Mortgages archive

Published in December 2008

The Pros And Cons Of Interest-Only Mortgage Rates

by Christina Jordan | Should you gamble with the roof over your head?

Time to get a fixed mortgage deal

by Christina Jordan | Fixed rates are the most popular type of mortgage with UK borrowers, and they are getting cheaper.

Are 95% Mortgage Deals Making A Comeback?

by Jane Baker | If you're looking for a 95% mortgage, the market still isn't great.

Cut Years Off Your Mortgage Costs

by Christina Jordan | How a flexible or offset mortgage could you help cut your mortgage costs this year.

Tracking Down Trackers

by Christina Jordan | Where have all the trackers gone? And how can you find one?

Why It's Vital To Overpay Your Mortgage Now

by Jane Baker | Why overpaying your mortgage now could lead to a better deal next time you remortgage.

Mortgage Curbs Continue, But Don't Despair

by Cliff D'Arcy | The number of mortgage deals on offer continues to plunge. Then again, there are thousands of deals for those with a decent deposit.

New Deals For New Borrowers

by Christina Jordan | Existing borrowers are sitting pretty following the recent rate cuts, but is it at the expense of new deals?

Rate Cut Winners And Losers

by Christina Jordan | Are any lenders justified in not passing on the 1% Base Rate cut?

Halifax Tracker Borrowers Will Get Rate Cut

by Jane Baker | Over half a million lucky Halifax mortgage customers will benefit from today's base rate cut.

Save More Or Pay Off Your Mortgage?

by Cliff D'Arcy | With the base rate at a 314-year low, many mortgages are ultra-cheap. Thus, it can make sense to save instead of overpaying your home loan.

Beware Of This Tracker Mortgage Trick

by Jane Baker | When tracker mortgages don't do what it says on the tin...

Six Marvellous Mortgage Trackers

by Christina Jordan | Are you eligible for one of the best remaining tracker deals?

Good News For Worried Homeowners

by Cliff D'Arcy | The government is desperate to avoid a steep rise in home repossessions. It will improve the benefits on offer to homeowners and has ordered lenders to show restraint...

Published in November 2008

Should You Ditch That Fixed Rate Mortgage?

by Alison Hunt | With the base rate falling, and more cuts being hinted at, could you save money by remortgaging, even after paying any charges?

Mind This Mortgage Trap!

by Christina Jordan | Borrowers need to beware this trap, argues Christina Jordan.

Why You Don't Need To Remortgage

by Jane Baker | The Bank of England's dramatic 1.5% cut to the base rate has made some standard variable rate mortgages cheaper, but are you going to benefit?

Make The Most Of The Base Rate Cut

by Rachel Wait | Extra cash to spend following the base rate cut? Here's why you should put it towards your mortgage repayments.

The Best Fixed Rates And Trackers

by Christina Jordan | Following the Base Rate cut, a raft of cheap mortgage deals have been announced. Christina Jordan rounds up the best currently available.

The Danger With Interest-Only Mortgages

by Jane Baker | If you want to cut your monthly costs, switching to interest-only mortgage payments may seem like a good idea. But doing so could cost you far more than you realise...

The Right Mortgage: Discounts Vs Trackers

by Christina Jordan | Which kind of mortgage makes more sense in the current environment?

How Will The Rate Cut Affect Your Mortgage?

by Christina Jordan | What does the cut mean for borrowers and what's going on with trackers?

Are Fixed Rates The Way Forward?

by Christina Jordan | Fixed-rate mortgages are set to come down, and trackers are on the up. Is it time to lock in?

Published in October 2008

Ten Top Mortgage Deals

by Szu Ping Chan | Szu Ping Chan takes an in-depth look at the best mortgage deals on offer at the moment.

Why High Fees Are Fair

by Christina Jordan | You might think that high mortgage fees are always a bad thing, but they can mean more choice and benefit many borrowers.

Is Your Mortgage Going To Get Cheaper?

by Donna Ferguson | Which mortgage lenders have passed on the interest rate cut to borrowers - and which haven't? The Fool decides to name and shame!

Eight Cracking Mortgage Deals

by Christina Jordan | What is the best mortgage deal you can get, following the cut in interest rates? Christina Jordan finds out.

Remortgage Your Equity Release And Save Thousands

by Harvey Jones | An equity release scheme isn't always forever. Remortgage now, when rates are falling, and you could save thousands.

