Mortgages archive

Published in December 2009

Cut your mortgage costs by £2,617 by Christmas 2011!

by Jane Baker | Find out how you can shave thousands of pounds off your mortgage costs by the end of 2011.

Fix your mortgage rate at 4.86%

by Mark Adams | The big lenders are rushing to cut prices for fixed mortgage deals - but is it worth paying a premium to enjoy peace of mind? Mark Adams finds out.

Buying a house? These are the mortgage rates you want!

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons hunts out the mortgage rates which should be top of your wish-list if you're about to buy a property.

If your current mortgage interest rate is your lender's SVR, should you switch?

by Christina Jordan | Mortgage lenders' default rates are currently low, but they have massive potential to rise - and quickly. Should you switch your current mortgage interest rate if you're on the SVR?

Get the cheapest and the best mortgage rate

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordan rounds up the cheapest mortgage deals available, no matter how big - or small - your deposit.

The best three-year tracker mortgage around

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons explains why Alliance & Leicester's three-year tracker mortgage is worthy of its table-topping status

Published in November 2009

The best mortgage deals!

by Christina Jordan | Another fortnight, another raft of new mortgage deals launched. Find out which is the best mortgage deal for you!

The top 21 fixed mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | How long should you fix your mortgage rate for? Christina Jordan rounds up the best two, three, five and ten-year fixed mortgage deals.

125% mortgage deals are back

by Rachel Wait | Coventry Building Society has started offering new mortgage deals to borrowers who already owe 25% more than their home is worth. But is this as irresponsible as it seems?

The future of the housing market

by Christina Jordan | Fewer property repossessions are expected this year. Christina Jordan takes an in-depth look at what this means for the housing market.

Mortgage rates are getting cheaper

by Christina Jordan | At last, mortgages are getting cheaper! Find out which are the best deals around at the moment.

Large deposits no longer needed to get the best mortgages

by Christina Jordan | Lenders are getting more relaxed about what you can put down as a deposit!

The variable mortgage deal that beats base rate rises!

by John Fitzsimons | With the Base Rate likely to rise soon, going for a tracker mortgage is a gamble. That is, unless you go for this one!

Five fantastic fixed mortgage deals!

by Jane Baker | Now is the right time to take the plunge with a longer-term fixed rate mortgage, argues Jane Baker.

Great mortgage deals from the Rock!

by Jane Baker | Jane Baker checks out the new mortgage range from Northern Rock.

The best variable mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | Turbulent times for the wider economy means interest rates are likely to stay low for the foreseeable future. Make the most of low rates with one of these top variable mortgage deals, says Christina Jordan.

Published in October 2009

Eight frightening facts about your mortgage costs

by Christina Jordan | This Hallowe'en, we take a furtive peek at some spine-chilling financial facts about your future mortgage costs.

Rate cuts at the bank we all own

by Christina Jordan | Northern Rock is undercutting rivals, splitting in two and back on Branson's shopping list. What's going on?

Why mortgage borrowers could be left high and dry

by Christina Jordan | The mortgage market is facing a huge overhaul. Check out the good, the bad and the mad proposals from the FSA.

Borrowers: beware of payment shock!

by Christina Jordan | Mortgage borrowers on low SVRs think they are sitting pretty... but actually, they are sitting precariously!

Don't miss out on the best mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | As the temperature drops, the mortgage market has started hotting up, with lots of new best buys launched in the past few days.

The best mortgage deals I have ever seen

by John Fitzsimons | HSBC and Woolwich have each launched variable mortgage deals with staggeringly low interest rates. But which is the better deal? John Fitzsimons investigates.

Why it's cheaper to buy than to rent

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordon explains why now is the right time for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder

Love it or loathe it? - The best 70% mortgage today

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons explains why this new mortgage from Woolwich is the best in the market for those with a 30% deposit

The top 20 mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordan rounds the top 20 mortgage deals available on the market - whatever your deposit!

Why mortgage fees are fair

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordan gives you the lowdown on everything you need to know about mortgage fees...

The banks are ripping us off

by John Fitzsimons | It's getting cheaper for banks to borrow, but not for you and me. John Fitzsimons reveals how the banks are ripping us off.

Don't go for a two-year tracker mortgage deal!

by Neil Faulkner | We're being encouraged to take short-term trackers. If lenders want us on short-term trackers, doesn't that make them a little fishy?

Published in September 2009

Soapbox - getting through the mortgage maze

by Ed Bowsher | Ed Bowsher looks at how to get through the mortgage maze.

Love it or loathe it? - The cheapest mortgage around!

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons reviews the mortgage with the lowest interest rate available today!

