mortgage

A couple looking at houses on a laptop and a phone.

Here’s what mortgage lenders consider when carrying out affordability tests

Applying for a mortgage can be stressful. You might worry a lender will reject your application and the effect it could have on your plans. A better understanding of what lenders are considering when making a decision may be useful and could reduce anxiety. Even if you’ve been through the mortgage process before, rising interest rates could mean you feel ...
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How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early – A Complete Guide

For many, owning a property mortgage free is the ultimate financial goal. A mortgage can be a significant burden on your finances, and the idea of paying it off early can seem daunting. However, with some careful planning and determination, you can achieve this goal and enjoy the benefits of being mortgage-free sooner than you think. In this guide, we’ll ...
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A family unpacking boxes in a new home.

100% mortgages return to the market. Are they a solution for first-time buyers?

Aspiring homeowners who are struggling to save a deposit could now make use of 100% mortgages as they return to the market. While they could be valuable, there are some drawbacks to weigh up. Mortgages that don’t require a deposit have been available in the past. However, they’ve been absent from the market for several years as lenders sought to ...
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A man and two children walking through the front door of their home.

Self-employed? Read these 6 useful tips before applying for a mortgage

Self-employed workers have always faced additional challenges when trying to get on the property ladder. But stringent affordability tests mean it’s becoming even more difficult to secure a mortgage. Government statistics show in 2021 around 13% of the UK’s labour force was self-employed. So, the barriers for self-employed workers are something thousands of aspiring homeowners need to overcome every year. ...
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If your mortgage repayments have increased, you should review your financial protection

Over the last year, interest rates have steadily increased. If you have a mortgage, it may have affected your repayments, or could in the future. So, does your financial protection still provide the cover you need? The Bank of England has increased its base interest rate to tackle high inflation, which has led to a rise in the cost of ...
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A couple reviewing paperwork with a professional.

3 useful ways a mortgage broker can help you navigate a market that changes quickly

Mortgage deals have a record low shelf life, and the market is changing quickly. If you’re searching for a new mortgage, it can make it difficult to find the right deal for you. In a situation like this, a mortgage broker can lend support. The average mortgage shelf life has fallen to just 15 days According to a report in ...
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Millions of fixed-rate mortgages are ending. Discover 6 practical steps you can take now

Over the last year, interest rates have increased from historic lows. Fixed-rate mortgage payers that have been shielded from the rises so far could find their outgoings rise if their deal ends in 2023. The Bank of England increased its base interest rate several times over the last 12 months to tackle high levels of inflation. For savers, it’s been ...
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5 fantastic reasons to work with a mortgage broker

While you can take out a mortgage without the support of a mortgage broker, their help can be invaluable. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home or remortgaging, a broker can help you understand all your options and could help you save money. Here are five reasons to choose an independent broker. How could a mortgage broker help you? 1. ...
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As interest rates rise, should you overpay your mortgage?

After more than a decade of cheap borrowing, interest rates are rising. If you’re paying off a mortgage, making overpayments could save you money. The Bank of England has increased interest rates to tackle high inflation. That means the cost of borrowing has increased and it could mean your mortgage costs you far more overall. If you have a tracker- ...
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A for sale sign on a house.

Mortgage lenders are told they can scrap affordability rules. Here’s why it’s still important to assess your budget

The Bank of England’s (BoE) decision to scrap some affordability tests for people taking out a mortgage could mean you’re able to borrow higher sums. However, it’s still crucial that you have confidence in your budget and don’t overextend yourself.   From 1 August 2022, lenders won’t have to carry out affordability tests that assess how buyers would cope if interest ...
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