Mortgages Set To Get Cheaper

by Christina Jordan | The Government bailout and emergency rate cut signal light at the end of the tunnel for mortgage borrowers.

A Mortgage With Your Melons, Madam?

by Christina Jordan | Tesco Personal Finance hinted this week that it is looking at entering the mortgage market. But should you trust a supermarket with your finances?

Mortgage Borrowers Are Doomed!

by Christina Jordan | Why even mortgage brokers are struggling to find mortgages for their clients...

Published in September 2008

Remortgage Right Away -- Or Risk Higher Rates

by Esther Shaw | Mortgage rates are going up again.

A guide for home-movers

by John Fitzsimons | If you're moving home, keep the mortgage process quick and easy with the lovemoney.com mortgage centre

A guide for first-time buyers

by John Fitzsimons | If you're buying your first home, here's how to make the most of our innovative mortgage centre

A guide for buy-to-letters

by John Fitzsimons | If you're an aspiring or existing landlord, our mortgage centre can help you find the perfect mortgage for you

A guide for remortgagors

by John Fitzsimons | When the time comes to remortgage, our mortgage centre can help you find a great deal quickly and easily

Fix Your Rate This Week

by Christina Jordan | Fixed-rate mortgages are set to go up soon. If you want to get a fixed-rate deal, move quickly!

Trackers Vs. Fixed Rates

by Donna Ferguson | With inflation increasing but an interest rate cut on the horizon, should mortgage borrowers go for a tracker or a fixed rate?

Getting In A Fix

by Esther Shaw | The past few months have been extremely tough for many homeowners, and particularly for those who reached the end of cheap fixed-rate deals they took out two or three years ago.

Three Reasons To Use A Broker

by Donna Ferguson | If you are looking for a new mortgage, what should you do? Go direct - or use a broker?

60% Is The Magic Mortgage Number

by Ed Bowsher | If you have at least 40% equity in your home, you're far better off in the mortgage market.

Under-75s Get It Cheaper

by Christina Jordan | Why borrowing less than 75% of the price of your property will save you money.

Who Is Helping First Time Buyers?

by Christina Jordan | Whose responsibility is it to help first-time buyers and what is on offer?

'95% Mortgage' Isn't What It Seems

by Emma Lunn | Skipton Building Society claims it's going against the current market trends by launching a new 95% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage. But the new deal is not all it seems.

How Low Can Rates Go?

by Christina Jordan | Every day sees another mortgage lender drop its rates. Are we at a turning point for the mortgage market?

Is A 10% House Deposit Enough?

by Jane Baker | These days the bigger the deposit for your new home the better. But will buyers with just 10% be left out in the cold?

The True Value Of New Build Property

by Christina Jordan | If you're buying a new build property, you might just find getting a mortgage just got a whole lot more expensive.

Mortgage Special For Fool Readers

by Motley Fool Staff | Market Harborough Building Society has launched an attractive 5.75% mortgage.

Maximise Your Mortgage Potential

by Szu Ping Chan | Whether it be this summer or next, when it comes to getting a mortgage, the word `affordability' is one you're likely to hear quite a lot.

Another Nail In The Housing Coffin!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The credit crunch is hitting property sales and prices. Now interest-only mortgages are under threat...

Published in August 2008

Are You Eligible For The Best Mortgage Deals?

by Christina Jordan | Have you got what it takes to get the top mortgage deals this summer?

How to find the cheapest mortgage

by Christina Jordan | Here's what you need to look at when searching for the cheapest deal.

Fixed Rates Falling Further

by Christina Jordan | As each week goes by fixed rates are being trimmed by mortgage lenders, but are trackers still a better bet?

Eight Amazing Offset Mortgage Deals

by Christina Jordan | Mortgage borrowers who have savings are in luck!

22 Buy To Let Mortgage Bargains

by Christina Jordan | What are the best deals available at the moment for buy-to-let borrowers?

Four Fab Mortgage Deals For First-Time Buyers

by Laura Starkey | What are the best deals out there for first-time buyers? Laura Starkey investigates.

Don't Fall For This Sneaky Trick!

by Christina Jordan | The lowest mortgage rate isn't always the best.

15 Magnificent Mortgage Deals

by Christina Jordan | What are the best deals available for existing borrowers? Christina Jordan rounds up her top 15 deals!