Three vital steps every mortgage borrower needs to take

by Tim Wilson | If you're about to take out a new mortgage, you also need to take these three essential steps, says mortgage broker Tim Wilson.

Love it or loathe it? - The 1.99% mortgage!

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons looks at a 1.99% mortgage from HSBC that's making waves

Mortgage deals made easy

by Christina Jordan | Torn between going to a broker and finding a direct mortgage deal yourself? Christina Jordan has the answer.

How to...slash the cost of your mortgage payments

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons looks at how to shave years off your mortgage, and cut down just how much you fork out in interest

Homeowners: Maximise your savings

by Christina Jordan | Mortgage borrowers with savings can cut thousands off their payments. Christina Jordan rounds up the best fully flexible and offset mortgages.

Britain's rip-off mortgage rates

by Christina Jordan | The base rate is at a historic low, so why are mortgage rates still so high for many borrowers? Christina Jordan investigates.

The best mortgage deals for first-time buyers

by Christina Jordan | There's a lot of positive news out there for first-time buyers, but mortgages for borrowers with small deposits are still thin on the ground.

The best mortgage deals for all borrowers!

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordon rounds up the best mortgages whether you want a fix, tracker or discounted rate

How to...get out of negative equity

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons busts some myths about negative equity, and explains how best to get out of it

Why discount mortgage deals are better than tracker mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | If you want a variable mortgage deal, Christina Jordan reckons you should you go for a discount over a tracker at the moment. Find out why...

Why a long-term fixed mortgage deal can pay off

by Christina Jordan | Long-term fixed mortgage deals may not be cheap but they offer big benefits...

Pay off your credit card before your mortgage deal!

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson investigates whether you're better off putting your spare cash towards your mortgage deal or credit card debt...

The secret to lowering your current mortgage interest rate and monthly mortgage payments

by Christina Jordan | Should you switch or stay put if you're coming to the end of your mortgage deal? Christina Jordan has the answer.

Published in August 2009

Is there any hope for bad credit borrowers?

by Christina Jordan | We hunt out the extremely limited sub-prime mortgage options available

Love it or loathe it - My favourite mortgage

by Ed Bowsher | Ed Bowsher gives the lowdown on a great mortgage deal from Bank of China

The best fixed mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | Many of us are reverting back to the trusty two-year fixed mortgage deal. So let's check out 12 of the best fixed mortgage deals...

Buy your first home in eight easy steps

by Tim Wilson | Check out this comprehensive eight-step guide for first-time buyers by a man who's done it all and seen it all: lovemoney.com head broker Tim Wilson.

Twelve of the best variable mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | With the base rate predicted to remain low for the foreseeable future, trackers are now a better bet than fixed rates. Save money now with one of these 12 cheap tracker deals.

Farewell to the 0% mortgage rate

by Harvey Jones | It is soon time to bid a fond farewell to one of the strangest offspring of the credit crunch, the 0% mortgage. Welcome back to the real world!

How to buy a house abroad

by John Fitzsimons | The UK is far from alone in suffering house price falls over the past year, so if you're buying abroad you might be able to pick up a bargain!

Cheap Chinese mortgage deals arrive in the UK

by Cliff D'Arcy | Bank of China, the world's third-largest bank, has started lending cheap tracker mortgages to UK homebuyers. Cliff D'Arcy finds out if these deals are really as good as they seem...

12 of the best mortgage deals for first-time buyers

by Christina Jordan | Better mortgages for first-time buyers with small deposits could be on the way soon. But if you can't wait, Christina Jordan reveals the top deals available now.

Published in July 2009

Love it or loathe it - New Lloyds mortgage falls flat

by Jane Baker | Lloyds have launched a new mortgage deal with stepped interest rates, but it's more costly than it seems

Hurry! The best mortgages are disappearing fast

by Jane Baker | These days the best mortgages are 'here today, gone tomorrow'. If you don't act quickly you could miss out.

Love it or loathe it? - Fix your mortgage at 2.49%, but hurry!

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons explains why you need to get your skates on to get hold of HSBC's Rate Matcher

Falling fixed mortgage rates just an illusion

by Christina Jordan | Some lenders have trimmed their mortgage rates in recent weeks, but don't get too excited...

The danger of short-term mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | Why a short-term mortgage deal could leave you stuck with your lender for much longer than you think.

Your two pence - The most dangerous mortgage

by Donna Werbner | As Nationwide starts offering 125% mortgages, Donna Werbner gets your two pence on these potentially dangerous mortgage deals.

Stop overpaying your mortgage deal!

by Alison Hunt | If you're steadily using surplus cash to overpay your mortgage, it's time to do your sums. You might well be better off saving your cash, instead!

