Articles &amp; Guides

How the Iran War Affects Your Money and Bills

From petrol to mortgage rates — how the Iran conflict has already hit UK household finances and what happens next.

Iran Ceasefire: Will UK Mortgage Rates Fall?

Trump's 14-day ceasefire has paused mortgage rate rises. We assess what happens to fixed rates, the base rate, and your payments.

Bank of England Warns 5.2 Million Borrowers Face Higher Costs

The BoE warns 5.2 million UK mortgage holders could face higher payments by 2028 as the Iran conflict drives inflation higher.

Oil Crisis Set to Be 'Much Worse' in April 2026

The IEA warns April's oil supply losses will double — what this means for UK inflation and mortgage rates.

Mortgage Rates Rising: Why You Need to Act Now (March 2026)

HSBC, Nationwide, and Coventry Building Society are increasing mortgage rates as the Iran conflict pushes swap rates higher.

History of UK Mortgage Rates: 1975 to 2026

A comprehensive look at how UK mortgage interest rates have changed over 50 years — from the 15% peaks of the 1980s to today.

Nationwide, Virgin Money & NatWest Raise Mortgage Rates (March 2026)

Nationwide, Virgin Money and NatWest increase fixed-rate mortgages as swap rates surge on Middle East uncertainty.

Middle East Conflict Set to Push UK Inflation Higher in 2026

Oxford Economics forecasts the energy shock will add 0.4pp to UK inflation, delay rate cuts, and keep mortgage costs elevated.

UK House Prices Hit New Record High in February 2026

Halifax reports average UK house prices rose to £301,151 — but regional disparities and geopolitical uncertainty cloud the outlook.

Making Tax Digital: What UK Landlords Need to Know in 2026

HMRC's Making Tax Digital rules are changing how landlords report income from April 2026.

February 2026 Home Listings on Course for 10-Year High

New homes for sale are on track to hit a decade high with mortgage rates dipping below 4%.

UK Inflation Drops to 3%: Spring 2026 Rate Cut Looking More Likely

January 2026 inflation fell to 3%, boosting expectations of a Bank of England rate cut as soon as March.

Young Homebuyers Are Paying the Most for Mortgage Advice

Over 90% of borrowers aged 18-34 pay for mortgage advice — often the steepest fees. Why fee-free advice matters.

Buy-to-Let Lending Rebounds as Remortgaging Surges in 2026

UK Finance data shows a 22.7% jump in new buy-to-let mortgages, driven mainly by remortgaging activity.

Average UK House Prices Top £300,000 for the First Time

Halifax data shows average UK house prices reached £300,077 in January 2026 — breaching £300k for the first time.

Bank of England Holds Interest Rate at 3.75% (February 2026)

The MPC voted 5-4 to hold the base rate at 3.75% after higher-than-expected inflation.

NatWest Raises Remortgage Rates from 17 March 2026

NatWest increased selected remortgage, purchase and first-time buyer fixed rates from 17 March 2026.

Sub-4% Mortgages Dry Up on 17 March 2026

Sub-4% fixes dried up as Nationwide, Virgin Money and NatWest repriced and product choice tightened.

Lenders Pull Deals With Hours' Notice (17 March 2026)

Vida, Foundation, Barclays and others withdrew mortgage deals with just two hours' notice on 17 March.

The Complete Guide to First-Time Buyer Mortgages

Everything you need to know about getting your first mortgage — from deposits and affordability to government schemes.

How Much Deposit Do You Need for a Mortgage?

Minimum deposit requirements, how deposit size affects your rate, and practical strategies to save faster.

Mortgage Affordability: How Much Can You Borrow?

How UK lenders calculate what you can borrow and how to maximise your borrowing power.

The Mortgage Application Process: Step by Step

A complete walkthrough from agreement in principle to getting your keys.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage?

A realistic timeline for the UK mortgage process — from initial enquiry to keys in hand.

How to Improve Your Credit Score for a Mortgage

Practical steps to boost your credit score before applying for a mortgage.

Understanding Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratios

What LTV means, how it affects your rate, and why reducing your LTV saves money.

Government Schemes for Homebuyers in 2026

Shared Ownership, First Homes, Lifetime ISA, Right to Buy — which schemes are still available?