How To Stop Falling Into Arrears

by Christina Jordan | Follow these steps to avoid falling behind with your mortgage.

You Can Borrow £104,000 More From This Lender

by Christina Jordan | Which lender will lend you the biggest mortgage? The answer may surprise you...

Published in July 2008

Use This Mortgage To Crack The Credit Crunch

by Christina Jordan | Could an offset mortgage put a smile on your face this summer?

Take The Money And Run!

by Cliff D'Arcy | One mortgage lender is bribing borrowers to take their business elsewhere. Will other lenders jump on the bandwagon?

Why Lenders Are Cutting Their Mortgage Rates

by Christina Jordan | A clutch of high street lenders have cut their mortgage rates over the last couple of weeks. Is the mortgage misery beginning to end?

Six Super Mortgages

by Christina Jordan | Here's a selection of appealing deals to help you fight the mortgage blues.

Meet Fannie And Freddie

by Padraig O'Hannelly | What are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and what's all the fuss about?

Get A Sub-5% Mortgage

by Christina Jordan | Discounted rates look extremely competitive compared to fixed rate deals as long as you can stomach the current rate insecurity.

Equity Release Escapes Mortgage Meltdown

by Harvey Jones | The credit crunch has savaged almost every corner of the mortgage market with one notable exception -- equity release.

Watch Out For This Mortgage Blunder

by Jane Baker | Early repayment charges can be a huge price to pay for changing your mind. Here's what to look out for.

This Mortgage Could Save You Thousands

by Laura Starkey | If you want to cut thousands and thousands of pounds off your mortgage costs, this is the way to do it....

Are 95% Mortgages Next For The Chop?

by Jane Baker | With mortgage lenders cherry-picking borrowers, can you still get a good deal with a small deposit?

Watch Out For This Fee!

by Harvey Jones | If you're thinking of taking out a mortgage in the next year, you need to be careful...

Why Longer Fixed Rate Mortgages Make Sense

by Jane Baker | If you're remortgaging now, which deal should you go for next and for how long?

Protect Against Mortgage Rate Rises

by Stuart J Watson | A new insurance product has just been launched that gives homeowners the chance to protect themselves against rises in their mortgage payments. We run the numbers.

The Death Of The 100% Mortgage

by Cliff D'Arcy | In February, thirteen different mortgage lenders offered 100% home loans. Today, these loans have died out. This will have a nasty effect on house prices.

Published in June 2008

HSBC 'Rescue' Mortgage Is Now A Rip-Off

by Jane Baker | Sadly, for fixed-rate borrowers, HSBC's Rate Matcher Mortgage is no longer a lifeline.

This Mortgage Deal Will Tempt You

by Kate O'Raghallaigh | This looks like a fantastic mortgage deal... on the surface...

HSBC 'Rescue' Mortgage Is Now A Rip-Off

by Jane Baker | Sadly, for fixed-rate borrowers, HSBC's Rate Matcher Mortgage is no longer a lifeline.

The Rising Costs Of Fixing Your Mortgage

by Christina Jordan | Fixed rate mortgages are at their highest level for ten years...should that put you off?

Last Chance For HSBC 'Rescue' Mortgage

by Jane Baker | HSBC's 'Rate Matcher' mortgage fights back against payment shock...but not for much longer.

The Mortgage Seeker's Checklist

by Neil Faulkner | We list 15 criteria that you can use to help you choose between different mortgages.

Self-Employed Borrowers: Watch Out!

by Christina Jordan | If you can't prove your income, expect to pay over 7% for your mortgage - and a whopping fee.

Beware Of Sneaky Mortgage Fees

by Jane Baker | As mortgages get even more costly, this crafty fee could leave you out of pocket.

Four Steps To A Cheaper Mortgage

by Donna Ferguson | Want a cheaper mortgage? Here's how to get one!

Times Get Tough For Landlords

by Christina Jordan | Existing buy-to-letters are starting to feel the bite with a combination of payment shock, falling prices and diminishing returns.

Take A Break With A Mortgage Holiday

by Christina Jordan | Flexibility in your mortgage means you can have the summer off your repayments.

Forget Fixing And Take A Tracker

by Christina Jordan | Tracker rates are a no-brainer for Foolish borrowers.

