Mortgages

For most first-time buyers, and plenty of people who've done it before, the mortgage process feels like a black box. You hand over your documents, your application goes in, and then... you wait. And wonder. And occasionally panic when you haven't heard anything for a few days. It doesn't have to feel that way. Here's exactly what happens after you apply, from the first conversation all the way to the day you pick up your keys.

A study published by Lloyds Bank in August 2026 found that more than a third of prospective first-time buyers are so worried about being rejected that they haven't even started the conversation. Many are making real sacrifices - delaying travel, putting off marriage, not having children - while waiting to hit a financial standard they've invented for themselves. Here are the most common myths we hear and what's actually true.

The Bank of England has held the base rate for the SIXTH consecutive time at 3.75%. For many homeowners and buyers, this will come as a mixed signal. Here's what it actually means for your mortgage.

Autumn tends to be one of the busiest periods in the property market. People who spent the summer browsing start making moves. Homeowners with deals ending before Christmas begin to feel the urgency. And anyone who has been sitting on the fence about remortgaging starts to wonder whether now is finally the right time. This year, there's a little more to consider than usual. Here's a straightforward look at where mortgage rates stand right now, what's been driving them, an

If you run your business through a limited company, there's a good chance you're underselling yourself when it comes to getting a mortgage. Not intentionally. Just because the way most lenders assess your income doesn't reflect what your business actually earns, and most directors don't know there's another way.

Most homeowners know they need to do something when their fixed rate ends. What most don't know is just how early they can start. The assumption is that remortgaging is something you deal with in the final weeks before your deal expires. In reality, you could be securing your next rate right now, even if your current deal has almost a year left to run. That's not a loophole. It's simply how the mortgage market works and knowing about it could save you a significant amoun

Bringing a new baby home is one of life's biggest moments. And for a lot of growing families, it also brings a very natural question - is the home we're in still the right one? Maybe you've outgrown your current place. Maybe a second bedroom has gone from a nice-to-have to a genuine need. Maybe you're thinking about schools, space, a garden, a quieter street. Whatever the reason, the desire to move when a family is growing is completely understandable.

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. It can feel overwhelming at first as there's a lot of information out there, a lot of people with opinions, and a lot of steps between where you are now and holding the keys. But when you strip it back, getting the foundations right comes down to three things. Get these in place early, and everything else becomes a lot more manageable. 1. Have a Clear Budget in Mind Before you look at a single property, you need

If you're self-employed and declaring a salary of £12,570, the personal allowance threshold, you're in good company. It's one of the most common and tax-efficient ways for limited company directors and business owners to pay themselves. It's also one of the most misunderstood situations in the mortgage world. Many people in this position assume they simply won't qualify for a mortgage. Their declared salary looks low on paper, their accountant has done exactly the right thing

When it comes to getting a mortgage, most people assume the simplest route is to go straight to their bank. It's familiar, it feels straightforward, and it seems like one less thing to organise. But simple isn't always the same as best. And when you're taking on what is likely the biggest financial commitment of your life, the difference between the two can cost you, or save you, a significant amount of money. Here's an honest look at both options. Going Direct to a Lender

Do You Feel Stuck as a Renter? Buying Your First Home Could Be Easier Than You Think

Why Getting Declined Isn't Always the End of the Story

There's a myth that follows self-employed people around, that getting a mortgage is somehow out of reach. That lenders won't take you seriously. That without a payslip, you don't stand a chance.

When most people plan to buy a home, they focus on one number - the deposit. Save enough for that, and the rest will follow. But the deposit is just the beginning.

Most people have banked in the same place for years. So when a mortgage comes up, it feels natural to start there. But it doesn't guarantee you the best deal.

A lot of people put off buying a home because they think their credit isn't good enough. But that assumption stops a lot of people from finding out what's actually possible.

If you’ve ever been told you have bad credit, you might assume homeownership is off the table. The truth? Bad credit doesn’t automatically mean no mortgage.

Many assume mortgage rates are still painfully high, so they delay. The truth? Mortgage rates have started to reduce - and opportunities are opening up right now.

Many people put off speaking to a mortgage adviser because they think they’re not prepared. The truth? Getting mortgage-ready is simpler than most people think.

Many people worry that their bank statements will instantly stop them getting a mortgage. The truth? It’s rarely that simple.