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Mortgages guides
Compare conveyancing quotes in your area
Conveyancing is the legal transfer of ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. Read our guide to understand more about conveyancing and how to find Uswtich's best conveyancing quotes.
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What size mortgage can I get and how much can I borrow?
Finding the size of mortgage you can get before you start house hunting is a sensible move and can help you set your budget.
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How does an Islamic or halal mortgage work?
The Islamic or halal mortgage process is slightly different, allowing customers to get finance to buy a home without paying any interest.
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How to get a mortgage
To get a mortgage you need to have at least a 5% deposit for a home as well as meeting affordability and credit score criteria with a lender.
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When should I fix a mortgage rate?
Fixed rate mortgages rates are getting increasingly competitive, with rates at all time lows, but is 2015 the year to fix your rate?
Learn moreWhat are mortgage rate discounts and deals?
Are discounted mortgage deals too good to be true? Is a discount mortgage the best type of mortgages for you? What are the downsides? Read the Uswitch Guide.
Learn moreOffset mortgages
Offset mortgages can reduce the mortgage interest you pay and cut your mortgage term by years. Find out if an offset mortgage is right for you with Uswitch.
Learn moreJoint tenancy home buying
A joint tenancy when home buying means you have joint ownership with someone else sharing the ownership, responsibilities and rights.
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Is the lowest mortgage rate always the cheapest?
The cost of a mortgage is almost entirely defined by the interest rate, so the lower the rate, the cheaper your mortgage will be - Read the Uswitch Guide
Learn moreCould you afford your mortgage if rates rise?
The mortgage interest rate determines how much your monthly repayments will cost. The higher your interest rate, the higher your mortgage repayments.
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How to build your own home
Find out more about how to build your own home. Building your own home could be cheaper than buying a house, but there's a lot to consider.
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Buy to let remortgage deals explained
A remortgage deal is a mortgage you can switch to from an existing mortgage and a buy to let mortgage is a mortgage you take out specifically for renting to tenants. Find out about buy to let remortgages here.
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Equity release mortgages
Equity release involves unlocking the value of your property and turning it into cash. Find out all you need to know about equity release mortgages in our guide.
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Why buying a home is better than renting
In the long run buying a home is usually better value than renting. Despite the large upfront costs that come with paying a deposit, legal and mortgage fees
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Who can get a mortgage?
Mortgages are typically most accessible to people aged between 25 and 40, who have a larger than average and reliable income and sizeable savings
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Who are the biggest mortgage lenders in the UK?
The largest UK mortgage providers are often Lloyds, Santander, Nationwide, Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland and HSBC
Learn moreWhen should you remortgage?
You should look to remortgage to a new deal when your current introductory mortgage rate is close to ending, but not before - Read the Uswitch Guide
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What Mortgage Fees are there and how do they work?
The final true cost of you home move can be calculated when you consider and understand all fees associated with your mortgage - Read the Uswitch Guide
Learn moreWhat is LTV? How to Calculate LTV - Loan to Value Ratio
LTV, or loan-to-value, is the size of mortgage compared to how much your property is worth. Do have enough equity to qualify for the best mortgage rates?
Learn moreHow to Apply for a Mortgage?
To apply for a mortgage you need as minimum as three months bank statements, proof of income and your passport or any other identification
Learn moreWhat are consumer buy to let mortgages?
Consumer buy to let mortgages are regulated as residential mortgages aimed at 'accidental' or non-professional landlords
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Ultimate first time buyer guide: how much money do you need to buy a house?
Discover the costs that could arise when buying your first home and how you could make your money go further
Learn moreTwo Year Fixed Rate Mortgages - Pros and Cons
A two year fixed rate mortgage will protect you against potential interest rate rises. Read all about the pros and cons of two year fixed rate mortgages.
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Tracker mortgages - what are they and how do they work?
Your questions on tracker mortgages. Find out what a tracker mortgage is, see tracker mortgage rates and compare tracker mortgage deals with Uswitch
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Step by step guide to buying a home
In this step by step guide to buying a home, we explain different steps that one needs to take before buying a home
Learn moreHow Much is Stamp Duty?
Stamp Duty is a lump sum tax that is owed when purchasing a property or land that is valued over a certain amount.
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Should you make mortgage overpayments?
Mortgage overpayments can save you thousands of pounds in interest, but there are some potential fees to consider before doing so - Read the Uswitch Guide
Learn moreShould You Get Your Mortgage From Your Bank?
Your bank already knows your circumstances and can get an idea of your reliability with less effort when it comes to assessing your mortgage application
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Shared ownership explained
Can shared ownership mortgages be your best chance of getting a foot on the property ladder?
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How to Get a Mortgage if You're Self-Employed - Uswitch.com
If you work for yourself as a freelancer or contractor or are classed as self employed and are looking for a mortgage? Read our self-employed mortgage guide
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Self build mortgages
Self build mortgages can give you the financing you need to make that dream home a reality.
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Second Home Mortgages - Uswitch explains
A second home mortgage is a mortgage for buying a second home -Â not to be confused with getting a remortgage or second charge mortgage.
