Mortgages archive

Published in December 2007

Buy Now, Pay Later Mortgages

by Jane Baker | Cutting your monthly payments by taking out an interest-only mortgage is tempting if you're struggling to buy a home, but could prove one of the costliest mistakes you'll ever make.

The true cost of buying a home

by Jane Baker | The cost of buying a home can really stack up. Here's everything you need to look out for.

Save £2,053 By Christmas 2008

by Serena Cowdy | Remortgage your property and you could save over £2000 by this time next year.

Happy Days For Homeowners

by Donna Ferguson | If you're about to take out a mortgage, don't hang about. The recent Base Rate cut means if you snooze now, you may lose your opportunity to bag a bargain-rate mortgage deal....

Most Homeowners Won't Get A Rate Cut

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Bank of England has cut its base rate by 0.25%. Alas, few borrowers stand to profit from this rate reduction!

Published in November 2007

Seven Handy Hints For Hard-Up Homeowners

by Cliff D'Arcy | With mortgage repayments on the rise, homeowners are looking for ways to cut back. Here are seven ideas to make ends meet.

Seven Handy Hints For Hard-Up Homeowners

by Cliff D'Arcy | With mortgage repayments on the rise, homeowners are looking for ways to cut back. Here are seven ideas to make ends meet.

Mortgage Borrowers: Beware These Nasty Deals

by Cliff D'Arcy | When choosing a home loan, make sure that you're not seduced by headline-grabbing rates that come with a nasty sting in the tail.

Sub-Prime Lender Pulls Mortgage Deals

by Szu Ping Chan | One of Britain's biggest specialist mortgage lenders has decided to withdraw its range of sub-prime mortgages.

Sub-Prime Lender Pulls Mortgage Deals

by Szu Ping Chan | One of Britain's biggest specialist mortgage lenders has decided to withdraw its range of sub-prime mortgages.

Buy Your First Home For Less

by Jane Baker | Buying your first home can be very expensive. Here's a clever trick to help you cut the cost.

How To Cut Your Mortgage By £127,447

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner explains how you can cut the costs of your mortgage -- and even get rid of it altogether!

Home-Owning Still Beats Renting

by Jane Baker | Owning your own home is still cheaper than renting, but the two are getting closer than ever before.

What Is The Best Mortgage Deal?

by Donna Ferguson | We look at whether you should opt for a fixed-rate or variable-rate mortgage.

Buy Your First Home For Less

by Jane Baker | Buying your first home can be very expensive. Here's a clever trick to help you cut the cost.

First-Time Buyers Need Help!

by Szu Ping Chan | Szu Ping Chan looks at four mortgage products that help struggling first-time buyers onto the property ladder.

First-Time Buyers Need Help!

by Szu Ping Chan | Szu Ping Chan looks at four mortgage products that help struggling first-time buyers onto the property ladder.

Inside The Mortgage Massacre

by Cliff D'Arcy | There's a slaughter going on in parts of the mortgage market, and the turmoil is set to continue well into 2008.

Published in October 2007

Mortgage Lenders Dismiss House Price Crash

by Donna Ferguson | Property prices will continue to rise over coming year - but only by a tiny margin, the Council of Mortgage Lenders predicted today.

The Shaky Mortgage Safeguard

by Szu Ping Chan | How would you pay your mortgage if you fell ill or lost your job?

How To Burn Down Your House

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you don't look after your personal finances, then your home may be at risk. We reveal the most common way this happens.

News: Mortgage Rates Baffle Brits

by Szu Ping Chan | Nearly three quarters of mortgage holders are unaware of the financial implications of interest rate rises on their payments.

How I Picked My Mortgage

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner explains how she chose her mortgage.

News: Homeowners Are Feeling The Pinch

by Serena Cowdy | Mortgage borrowers are saving and borrowing less as they feel the weight of recent interest rate rises.

News: Homeowners Are Feeling The Pinch

by Serena Cowdy | Mortgage borrowers are saving and borrowing less as they feel the weight of recent interest rate rises.

Mortgage Lending Dives Again!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The latest figures show that mortgage borrowing has fallen for three months in a row. This could mean more bad news for house prices.

Fool News: The Credit Card Mortgage Trap

by Serena Cowdy | More than a million householders in Britain have used credit cards to pay their mortgage or rent in the last year, according to a survey published today by housing charity Shelter.