House Hunting Tips: How to Find Your Perfect Property

A practical guide to house searching in the UK — from setting your budget to making an offer.

Property Surveys Explained: Which Survey Do You Need?

The different types of UK property survey, what they cost, and what they cover.

Conveyancing Explained: The Legal Side of Buying a Home

A plain-English guide to conveyancing — what it is, how long it takes, and how to avoid delays.

UK Stamp Duty Guide 2026: How Much Will You Pay?

Current SDLT rates, first-time buyer relief, and additional property surcharges.

Mortgage Fees Explained: What Will You Actually Pay?

A clear breakdown of every fee you'll encounter in the mortgage process.

Moving Home Checklist: Your Complete Timeline

A week-by-week guide to moving house — from accepting an offer to collecting the keys.

Best Areas

Best Value Areas for First-Time Buyers in the UK (2026)

The most affordable towns and cities across England, Wales, and Scotland with real data.

Best Areas

Best Areas for Buy-to-Let Investment in the UK (2026)

Data-driven guide to the highest-yielding buy-to-let areas with rental yield forecasts.

Fixed-Rate Mortgages: A Complete Guide

How fixed-rate mortgages work, pros and cons, and how to find the best deal.

Tracker & Variable Rate Mortgages Explained

Understanding tracker mortgages, SVRs, and discount rates.

Interest-Only Mortgages: Are They Right for You?

How interest-only mortgages work, who qualifies, and repayment strategies.

Offset Mortgages Explained: How They Work

How offset mortgages use your savings to reduce mortgage interest.

Guarantor Mortgages: How They Work in 2026

How family support can help you get on the property ladder.

Buy-to-Let Mortgages: A Complete UK Guide

Everything landlords need to know — deposits, rental calculations, and tax.

Self-Employed Mortgages: How to Get Approved

A complete guide for freelancers, contractors, and business owners.

Bad Credit Mortgages: Can You Still Get Approved?

How to get a mortgage with CCJs, defaults, or missed payments.

Joint Mortgages: Buying With Someone Else

Joint tenancy vs tenants in common, JBSP, and what happens if you separate.

High Net Worth Mortgages: A Complete Guide

Bespoke deals, higher income multiples, and specialist lending.

Shared Ownership Mortgages: How They Work

Part-buy, part-rent schemes explained.

Right to Buy Mortgages: Buy Your Council Home

How Right to Buy works and how to finance your purchase.

New Build Mortgages: A Complete UK Guide

Deposit requirements, developer incentives, and NHBC warranty.

Green Mortgages: Save Money With an Energy-Efficient Home

EPC ratings, green lender incentives, and energy-efficient home savings.

Mortgages for Key Workers: Special Deals & Schemes

How NHS staff, teachers, and police can access special mortgage deals.

Later Life & Retirement Mortgages Explained

RIO mortgages, pension income, and options for over 50s.

Divorce and Mortgages: Your Options Explained

What happens to your mortgage when you divorce or separate.

When Should I Remortgage? A Complete Guide

When to remortgage, the costs involved, and how to get the best deal.

Porting Your Mortgage: What You Need to Know

Can you take your mortgage with you when you move?

Remortgage to Release Equity: How It Works

How to release cash from your home by remortgaging.

How to Get a Lower Mortgage Interest Rate

Practical strategies to reduce your mortgage rate.

Mortgage Overpayments: Save Thousands

How overpaying works and how much you could save.

Equity Release: A Guide for Over 55s

Lifetime mortgages, home reversion, and how much you could release.

Mortgage Broker vs Bank: Which Should You Choose?

The key differences and when each option makes the most sense.

Why Fee-Free Mortgage Advice? The Benefits Explained

How fee-free advice saves you money without compromising quality.

Critical Illness Cover: The Complete UK Guide

What critical illness cover is, why it's essential, and what conditions are covered.

Income Protection Insurance: Protect Your Salary

How income protection works and why it's essential for mortgage holders.

Life Insurance for Mortgages: What You Need to Know

Types of mortgage life insurance, costs, and how to protect your family.

Family Income Benefit: A Complete UK Guide

How Family Income Benefit works and why it's affordable family protection.