Love it or loathe it? - An expensive mortgage joke

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons reckons this new mortgage product is nothing more than an expensive joke. Borrowers beware!

When you should not get a fixed mortgage deal

by John Fitzsimons | Fixing your mortgage for the long term is widely seen as the smartest move in the current climate, but it's not right - or even possible - for everybody.

Millions of borrowers face unfair mortgage costs

by Cliff D'Arcy | The financial watchdog is investigating mortgage lenders for treating borrowers unfairly. But problems with penalty fines go much deeper...

The return of the 125% mortgage deal

by John Fitzsimons | Nationwide has started offering 125% mortgages again. But is this really the irresponsible move it appears to be? John Fitzsimons investigates.

Watch out for these extra mortgage costs!

by Christina Jordan | Valuation fees vary enormously between lenders and can make a big dent in your finances.

Soapbox - Fix your mortgage

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons argues you need to fix your mortgage for the long term, and do it quick.

Published in June 2009

Save £8,160 on your mortgage costs

by John Fitzsimons | When it comes to mortgages, it really is worth saving up for the biggest deposit you can afford. John Fitzsimons looks at just how much a small deposit will cost you in the long run.

Goodbye, cheap fixed mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | Last week fixed-rate mortgage deals rose significantly, and they are set to go up further.

Fix your mortgage rate before it's too late!

by Jane Baker | Fixed rate mortgages are becoming more expensive. If you want to lock into a low rate, act now!

Love it or loathe it? - Saffron Building Society FTB mortgage

by Jane Baker | Jane Baker takes a look at a new mortgage from Saffron Building Society which helps first time buyers

The virtues of variable mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | If you've got the stomach for the ups and down of a variable rate, you could save yourself thousands on your mortgage right now.

Love it or loathe it? - Co-op three year tracker mortgage

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons explains why it pays to look beyond the headline rate of this product.

Get a fixed mortgage deal at 2.49%!

by John Fitzsimons | Fancy fixing your mortgage at 2.49%? It may sound like a great deal, but there are some big strings attached, as John Fitzsimons found out...

Save a packet with an offset mortgage deal!

by John Fitzsimons | Offset mortgage deals offer you the chance to save time or money on your mortgage, but very few of us understand them. Here's what you need to know - and whether they are right for you.

The five golden rules of remortgaging

by Christina Jordan | Switch and save the smart way when you come to change your homeloan.

Published in May 2009

Why you should pay mortgage costs upfront

by Jane Baker | Adding the product fee onto your mortgage may seem like a good idea, but it could cost you a lot more in the long run.

Protect yourself from mortgage rate hikes

by Christina Jordan | Why locking in for the long term is the smart move in the current market.

The best mortgages for first-time buyers

by Jane Baker | There's a dearth of mortgages for new borrowers with a small deposit, but one or two lenders are offering decent deals.

Five new property & mortgage tips

by Neil Faulkner | Read Neil Faulkner's top new tips for homeowners and wannabe owners.

Why it is better to go to a mortgage broker

by John Fitzsimons | When it came to the biggest financial decision of his life, this lovemoney.com writer chose to go to a broker.

Hope at last for first-time buyers

by John Fitzsimons | Haven't got enough saved up to buy your first home? No problem, the Government will help you out - as long as your income is low enough...

Don't dismiss fee-free mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | Fee-free mortgages come in for some flak for costing more in the long run, but they can be a cheap and practical option for many.

Good news for mortgage borrowers with 25% deposits

by Christina Jordan | Competition heated up this week for mortgage borrowers with 25% deposits - but what does this mean for everyone else?

How good is your mortgage lender?

by Jane Baker | Will your lender play fair when your current deal comes to an end, or rip you off by moving you onto a ridiculously high rate? Let's find out...

Published in April 2009

Cap your mortgage rate now!

by Christina Jordan | Why you should take out a capped mortgage deal before it's too late.

Don't be swayed by fee-free mortgage deals

by Jane Baker | You might think a fee-free mortgage deal sounds like a great way to cut your costs, but it doesn't always do the trick.

Nationwide criticisms misguided

by Neil Faulkner | Nationwide is again taking lots of criticism for treating new customers differently from old, but, again, the criticism is unfounded.

Why your dog can't meet your monthly mortgage payments

by Rachel Wait | More and more of us are putting our pets' lives ahead of our own. Here's why you shouldn't.

Why you should choose a long-term fixed mortgage deal today!

by Jane Baker | Long-term fixed rate mortgages are pretty cheap right now, but are they a good choice for borrowers?

How to get the best mortgage deal

by Neil Faulkner | We all want the best mortgage deal. But where should you go to get it?