The Incredible Shrinking Mortgage Market!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Since the credit crunch began, two in five home loans have vanished. Where have over 6,400 different mortgage products gone?

Fool News: First Time Buyers Rush In With Strangers

by Szu Ping Chan | First time buyers are throwing caution to the wind and rushing onto the property ladder with people they barely know, unaware of the potential consequences should things go awry.

Fool News: First Time Buyers Rush In With Strangers

by Szu Ping Chan | First time buyers are throwing caution to the wind and rushing onto the property ladder with people they barely know, unaware of the potential consequences should things go awry.

Get Help Onto The Property Ladder

by Donna Ferguson | Are you eligible for Government help onto the housing ladder - and should you take it?

Are We Heading For A Sub-Prime Mortgage Crisis?

by Donna Ferguson | Find out whether the US housing market crash is going to happen over here.

Fool News: Mortgage Lending Unchanged

by Szu Ping Chan | Lending across the housing market has remained buoyant despite growing concerns over affordability.

Remortgaging Could Save You £1000 A Year

by Alison Hunt | As the 'Let's Talk About Money campaign' continues, Alison Hunt tells us about her personal experience of remortgaging.

Fool News: Mortgage Lending Unchanged

by Szu Ping Chan | Lending across the housing market has remained buoyant despite growing concerns over affordability.

How To Avoid First-Time Buyer Prison

by Donna Ferguson | Take out a mortgage this month and you could find yourself stuck in your home.

Published in September 2007

Cheaper Fixed-Rate Mortgages!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Although rates are going up on tracker mortgages, some fixed-rate home loans are getting cheaper. We track down some great rates.

Cheaper Fixed-Rate Mortgages!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Although rates are going up on tracker mortgages, some fixed-rate home loans are getting cheaper. We track down some great rates.

More Mortgage Rates Increase!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Five mortgage lenders have hiked interest rates on tracker mortgages. The Northern Rock crisis is making homebuying pricier...

Beware 125% Mortgages

by Jane Baker | With calls from the Government for more responsible lending it's surprising Abbey has brought a new 125% mortgage to the market.

Beware 125% Mortgages

by Jane Baker | With calls from the Government for more responsible lending it's surprising Abbey has brought a new 125% mortgage to the market.

Mortgage Rates Rise As Banks Struggle

by Cliff D'Arcy | Life's about to get harder for homeowners as mortgage lenders up their rates in response to the worldwide credit crunch!

Is Your Mortgage About To Give You A Shock?

by Alison Hunt | Hundreds of homeowners could be about to find their monthly payments hiked by hundreds of pounds - minimise the pain by being prepared.

Britain's Cheapest Mortgages

by Cliff D'Arcy | We've tracked down the lowest, highest and most popular standard mortgage rates. Just how competitive is your lender?

Published in August 2007

The Interest Only Survival Guide

by Stuart J Watson | More of us are opting for interest-only mortgages. These can be dangerous for your finances but they can be used safely too.

How To Get A Cheaper Mortgage

by Jane Baker | Are you finding it tough to meet your mortgage repayments? Here are some temporary fixes that could help reduce the burden.

Pssst! Some Mortgages Are Getting Cheaper

by Stuart J Watson | A few lenders have trimmed the cost of their fixed-rate loans in the last couple of weeks. Could mortgage rates be on the turn?

Pssst! Some Mortgages Are Getting Cheaper

by Stuart J Watson | A few lenders have trimmed the cost of their fixed-rate loans in the last couple of weeks. Could mortgage rates be on the turn?

Fix Your Mortgage Rate For Life

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you're fed up with riding the interest-rate rollercoaster, then try a home loan which is fixed for 25 years. Here's what's on offer.

Do We Have To Pay Mortgage Exit Fees?

by Neil Faulkner | One Fool catches up on the latest news about exit fees, and spends some time sifting fact from fiction.

Published in July 2007

Yet More Cheap Mortgages Vanish!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Banks have been withdrawing cheap fixed-rate loans left, right and centre. Now the same is happening to discounted and tracker mortgages.

Your Easy Guide To Mortgages, Part 2

by Cliff D'Arcy | Last week, we gave you the A to M of the homeowner's alphabet. If you want to be an authority in this field, then read part two.

