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Mortgages guides

Check out our helpful guides to have all of your burning questions about mortgages explained. Covering a wide range of topics, from mortgage terminology and statistics, through to sourcing reputable mortgage advice from a broker when you're looking to buy, move or remortgage your property:

Bank of England base rate
05 February 2026

Bank Of England Base Rate - Current, Predictions & Next Review 2026

The base rate is the UK interest rate set by the Bank of England. A change in the base rate may affect your mortgage rate.

rented housing block
23 October 2025

Buying vs Renting A House - Which Is Better?

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

Costs for buying a home
22 October 2025

Costs & Fees Involved In Buying A House 2026

Home buying, moving and mortgage costs. Uswitch guide to all the costs of buying a house, including deposit, solicitor fees, stamp duty and conveyancing.

Young couple surrounded by boxes after porting their mortgage
22 October 2025

Porting Your Mortgage Deal

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

25 September 2025

Self-employed mortgages guide: Compare best self-employed mortgages

Get the best self-employed mortgage for you. Plus, find out if it's harder to get one, how much you can borrow and what documents you need.

Two hands are shaking across a table and in the background another hand holds a key. On the table is a tiny model of a house and a form with a pen
04 September 2025

Should I Use A Mortgage Broker Or Bank, Which Is Better?

The bank vs mortgage broker debate is the first focus for many getting a mortgage. Your bank might seem like an easier option, but is this limiting your options, and if so, how?

Islamic business lady signing an agreement for an Islamic / halal mortgage
14 August 2025

What is an Islamic mortgage? | How they work

The Islamic or halal mortgage process is slightly different, allowing customers to get finance to buy a home in compliance with Sharia law

How to avoid gazumping. Image of an under off sign board.
24 July 2025

Gazumping: What Is It, And Is It Legal?

Gazumping is when a seller accepts a better offer on their property after a sale has already been agreed with another buyer, but before contracts have been exchanged.

Gifted deposit for a mortgage
17 July 2025

What is LTV? How to calculate your loan to value ratio

LTV, or loan-to-value, is the percentage you are borrowing of the property value when you get a mortgage. It affects the interest rates lenders charge.

New build homes - how do you get a mortgage for a house that's still being built?
19 June 2025

New Build Mortgages 2026 | New Home Mortgage Rates & Deals

You may find it slightly more challenging to get a mortgage for a new build home, and there are some key things to consider. We share some tips to help you

What is equity and how to use it for borrowing?
19 June 2025

Should I Go For Fixed Or Variable Rate Mortgage?

Our guide looks at variable vs fixed-rate mortgages and how to decide which one is right for your circumstances.

Are cashback mortgages worth it?
19 June 2025

How To Get A Mortgage In 2026 - A Step-By-Step Guide

Applying for a mortgage can be daunting, but our guide explains everything you need to know, including what documents you need and how a broker can help.

How to get a second mortgage
05 June 2025

Second Home Mortgages in 2026 - How To Get A Second Mortgage

A second home mortgage is a mortgage for buying a second home - not to be confused with getting a remortgage or second charge mortgage.

How to save for a mortgage deposit. Image of someone dropping coins in a jar labelled mortgage
17 April 2025

How To Save For A Mortgage Deposit

Saving for a mortgage deposit can be difficult for today’s first-time buyer. Find out how to save more quickly and effectively to get on the property ladder sooner than you think

Guide to can you get a loan for a mortgage deposit?
10 February 2025

Can You Get A Loan For A Mortgage Deposit?

Is taking out a loan for a house deposit an option? We explain whether this is possible and how it could affect your chances of getting a mortgage.

What is equity and how to use it for borrowing?
30 December 2024

Remortgage To Release Equity

What is equity and how can you access it? We explain how you can remortgage to release equity, getting cash from your home.

A wooden desk has the following items strewn on it: a calculator, some bank notes, a key, a diary and a notepad with the word 'Remortgage' hand written in bold black ink
01 August 2024

When Should You Remortgage?

Whatever your reason for remortgaging, timing is everything. We look at when remortgaging can be most beneficial, and when it may be best to avoid it

Mortgages for holiday lets. With the right mortgage you could buy a stone cottage on a pretty country road like this one. Perfect to let out to holiday makers or on AirBNB
01 August 2023

Holiday Let Mortgages

Looking for a holiday let mortgage? Find out if you could get a mortgage for a holiday home and how to find the best rates available.

Are cashback mortgages worth it?
21 April 2023

Different Types Of Mortgages Explained

There are lots of different types of mortgages - our guide explains them all to help you decide the right option for you.

Gifted deposit for a mortgage
12 April 2023

Mortgage Offers Explained: How Long Do Mortgage Offers Last?

Read our guide to find out everything you need to know about mortgage offers, from how long they lost and how they differ from a mortgage in principle.

On a wooden desk lays an orange calculator, a small model of a green house with a red roof and a blue card with the words 'mortgage payment holiday' in bold print.
24 February 2023

Mortgage Repayment Holidays

A repayment holiday is an agreement with your lender to take a break from your monthly mortgage payments, we look at how this impacts you in the long term

A wall full of grey, numbered safety deposit boxes, one of which is open, displaying a red metal container to secure goods
15 February 2023

Deposit Protection Schemes

The deposit protection scheme is a vital safeguard for tenants and landlords alike, find out your responsibilities under the scheme as a residential landlord

A young white woman dressed entirely in mustard yellow and standing against a mustard yellow backdrop holds a fan of UK bank notes in her right hand. He left hand is pointing to the money and she has a big smile on her face.
14 December 2022

How Much Can I Borrow For A Mortgage

Finding out how much you can borrow before you look for a home is a good idea. We look at how lenders decide what size of mortgage they will offer you

A hessian door mat which has the words 'Home sweet home' printed on it sits on the floor of a sunny hallway, surrounded by cardboard boxes and a house plant
30 November 2022

Moving House Checklist 2026 - Who To Notify

Moving home is among the most stressful things to do, but much of that stress can be mitigated by planning in advance. Our advice will help!

A dream kitchen like the one pictured could be one way to add value to your home.
03 December 2021

How To Add Value To Your Home - Our Best Tips From Property Experts

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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Mortgage Types