New mortgage deals for first-time buyers

by Christina Jordan | HSBC has allocated £1bn to a new 90% LTV mortgage range -- but they are not for everyone.

Grab a fixed mortgage deal while they're cheap

by Jane Baker | Some fixed rate mortgage deals are offering super low rates, but act quickly because they may not be around for long.

Top mortgage deals

by Alison Hunt | If you've got a decent sized deposit or are looking to remortgage, here are some of the best products on the market.

You can get a great mortgage with a low (ish) deposit

by Christina Jordan | HSBC has cut the minimum deposit required on its best rates.

The best home for your money is your mortgage

by Christina Jordan | Should you use your savings to pay down your mortgage debt, or should you put your spare cash in a tax-free savings account?

Published in March 2009

Short and sweet mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | We look at two-year fixed rates vs two-year variable rates.

Millions set to fall into negative equity

by Christina Jordan | Two million mortgage borrowers will fall into negative equity this year, according to the FSA. Don't panic if you're one of them...

Mortgage rates may rise after failed gilt auction

by Ed Bowsher | The government's failure to sell all the available gilts at Wednesday's auction is worrying. We look at what it means for all of us - especially mortgage borrowers.

The best new mortgage deals

by Christina Jordan | What are the best new mortgage deals available? Christina Jordan compares the market-leaders.

Red tape is good for landlords!

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordan is in favour of plans to regulate the buy-to-let mortgage market. Find out why.

Has the Government gone insane?

by Christina Jordan | If the Government restricts mortgage lending to three times income, it could be the straw that finally breaks the housing market's back.

Get the cheapest mortgage deal

by Christina Jordan | If you want the lowest monthly repayments and you have equity in your property, variable rates still rule.

Feel sorry for first-time buyers

by Christina Jordan | Buyer interest is up but it isn't translating into sales, as mortgage finance for borrowers with small deposits remains restricted.

Long-term fixed mortgage deals rule

by Christina Jordan | After 18 months of very appealing trackers, fixed rate mortgages are coming back to the fore.

Protect your monthly mortgage payments

by Jane Baker | Insurance policies which protect your income and mortgage payments have been slated in the past. But a new type of product is worth looking into...

How much can you borrow?

by Christina Jordan | Which lenders will offer the most when it comes to your mortgage?

A big danger for homeowners

by Cliff D'Arcy | With the base rate at 0.5% and heading for zero, mortgage interest rates have plunged. The threat comes when inflation returns and rates have to rise again...

Fixed mortgage deals get even cheaper

by Christina Jordan | Lenders have launched over a dozen new fixed rate mortgages in the last seven days.

The top lifetime mortgage deals

by Neil Faulkner | We show you the top lifetime mortgage deals, both fixed and tracker, and give you some tips on mortgage strategy over the next few years.

What to do if you've got a small deposit

by Jane Baker | Jane Baker looks at the deals on offer to mortgage borrowers with small deposits.

Published in February 2009

A place for 100% mortgage deals?

by Christina Jordan | The Prime Minister wants to ban 100%-plus mortgages, but is he right?

Top long-term fixed mortgage deals

by Neil Faulkner | Take a look at the best seven-year, and ten-year fixed mortgage deals available.

The biggest financial u-turn ever!

by Donna Ferguson | It's good news for borrowers and bad news for taxpayers as Northern Rock borrows an extra £10 billion and starts lending again.

Is it time to ditch the fix?

by Emma Lunn | Should borrowers with long-term fixed mortgages ditch their deals?

Can't meet your monthly mortgage payments? Don't panic

by Christina Jordan | Not everyone is benefitting from lower rates, and if you're struggling to meet your monthly mortgage payments there are positive steps you can take

Why tracker mortgages deals aren't as cheap as you think

by Jane Baker | Tracker mortgages might seem like a good idea today, but they could become a whole lot more expensive tomorrow.

New build mortgage deals are still restricted

by Christina Jordan | There is a market for new build properties as prices fall, but can borrowers easily secure a mortgage?

Is it time to get a fixed mortgage deal?

by Christina Jordan | With the Base Rate at an all-time low is now a good time to fix your mortgage rate?

Are There Any Bad Credit Mortgages Left?

by Christina Jordan | It is very hard to get a mortgage if you have a history of financial problems -- but it is possible

Is Woolwich's Lowest Ever Fixed-Rate Mortgage Any Good?

by Emma Lunn | Woolwich has launched a new fixed-rate mortgage at 2.29%. Should you sign up?

Self-Employed Borrowers: Go Away!

by Christina Jordan | HBOS brands have withdrawn from self-cert and sub-prime mortgage lending and tightened all new build criteria.

How do offset mortgage rates compare?

by Neil Faulkner | We compare the best offset mortgage rate to other rates.