Your Easy Guide To Mortgages, Part 2

by Cliff D'Arcy | Last week, we gave you the A to M of the homeowner's alphabet. If you want to be an authority in this field, then read part two.

The Great British Mortgage Scam!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Our exclusive research reveals that lenders have taken homeowners for a ride by bumping up their margins during the housing boom.

Save Thousands On Your Green Mortgage

by Neil Faulkner | We show you the most efficient way to be green with your mortgage, at a cost of just £42 more than the best mortgage on the market.

Save Thousands On Your Green Mortgage

by Neil Faulkner | We show you the most efficient way to be green with your mortgage, at a cost of just £42 more than the best mortgage on the market.

Your Easy Guide To Mortgages

by Cliff D'Arcy | Here it is: everything that you need to know in order to choose your perfect home loan. Easy as pie!

The Fixed-Rate Mortgage Gamble

by Stuart J Watson | Plans are afoot to make long-term fixed-rate mortgages more affordable. Will it be enough to rid us of our mortgage gambling habits?

The Fixed-Rate Mortgage Gamble

by Stuart J Watson | Plans are afoot to make long-term fixed-rate mortgages more affordable. Will it be enough to rid us of our mortgage gambling habits?

To Fix Or Not To Fix?

by Cliff D'Arcy | With interest rates on the rise, is now a good time to fix your mortgage rate, or should you ride things out with a variable-rate deal?

Mortgage Misery

by Cliff D'Arcy | Higher household bills and lower disposable incomes are piling up the mortgage misery. Here's what to do if your home loan is weighing you down.

How To Pick A Mortgage

by Alison Hunt | If your lovely low fixed rate deal is about to run out, don't panic, follow our top tips.

A Popular Mortgage Myth

by David Kuo | Overpaying on your mortgage can save thousands of pounds off your mortgage bill.

Published in June 2007

Get Help Onto The Property Ladder

by Donna Ferguson | Are you a struggling first-time buyer on a tight budget? Find out how you can take that vital first step onto the property ladder.

Claim Your Share Of £29 Billion

by Cliff D'Arcy | We show you how combining your mortgage, savings and current account can cut your interest bill by thousands of pounds.

5 Things A First Time Buyer Should Know

by Alison Hunt | If you're keen to buy a property either now or in the future, don't fall foul of these common mistakes.

Published in May 2007

Keep That Landlord Off Your Cash!

by Alison Hunt | With the new tenancy deposit scheme in place, will we be able to keep unscrupulous landlords off our deposits?

How High Could Mortgage Rates Go?

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Bank of England has raised its base rate four times since August 2006. Here's what could happen to mortgage rates if these hikes continue.

Don't Burn Cash On Your Mortgage

by Malcolm Wheatley | One Fool recalls profiting from thinking 'outside the box'.

Don't Burn Cash On Your Mortgage

by Malcolm Wheatley | One Fool recalls profiting from thinking 'outside the box'.

Six Million Face Higher Mortgage Rates

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Bank of England's base rate rose on Thursday, prompting mortgage lenders to raise their interest rates.

How To Beat The Rate Rise!

by Alison Hunt | Don't despair if you're a homeowner; check out these ways to help beat the rate rise.

A Treadmill Built For Two

by Cliff D'Arcy | Thanks to high house prices, most families need two incomes to make ends meet. Are we doomed to a lifetime of drudgery?

Are Mortgage Redemption Charges Unlawful?

by Neil Faulkner | Bank charges are unlawful, as are mortgage exit administration fees. Now we turn our attention to mortgage early-redemption charges.

Are Mortgage Redemption Charges Unlawful?

by Neil Faulkner | Bank charges are unlawful, as are mortgage exit administration fees. Now we turn our attention to mortgage early-redemption charges.

Published in April 2007

Mortgages And Impaired Credit

by Neil Faulkner | The Fool has found that there are a surprising number of home loans available to people with damaged credit records.

Mortgages And Impaired Credit

by Neil Faulkner | The Fool has found that there are a surprising number of home loans available to people with damaged credit records.

It's Not Too Late To Fix That Mortgage!

by Alison Hunt | With lenders pulling their fixed rate mortgages on a daily basis, we reveal some of the cheap deals still available.

Kill Your Mortgage With A Bonus

by Cliff D'Arcy | By throwing a lump sum at your home loan each year, you can reduce shorten its life and reduce your interest bill.