Northern Rock Borrowers Rescued?

by Laura Starkey | Is there hope in sight for Northern Rock's beleaguered borrowers? A new deal from Lloyds TSB appears to be the answer to their prayers...

How To Guarantee A Great Remortgage

by Jane Baker | As mortgage lenders become even more choosy, here's how to turn yourself into the ideal borrower.

Published in May 2008

Remortgage In Haste, Repent At Leisure?

by Christina Jordan | Good mortgage deals are not around for long in today's market, but should you make a snap decision over your homeloan?

Free Yourself From Mortgage Fees

by Donna Ferguson | Summer's an expensive time of year. So the last thing any of us want to spend our hard-earned cash on is a mortgage fee...

An Easy Way To Buy Your First Home?

by Jane Baker | Getting on the property ladder these days is no mean feat. But is there a helping hand?

Save £962 On Your Mortgage

by Christina Jordan | There's an easy way to save £962 on your mortgage, apparently -- but do the figures still stack up in today's tough economic climate?

Mortgage Lenders Are Still Ripping You Off

by Jane Baker | Times are tough for borrowers, but unfair mortgage fees are making matters even worse.

The Mortgage Mythbuster

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordan reckons you shouldn't listen to the mortgage doom-mongers.

The Mortgage Mythbuster

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordan reckons you shouldn't listen to the mortgage doom-mongers.

More Relief For Mortgage Payment Shock

by Stuart J Watson | There some good news for homeowners - at last! HSBC is to extend its Rate Matcher mortgage offer for a little while longer.

Why Rate Doesn't Rule For Mortgages

by Christina Jordan | Things are changing in the mortgage market. The much maligned Standard Variable Rate is making a comeback.

Get Airmiles With Your Mortgage

by Jane Baker | Lloyds TSB has launched an 'airmiles mortgage.' Is it a gimmick or a genuinely good deal?

Shame On Northern Rock!

by Donna Ferguson | Alistair Darling wants lenders to help struggling borrowers and pass the benefits of Base Rate cuts. But what about Northern Rock? Is it treating its customers fairly?

Published in April 2008

Six Top Long-Term Mortgage Deals

by Donna Ferguson | A five or 10-year fixed rate should ensure you see out the credit crunch. But would you be better off with a lifetime tracker, instead?

Six Top Long-Term Mortgage Deals

by Donna Ferguson | A five or 10-year fixed rate should ensure you see out the credit crunch. But would you be better off with a lifetime tracker, instead?

This Mistake Could Cost You Thousands

by Donna Ferguson | If you don't know about this mistake, you could potentially lose thousands of pounds.

Five Tips For Struggling First Time Buyers

by Jane Baker | Do you want to buy your first home but feel the odds are stacked against you? Take a look at these five tips.

Five Top Two-Year Mortgage Deals

by Donna Ferguson | If you're looking for a two-year fixed rate, tracker or discount, this should help you figure out which one to go for.

Five Top Two-Year Mortgage Deals

by Donna Ferguson | If you're looking for a two-year fixed rate, tracker or discount, this should help you figure out which one to go for.

Fool News: First Time Buyers Put Off Purchasing

by Laura Starkey | A new survey from Equifax shows that almost half of potential homeowners will now wait to buy.

Why You Shouldn't Take Out A Fixed Rate Mortgage

by Jane Baker | If you're on the verge of remortgaging, a tracker may prove a better deal right now than a fixed rate.

HSBC Withdraws Market-Leading Mortgage

by Donna Ferguson | HSBC is about to withdraw its market-leading mortgage deal for borrowers who have less than a 20% deposit.

Be Careful With Offset Mortgages

by Laura Starkey | There's a small chance that using an offset mortgage could put your savings at risk.

HSBC Withdraws Market-Leading Mortgage

by Donna Ferguson | HSBC is about to withdraw its market-leading mortgage deal for borrowers who have less than a 20% deposit.

Your Mortgage Lender Is Going To Rip You Off

by Cliff D'Arcy | If your fixed or discounted mortgage is coming to an end, then your rate is sure to go up. We reveal how high it could rise!

HSBC Rides To Homeowners' Rescue!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The UK's biggest bank is offering to match existing interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages. But this offer lasts for five weeks only...

There's Still Hope In The Mortgage Market

by Serena Cowdy | If you're about to take out a mortgage - or remortgage from your existing deal - don't panic. There are still some great deals around - and we've found them for you.

