First-time buyer mortgages.
Understand deposits, buying costs and the steps from mortgage application to completion.
A first home brings a lot of firsts. Start with a realistic budget, the costs beyond your deposit and the documents a lender is likely to need. An agreement in principle can be useful, but it is not a guaranteed mortgage offer.
- Set a budget with room for everyday life
- Understand your deposit and buying costs
- Know what happens between offer and keys
Plan my first mortgageMortgages for moving home.
Review your current mortgage, available equity and borrowing options before moving home.
Your current mortgage, available equity and the timing of a sale all matter. A mortgage described as portable still needs lender approval for the new property and your circumstances. Check early repayment charges before deciding to move it or start again.
- Review your current deal and any exit charges
- Think about equity and the next deposit
- Plan for the timing of your sale and purchase
Plan my home moveRemortgaging options.
Compare the costs of staying with your lender or switching when your current deal ends.
Look ahead to when your current deal ends. Compare the overall cost of staying with your lender and moving to another, including any fees and early repayment charges. A lower headline rate does not always mean a lower total cost.
- Find your current balance and deal end date
- Compare fees as well as interest rates
- Allow time for checks and any new application
Plan my remortgageSelf-employed mortgages.
Understand how lenders may assess freelance, sole-trader, company-director and contractor income.
Different lenders assess self-employed income differently. Accounts, tax calculations and business history can help explain the pattern. A recent change in how you work may affect the options available, so a clear picture matters more than a quick guess.
- Bring together accounts and tax records
- Explain changes in income and business structure
- Look at the whole financial picture
Prepare my income detailsBuy-to-let mortgages.
Consider borrowing costs, rental income and the responsibilities of owning a rental property.
Buy-to-let borrowing is assessed differently from a mortgage on your own home. Expected rent, deposit, property type and your wider position may all matter. Allow for maintenance, periods without tenants and tax. Many buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
- Stress-test rental income and running costs
- Understand the deposit and lender criteria
- Take appropriate legal and tax advice
Plan my buy-to-let