Malevolent Mortgages Under Attack

by Cliff D'Arcy | The UK's financial watchdog has launched an investigation into the risky end of the mortgage market. About time too, we say!

The Home Owner's Alternative To ISAs

by Neil Faulkner | There are many ways to save, but homeowners should consider not saving at all! Read why.

Published in March 2007

Fixing Your Mortgage For 25 Years

by Neil Faulkner | The Fool shares its views on the latest mortgage from Nationwide, which is fixed for 25 years!

Fixing Your Mortgage For 25 Years

by Neil Faulkner | The Fool shares its views on the latest mortgage from Nationwide, which is fixed for 25 years!

A Mortgage Guaranteed

by lovemoney.com staff | First-time buyers often can't get a big enough mortgage to buy a house, but if parents are willing to help, there's a way around the problem.

How To Re-Mortgage When You're 102!

by Jane Mack | Re-mortgaging when you're getting on a bit may not be the disaster you think.

How To Re-Mortgage When You're 102!

by Jane Mack | Re-mortgaging when you're getting on a bit may not be the disaster you think.

Fools Go For Fixed-Rate Mortgages

by Ed Bowsher | Recent interest rate rises have sparked a big increase in demand for fixed-rate mortgages.

Fools Go For Fixed-Rate Mortgages

by Ed Bowsher | Recent interest rate rises have sparked a big increase in demand for fixed-rate mortgages.

Low Rates Mean High Fees

by Cliff D'Arcy | Don't be fooled by ultra-low interest rates on mortgages, because it's likely that high fees are lurking in the small print!

How Long Should You Fix Your Mortgage For?

by Neil Faulkner | When fixing a mortgage, is it cheaper to fix it for longer or shorter periods? One Fool questions whether it matters.

How Long Should You Fix Your Mortgage For?

by Neil Faulkner | When fixing a mortgage, is it cheaper to fix it for longer or shorter periods? One Fool questions whether it matters.

Stub Out Your Mortgage Today

by Cliff D'Arcy | Wednesday, 14 March is No-Smoking Day. Here's how quitting the weed could knock years off your home loan.

Published in February 2007

Nineteen Years Of Rising Mortgages

by Cliff D'Arcy | Over the past two decades, our mortgage debt has increased sixfold. Should we worry about this debt mountain?

Will Your Mortgage Last A Lifetime?

by Cliff D'Arcy | Mortgage lenders have reacted to ever-rising house prices by introducing loans lasting up to 52 years. Would you want one?

Mortgage Exit Fees In The County Courts

by Neil Faulkner | If you fancy your chances and still have the nerve, you're next step is to take your claim for mortage exit fees to court. Here's how one Fool would do it.

Mortgage Exit Fees In The County Courts

by Neil Faulkner | If you fancy your chances and still have the nerve, you're next step is to take your claim for mortage exit fees to court. Here's how one Fool would do it.

The Complete Guide To Reclaiming Mortgage Fees

by Neil Faulkner | This is a guide to the various mortgage charges and fees. It tells you which are lawful, which are unlawful, and how to reclaim them.

Get Tough On Mortgage Exit Fees

by Neil Faulkner | In part three of our guide to reclaiming mortgage fees, we tell you how to get tough on lenders who are resisting your demand to refund your exit fees.

The Complete Guide To Reclaiming Mortgage Fees

by Neil Faulkner | This is a guide to the various mortgage charges and fees. It tells you which are lawful, which are unlawful, and how to reclaim them.

Get Tough On Mortgage Exit Fees

by Neil Faulkner | In part three of our guide to reclaiming mortgage fees, we tell you how to get tough on lenders who are resisting your demand to refund your exit fees.

Mortgage With A Mate

by Jane Mack | Friends and even strangers are clubbing together to make buying a home more affordable. It's a small but growing market.

How To Begin Your Claim For Mortgage Exit Fees

by Neil Faulkner | In part two of our guide to reclaiming mortgage fees, we tell you the first two steps to making your claim. We also talk more about how much you should claim, and mention some early successes.

How To Begin Your Claim For Mortgage Exit Fees

The Fool's Guide To Reclaiming Mortgage Fees

by Neil Faulkner | Your old lender may have unlawfully bumped up your exit charges when you last switched mortgage. In a series of articles we'll explain how to recover these fees plus early repayment charges too.