Buildings & Contents Insurance: A Complete UK Guide

What's covered, why your lender requires it, and how to get the right cover.

Estate Planning

Wills & Powers of Attorney: A UK Homeowner's Guide

Why every mortgage holder needs a will and lasting power of attorney.

Guides

Mortgage Jargon Buster: 50+ Terms Explained

Plain-English definitions of every mortgage term you'll encounter — from AIP to SVR.

Affordability

What Salary Do I Need for a Mortgage in the UK?

Find out what salary you need for a £300k mortgage, whether you can buy on £25k–£40k, and how lenders calculate your borrowing power.

What Is a Good Mortgage Rate in the UK Right Now?

Is 4.2% a good rate? Will rates drop to 3%? Find out what a good mortgage rate looks like in 2026 and where rates are headed.

What Is a Mortgage? A Simple Beginner's Guide

What is a mortgage in simple words? The 6 types, how long they last, real examples, and how much you can borrow.

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest?

Pay off mortgage or invest — compare the maths, tax implications, and real scenarios to decide what to do with spare cash.

Can't Pay Your Mortgage? Your Options and Next Steps

Struggling to pay your mortgage? Don't panic. Here's what to do, including lender support, government help, and how to avoid repossession.

Bridging Loans Explained: How They Work in the UK

What is a bridging loan? How much does it cost, when should you use one, and what are the risks?

Joint Mortgage With Parents: How It Works in the UK

JBSP mortgages, guarantor options, stamp duty rules, and what to consider before buying with family.

10 Questions to Ask a Mortgage Broker Before You Commit

What should you ask a mortgage broker? 10 essential questions to find the right advisor and avoid hidden fees.

How to Find a Mortgage Broker You Can Trust

What to look for, red flags to avoid, and how to check a mortgage broker is legitimate.

Agreement in Principle (AIP): What It Is and What Happens Next

What is a mortgage AIP? How long does it last, does it affect your credit score, and what comes after?

£100k Mortgage: Monthly Repayments & Salary Needed

How much is a £100k mortgage per month? Repayment tables, salary guide, and deposit requirements.

£150k Mortgage: Monthly Repayments & Salary Needed

How much is a £150k mortgage per month? Full repayment tables and salary guide.

£200k Mortgage: Monthly Repayments & Salary Needed

How much is a £200k mortgage per month UK? Repayment tables at current rates.

£250k Mortgage: Monthly Repayments & Salary Needed

How much is a £250k mortgage per month? Full salary and repayment guide.

£300k Mortgage: Monthly Repayments & Salary Needed

How much is a £300k mortgage per month UK? Repayment tables, salary needed.

£350k Mortgage: Monthly Repayments & Salary Needed

How much is a £350k mortgage per month? Full UK repayment guide.

£400k Mortgage: Monthly Repayments & Salary Needed

How much is a £400k mortgage per month? Repayment tables and salary guide.

£450k Mortgage: Monthly Repayments & Salary Needed

How much is a £450k mortgage per month? Full repayment tables.

£500k Mortgage: Monthly Repayments & Salary Needed

How much is a £500k mortgage per month? Repayment tables and high-value mortgage guide.

£600k Mortgage: Monthly Repayments & Salary Needed

How much is a £600k mortgage per month? Repayment tables and salary guide.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a CCJ?

Which lenders accept CCJs, deposit requirements, and how a broker can help.

Can I Get a Mortgage With an IVA?

Mortgage options during and after an IVA — specialist lenders and deposit guide.

Can I Get a Mortgage After Bankruptcy?

Timeline, deposit requirements, and rebuilding credit after bankruptcy.

Can I Get a Mortgage With Defaults?

How defaults affect your options and which lenders are most lenient.

Debt Consolidation Remortgage: Should You Do It?

Pros, cons, and risks of rolling debts into your mortgage.

Can I Get a Mortgage With Late Payments?

How lenders view missed payments and what your options are.

Capped Mortgages Explained

How capped-rate mortgages work and whether they're right for you.

Cashback Mortgages: Are They Worth It?

How cashback mortgage deals work and how to compare them properly.

Discounted Mortgages Explained

How discount-rate mortgages work vs trackers and fixed rates.