News and guides

Information & Guides · 26 September 2024 · 9 min

Freehold vs leasehold: the differences, and what to check before you buy

Freehold means you own the building and its land with no time limit. Leasehold means you own a home for a set number of years. What each means, and what to check before buying a leasehold flat.

Information & Guides · 23 September 2024 · 9 min

Spray foam insulation in the roof: mortgage problems, lenders and what to do

Spray foam in the roof can make a mortgage harder to get, but not always impossible. Why lenders worry, what reports they ask for, and your options if you’re buying, selling or remortgaging.

Information & Guides · 20 September 2024 · 9 min

Mortgages for contractors, CIS, agency and zero-hours workers

Yes, you can usually get a mortgage as a contractor, CIS subcontractor, agency worker, or on a fixed-term or zero-hours contract. Here’s how lenders typically work out your income and what you’ll need.

Information & Guides · 18 September 2024 · 5 min

Interest-only mortgages: pros and cons, and when they make sense

An interest-only mortgage keeps monthly payments low, but the full loan is still owed at the end. The pros and cons, who it suits, what lenders accept as a repayment plan, and how to switch.

Information & Guides · 16 September 2024 · 8 min

BFPO addresses and mortgages: buying a home while posted overseas

A BFPO address is the British Forces Post Office address used by personnel posted overseas. You can get a UK mortgage with one; here’s how to handle credit checks, ID and letting your home.

Information & Guides · 14 September 2024 · 3 min

Buying at auction with a mortgage: timescales, auction finance and the risks

Yes, you can buy at auction with a mortgage, but a standard mortgage often can’t complete in time. How traditional and modern auctions differ, how auction finance works, and the risks.

Information & Guides · 12 September 2024 · 3 min

Down valuation: what to do if a house is valued lower than your offer

If a house is valued lower than your offer, your lender lends on the lower figure. See how much extra deposit you might need, your five options, and how to challenge a down valuation.

Information & Guides · 10 September 2024 · 4 min

Holiday home mortgages in the UK: second homes, holiday lets and lodges

Second home or holiday let? How the two mortgage types differ, the deposit you’ll need, why most holiday lodges can’t be mortgaged, and the tax, council tax and registration rules for 2026.

News · 9 September 2024 · 8 min

Buy-to-Let Under Fire: Can Landlords Weather Starmer’s Storm?

As the UK enters a new political chapter with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the helm, his recent comments about the “painful” economic challenges on the…

Information & Guides · 8 September 2024 · 4 min

Divorce and separation mortgages: your options for the family home

A joint mortgage stays in both names until the lender agrees a change. Your options for the family home, how lenders treat maintenance, stamp duty and CGT rules, and what to do in what order.