Mortgage guides

Row of British terraced houses on a residential street
Fixed vs variable rate mortgages

How each type works, what you'll pay, and which suits different situations. With worked examples at current 2026 rates.

 Young couple holding keys outside their first home
First-time buyer guide for 2026

Everything you need to know about buying your first home in the UK this year: deposits, stamp duty relief, Help to Buy alternatives, and the process from offer to keys.

 Modern British house with front garden and driveway
What is LTV and why does it affect your mortgage rate?

Loan-to-value ratio explained with real rate differences at each band. Why a 5% deposit costs you thousands more than 25%.

 Couple reviewing mortgage paperwork at a kitchen table
How remortgaging works

When to switch, what it costs, and how to tell if you're overpaying on your current deal. Step-by-step process for 2026.

 British suburban house with keys on a table
Stamp duty explained

How much SDLT you'll pay at every price point, first-time buyer relief, the additional property surcharge, and the 2026/27 thresholds.

 Person calculating mortgage affordability at a desk
How much can I borrow for a mortgage?

Income multiples explained, what lenders actually look at, the FCA's 2025 rule change, and why the 4.5x cap isn't always the limit. Updated August 2026.