Mortgages Explained | Mortgage Tips and Guides

With over 40 years' experience as an independent mortgage adviser, we are perfectly qualified to help and support you through the process of buying a house and arranging a mortgage.

Our range of mortgage guides are tailored to explain mortgages in simple terms, without any jargon or sales talk. Read the guides below for helpful mortgage tips for navigating the UK property market.

Before your mortgage application guides

Types of Houses

There are a few common types of houses in the UK. This guide explains how they’re different, as well as how they can affect your mortgage and insurance needs.

Mortgage Types

It can be confusing understanding all the features of the different products and knowing which one is right for you.

Buying your First Home

Buying a house for the first time doesn’t need to be complicated. From the definition of a first-time buyer, through the steps to buying a property and the costs you’ll face - everything you need to know is in our guide.

House Buying

Are you looking to buy your first home? Or perhaps want to move to a new area? Our step-by-step guide will tell you everything you need to know about buying a house.

Applying for a Mortgage

Applying for a mortgage couldn’t be simpler with our easy and simple guide from application to accepting your offer.

House Mortgage Deposit

Saving a mortgage deposit for a house is definitely one of the biggest hurdles you face as a buyer. In our guide we explain how deposits work and ways you can save.

Help to Buy

There are three main Help to Buy options. In this guide we explain the various schemes and look at who they are for and what the eligibility requirements are.

Right to Buy

The Right to Buy government scheme helps current council tenants and some previous council tenants buy their home at a discount. Find out if you’re eligible in our guide.

Tenants in Common

If you buy a property with someone as tenants in common, you each own a separate share. Find out how this works, how it’s different from joint tenants and more in this guide.

Freehold and Leasehold

Before you buy a property, you need to decide whether you want a freehold or leasehold. In this guide, we explain what they mean and how they affect your mortgage.

Property Finance for Expats

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you should be aware of and prepare yourself for when looking to arrange an expat mortgage or remortgage in the UK.

Stamp Duty Tax

Stamp Duty is a big part of buying a home. In this guide, we’ll explain Stamp Duty and help you understand how it works.

Stamp Duty on Second Homes

How much Stamp Duty do you pay on second homes? In this guide, we explain the rates, how to work out what you’ll pay and when you’re exempt from paying.

Capital Gains Tax

You pay Capital Gains Tax on the profit you make from the sale of a property that’s not your main residence. In our guide we answer all your questions about CGT.

Borrowing Into Retirement

In this guide we’ll outline the options, paths and solutions available to you, from remortgaging, to extending your mortgage and releasing the equity you’ve built up in your home.

Second Property Mortgages

Are you looking to buy a second home and need advice on a second property mortgage? Perhaps you’re planning to buy a holiday home? Read our guide to find out more.

CHANGES TO YOUR MORTGAGE GUIDES

Remortgaging

Remortgaging is when you change your lender and get a different deal altogether. In this guide we explain how it works, when it’s useful and the processes involved.

Moving Home

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or this is the first time you’re selling your home, this guide will help you through the process.

Funding Home Improvements

You can finance home improvements by seeking a further advance, remortgaging, taking out a second charge and more. Our guide explains what options you have and how they affect your mortgage.

Divorce

It’s vitally important that you understand your mortgage options during or following a divorce or separation from a partner. John Charcol’s guide provides the perfect starting point.

Protecting your Home and Property

It's important to understand what protection you must have in place to buy a home and the options open to you to provide you with peace of mind. In this guide we'll look at three types of insurance and why you should consider making a will.

BUY-TO-LET MORTGAGE GUIDES

Buy-to-Let

You can now get a buy-to-let mortgage at interest rates to suit almost any circumstances. Our guide takes you through the choices involved in more detail.

Buy-to-Let Tax Changes

Our simple guide takes you through the current and future changes, explaining what you need to know and how the changes will affect you.

Becoming a Landlord

You can make a lot of money from becoming a landlord – if you make smart choices. Our guide explains how it all works and contains tips to help you be successful.

Limited Company Buy-to-Let

In this guide we look at the key points you should consider when deciding if setting up as a limited company is right for you.

Tax on Rental Income

What don’t you know about the tax on rental income? Our guide gives landlords insight on how it’s applied, the rates you’ll pay and your allowances.

Mortgage Guides