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Residential mortgages
Learn all about the largest and most common form of credit in the UK - a residential mortgage, helping millions of us buy homes.
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Rent to Buy | What is it and how can it help you?
What is Rent to Buy? Find out if the government’s Rent to Buy right scheme is right for you, and how to find the right home for you.
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Remortgaging: The Best Deals and Debt Consolidation
Remortgaging your property can offer a better deal on your monthly repayments or a chance to consolidate your debts. Compare remortgage deals with Uswitch.
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Remortgage to get a buy to let property
Remortgaging to buy a rental property, or buy to let property, could be one way to raise enough cash to get the deposit for a buy to let mortgage
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Porting Your Mortgage - Keep Your Mortgage on The Move
If you are moving home you might be able to keep your existing mortgage and move it over to your new property - this is known as porting
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Can you pay off a mortgage early?
Is paying a mortgage off early always a good thing? We explain what your options are, and the benefits if you want to clear your mortgage ahead of time. We also explain what the alternatives are if the repayment penalty is just too costly.
Learn moreNo deposit mortgages
No deposit mortgages are mortgages that give you a 100% Loan to Value ratio (LTV), aimed at customers who do not have a deposit to put up to buy a home
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Moving home tips | Your guide to moving home - Uswitch
Moving home can be among the most stressful things to do, but a lot of that stress can be mitigated by a bit of planning in advance.
Learn moreMortgages UK - Uswitch
How do mortgages in the UK work? Who are the biggest lenders and what do you need to know about the British mortgage market?
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Mortgages for Contractor, Self Employed or a Limited Company
Mortgage affordability criteria requires a proof of regular salary, sufficient income enough to meet your mortgage repayments
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Mortgages for new build homes
Buying a new build home off-plan you may find it a lot harder to get a mortgage than for a new build home that has already been built
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Mortgages for Holiday Lets - Uswitch Guide to Holiday Lets
Learn more about financing holiday home properties. Looking for a holiday let mortgage? Find out if you could get a mortgage for a holiday home
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Mortgage Guide: Essential Information on Mortgages
Looking for mortgage information? Use the mortgage guide for the essential facts you need to make an informed choice about your mortgage today.
Learn moreMortgage Terminology - A to Z - What You Need to Know
We have put together a mortgage glossary to help even the experienced homeowner get to grips with all of the important terminology
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Mortgage repayment holidays
A repayment holiday is an agreement with a lender to allow you to take a break usually for a month or two or perhaps longer from your usual payment plan.
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Mortgage Market Review - What is the MMR?
The mortgage market review is a fundamental change to the UK's mortgage market, but what is the mortgage market review or MMR?
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Mortgage Rates and Interest Rates: How They Affect You
Are mortgage interest rates going up or down? What kind of mortgage has the best fixed rate, tracker, offset? Compare mortgage interest rates
Learn moreMortgage costs - how to compare mortgages
Mortgages are often complicated products, with a lot to take into account. But, you can compare the cost of different mortgages by looking at monthly repayments.
Learn moreFee-free and low-fee mortgages
The mortgage set up fee, also known as the mortgage arrangement fee, is the cost the bank or building society charges for setting up the mortgage
Learn moreIs remortgaging worth it?
Remortgaging to a new deal and new lender can save you lots of Money, it can also land you with Early repayment charges, exit fees and high SVR
Learn moreInterest Rate UK - What to Expect and How to Prepare
The Bank of England base rate is the official borrowing rate and currently stands at 0.1%. This base rate influences UK interest rates, which can increase (or decrease) mortgage rates and your monthly repayments.
Learn moreInterest-only mortgages - Uswitch explains how they work
Interest-only mortgages offer cheaper monthly repayments but what's the catch?
Learn moreHow to use an online mortgage broker
A mortgage broker is a middleman between you and your mortgage lender, but do you need one? Find out what you need to know with Uswitch.
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How to save for a mortgage deposit
Saving for a mortgage deposit typically takes around ten years and requires careful planning and discipline with your money
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How to get independent mortgage advice
Independent mortgage advice is a helpful way of finding the right deal for you amid a complicated and overwhelming range of home buying options.
Learn moreBuying a Second Home and Getting a Mortgage - Uswitch
Getting a second mortgage is a separate mortgage taken out on an additional or second property, leaving you with two concurrent mortgages to pay off.
Learn moreHow to buy a house
To buy a house you need to set a budget, find a home you can afford, apply for a mortgage and transfer funds to the seller
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How to become a buy to let landlord - Uswitch
Investing in buy to let property has become a popular in recent years, what do you need to know before you become a buy to let landlord?
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How to add value to your home
Your home's value can fluctuate according to the market, but you can also increase its value by taking a few steps. Our guide explains further.
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How much deposit do I need to buy a house?
Having the right amount of deposit to buy a house can make a huge difference in getting the best mortgage deal. Read on how to save for a mortgage deposit.
Learn moreHow many different types of mortgage are there?
