how changes feed through and what to do when it changes.

10 May 2026 6 min

Fixed vs variable rate mortgages: which is right?

Fixed versus variable rate mortgages: the two broad types, how each works, the pros and cons of fixing and of variable rates, the current rate context and how to decide which is right for you.

17 April 2026 6 min

First-time landlord: how to get started

A first-time landlord guide: whether newcomers can get buy-to-let, researching the investment and yield, the deposit and costs, choosing a property, the mortgage, legal responsibilities, agents and building a buffer.

7 April 2026 6 min

Contractor mortgages explained

Contractor mortgages explained: why accounts can understate a contractor's income, the day rate method (day rate times five days times around 46 to 48 weeks), a worked example, the requirements, and finding a specialist lender.

6 April 2026 6 min

Later life mortgage options explained

An overview of later life mortgage options: standard mortgages within age limits, retirement interest-only mortgages, equity release and lifetime mortgages, home reversion plans and downsizing, and why specialist advice matters.

4 April 2026 6 min

Mortgage chains explained and how to avoid delays

Mortgage chains explained: what a chain is, how they form, why they cause delays, chain-free buyers and sellers, how to reduce chain risk, what happens if a chain breaks and keeping your part moving.

4 April 2026 6 min