Halifax Axes More Mortgages

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you want to borrow from the UK's largest mortgage lender, then bring a big deposit. From Monday, only good risks get good rates!

Your Money Or Your Home!

by Cliff D'Arcy | You can lose your home if you don't keep up your mortgage repayments. However, other loans can also put you at great risk.

First Direct Signals More Mortgage Meltdown

by Laura Starkey | Laura Starkey explains why the stop on First Direct mortgages suggests more trouble ahead.

Published in March 2008

by Donna Ferguson | No less than five mortgage lenders have hiked up their rates this week. Find out how to get your hands on the cheapest remaining deals, and follow our three easy steps to beat the rate rises.

Investing Vs. Paying Off Your Mortgage Early

by Neil Faulkner | If you have spare cash, should you invest in the stock market or pay off your mortgage early?

Investing Vs. Paying Off Your Mortgage Early

by Neil Faulkner | If you have spare cash, should you invest in the stock market or pay off your mortgage early?

Save £13,322 On Your Mortgage

by Ed Bowsher | Offset mortgages could help you pay off your mortgage debt more quickly.

How Much Will Your Mortgage Cost?

by Cliff D'Arcy | You may know what your monthly repayments are, but how much will your home loan cost over its entire life?

Is Your Endowment A Letdown?

by Cliff D'Arcy | We tell you your five options for dealing with your endowment mortgage. One of these ways got writer Cliff D'Arcy £4,500 in compensation!

A Mortgage With No Monthly Repayments!

by Jane Baker | If you want to release equity from your home, how do you choose the right lifetime mortgage?

Published in February 2008

More Property Price Pain For First-Time Buyers

by Donna Ferguson | We're seeing conflicting messages from house price data but even if house prices fall, first-time buyers could struggle to get on the ladder.

A Mortgage With No Monthly Repayments!

by Jane Baker | If you want to release equity from your home, how do you choose the right lifetime mortgage?

More Property Price Pain For First-Time Buyers

by Donna Ferguson | We're seeing conflicting messages from house price data but even if house prices fall, first-time buyers could struggle to get on the ladder.

Two Ways To Save £2,000 On Your Mortgage!

by Neil Faulkner | 100% mortgages and above have all but died and 95% mortgages are under attack. So maybe now's the time to use these two tips and save up to £4,000 over two years!

Two Ways To Save £2,000 On Your Mortgage!

by Neil Faulkner | 100% mortgages and above have all but died and 95% mortgages are under attack. So maybe now's the time to use these two tips and save up to £4,000 over two years!

Lenders Tighten The Screws On First-Time Buyers

by Szu Ping Chan | Nationwide hit the headlines this week after announcing it was hiking up its mortgage rates for anyone with less than 25% deposit. Is this the start of things to come?

Lenders Tighten The Screws On First-Time Buyers

by Szu Ping Chan | Nationwide hit the headlines this week after announcing it was hiking up its mortgage rates for anyone with less than 25% deposit. Is this the start of things to come?

Death Of The Cheap Mortgage Deal

by Donna Ferguson | Where have all the cheap mortgage deals gone? Donna Werbner explains how to beat the credit crunch.

The Motley Fool Prepares To Launch Fool Financial Services

by Saul Devine | It's more than ten years since Fool.co.uk began and we think the time has come to create our own financial services company!

How To Survive Mortgage Payment Shock

by Jane Baker | Is your fixed rate mortgage deal coming to an end this year? Here's how to deal with the threat of payment shock.

No More Mad Mortgages!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Major mortgage lenders are scrapping thousands of home loans. While the craziest deals are vanishing, bargains remain for the sensible.

Seven Stupendous Mortgage Deals

by Donna Ferguson | Here's our Magnificent Seven of mortgages to help you make a Foolish choice on your next mortgage deal.

Ditch Your Rip Off Mortgage

by Jane Baker | Apathetic Brits could save over £200 a month simply by switching their mortgage. Jane Baker explains how.

Beware 25 Year Fixed Rate Mortgages

by Jane Baker | Are long term fixed rate mortgages a good deal? Here we look at the pros and cons.

Tasty Fixed Rate Mortgages

by Szu Ping Chan | Falling interest rates may put you off the idea of a fixed rate mortgage. However, here's three super deals which may just persuade you otherwise.