With fixed rate, variable rate or tracker rate mortgages, the option to pay interest only, capital, offset, finding the right mortgage can be difficult
Learn moreMortgage Offer Validity - How Long is The Offer Valid
The length of a mortgage offer will vary from lender to lender, but is usually valid for a period between around 3 months and 6 months.
Learn moreHow long does it take to get a mortgage?
The time it takes to get a mortgage will depend on a number of factors: having good credit rating, reliable and steady income, mortgage valuation survey. Find out more with our comprehensive guide.
Learn moreHow long do I have to save to get a mortgage?
The average deposit size to get a mortgage is generally 20% of the property value, which means you will likely need somewhere between £20,000 and £50,000
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How does a mortgage application work?
Discover what is needed to complete a successful mortgage application. What information lenders need to accept, process and approve your application
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House valuation - how to get a house valuation
A house valuation will tell you about the property and how much it might potentially cost. Our guide explains how to get a free house valuation.
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Home Buying & Moving Costs |The Facts of Buying a Home
Home buying, moving and mortgage costs. Uswitch guide to all the costs of buying a house, including deposit, solicitor fees, stamp duty and conveyancing.
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Help to Buy
Find out if you meet the criteria for a Help to Buy mortgage and learn more about the UK government's homeownership scheme.
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Help your kids on the property ladder – guarantor mortgages and more
Parents, families and friends can help out first time buyers with deposits, a guarantor mortgage or family offset mortgages. We reveal what's involved.
Learn moreGifted deposit for a mortgage
Many first time buyers get help from their parents, but if you are being gifted a deposit, here are some things you need to watch out for.
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Getting a mortgage when you’re older
Once you're over 50 your mortgage options begin to change, so it's worth carefully considering your options. Our guide shows you the options.
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What is Gazumping? A Guide to Gazumping
Gazumping is when a buyer had an offer accepted at the end of the purchase but the seller at last minute has decided to accept an offer from another buyer
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Should I choose a fixed, variable or tracker mortgage?
Which mortgage is best for you? Read our guide to fixed rate versus standard variable rate mortgages and what mortgage interest rates mean.
Learn moreFixed Rate Mortgages - Guide - Uswitch
Is a fixed rate mortgage right for you? If you're not sure Uswitch is here to help. Find out all about the advantages and disadvantages
Learn moreFive year fixed rate mortgages - are they right for you?
Find the best 5 year fixed rate mortgage for you with the help of our guide and mortgage comparison service.
Learn moreFirst-time buyers: managing your finances
Eight excellent tips for first-time buyers. Things are tough for first-time buyers, learn how to find a mortgage, buy a house on the property ladder
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First Time Home Buyer Mortgage Guide
Our first time buyer guide will help you choose between a first time home buyer mortgage, help to buy mortgage, and other first buyer schemes.
Learn moreHow to access equity - remortgaging for a cash lump sum
What is equity and how can you access it? We explain how you can remortgage to release equity, getting cash from your home.
Learn moreDo you need a mortgage broker?
A mortgage broker is someone who compares the market for mortgages and provides impartial advice to help you find the right deal
Learn moreDeposit Protection Schemes - Guide to Renting a Home
The deposit protection scheme is a vital safeguard for the millions of tenants renting their property across the UK. Learn how it all works in our guide.
Learn moreCapital Gains Tax - What is Capital Gains Tax?
Capital gains tax is a tax on the profit you make when selling or disposing of an asset. The tax is only the profit, i.e. the gains.
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Can I get a loan to buy a house?
How to get a deposit for a house? Is taking out a loan for house deposit an option? Read our guide to find out more.
Learn moreCan I get a mortgage without a credit check?
Your credit score will be looked at when you apply for any type of mortgage and often have more stringent lending criteria to loans - Read the Uswitch Guide
Learn moreCan I afford a mortgage?
Understanding what mortgage and repayments you can realistically afford is essential to know what size property you can purchase & how much deposit you need
Learn moreBuy to let mortgages
A buy to let (or BTL) mortgage in the UK allows you to borrow money to purchase a property that you can rent out. You can find and compare buy to let mortgages with Uswitch, and try to find the best mortgage for your needs, whether that's a tracker, fixed or variable rate deal.
Learn moreBuild to rent homes
Build to rent refers to an emerging sector in the housing market involving large scale developments built mainly for the use by private renters
Learn moreBridging Finance for Mortgages - Uswitch
A bridging loan is a form of financing that allows you to borrow money on a short-term basis in the gap between buying a new home and selling your old one.
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Bank of England base rate
The base rate is the UK interest rate set by the Bank of England. A change in the base rate is likely to affect your mortgage rate. By understanding what it is and how it works, you can avoid paying more than you need to.
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Buying a house with bad credit
Your questions on bad credit mortgages answered. Bad credit mortgages do exist - find out how and where to get a mortgage if you have a bad credit history
Learn moreAre cashback mortgages worth it?
A cashback mortgage will give you a cash lump sum when you successfully apply for one, but catches do apply so make sure you know what to look out for.
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10 year Fixed Rate Mortgages - Uswitch.com
A 10 year fixed rate mortgage deal will fix your interest rates and monthly repayments at the same level for 10 years
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