Mortgages archive

Published in December 2011

5 ways to cut your mortgage costs in 2012

by Neil Faulkner | We show you ways to save up to £500 in 2012, some of which will snowball with no further action to save up to £5,000 by the end of your mortgage.

Most affordable mortgages in eight years

by Robert Powell | Home loans are at their most affordable in eight years. But are they available? Robert Powell takes a look...

Bid to end risky mortgage lending

by Simon Ward | FSA proposes three-point plan to avoid threat of another unsustainable lending boom.

The housing market's biggest problem

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell looks at the key factors that are holding back a housing market recovery...

Landlord bonanza carries on

by Emma Lunn | This week saw Santander launch its first buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage deals. It's the latest in a long line of lenders either returning to or entering the BTL market.

16 mortgages borrowers cannot afford to ignore

by Robert Powell | The Bank of England has warned that rates will likely soon rise on the cheapest mortgage deals. Robert Powell finds out why and highlights 16 of the best deals currently around…

Take a break from your repayment mortgage payments

by Christina Jordan | Find out how to take a break from your repayment mortgage payments.

Credit crunch returns and mortgage costs look set to rise

by Simon Ward | Prime Minister's office confirms second crunch as Bank of England warns of higher costs on mortgages.

Published in November 2011

by Emma Lunn | It's been a busy week in the mortgage market, with new best buy deals for first-time buyers, borrowers with large deposits, and a mortgage allowing you to fix your rate for a decade at less than 5%.

The best long fixed rate mortgages

by Robert Powell | Housing minister Grant Shapps wants lenders to offer 30 year mortgages. Robert Powell looks at whether this is a wise suggestion and runs down the best fixed rate home loans...

Get the best rate on your remortgage

by Robert Powell | Over half of homeowners could be missing out on an average of £1,200 of savings every year by not switching onto a better deal...

A great new HSBC mortgage for first-time buyers

by Ed Bowsher | A new HSBC mortgage enables first-time buyers to borrow at 3.84% - even if they only have a 10% deposit.

Buy a house with 90% mortgage

by Robert Powell | The range of mortgages for small deposits is growing once again. Robert Powell takes a look at this resurgent high loan-to-value market...

The ultimate mortgage if you're indecisive

by John Fitzsimons | Perplexed by the fixed/tracker rate debate? With this mortgage, you don't actually have to choose between them!

The most exclusive mortgages

by Neil Faulkner | Do existing customers get the best deals on the market?

Fabulous new fee-free mortgages for 10%+ deposits

by John Fitzsimons | If you’ve only got a small deposit, and don’t fancy paying a fee for your mortgage, your options are better than you may think!

Yes, you can get up to 8% on your savings

by Harvey Jones | With savings accounts offering such rubbish rates, offset mortgages may provide the answer.

Six mortgage deals to avoid

by Robert Powell | Opting for a discount variable mortgage is a bad idea in the current climate...

Published in October 2011

These cheap mortgages won’t be around for long

by Robert Powell | Mortgage rates are still extremely low. But they may not stay that way for long. Robert Powell looks at why prices could be set to rise and rounds up the latest top deals...

A two-year mortgage will break your heart

by Harvey Jones | They used to be the sweetheart of the nation's homebuyers. But a two-year mortgage is not the catch it used to be.

Magnificent mortgages with a 5% deposit

by Laura Howard | Believe it or not, you can get on the property ladder even if you only have a 5% deposit.

The £3,000 hidden cost of remortgaging

by Neil Faulkner | On top of mortgage fees, legal costs, taxes and interest, there is one more big cost to remortgaging that is hidden away, and it costs us thousands of pounds.

Avoid this expensive mortgage trap

by Neil Faulkner | When you remortgage, don't go back to the beginning again.

Fix your mortgage at 1.99%

by John Fitzsimons | It's not just variable mortgages which offer an incredibly low rate!

Get a lifetime tracker at 2.49%

by Donna Ferguson | This type of mortgage promises to solve all your mortgage dilemmas...

The Indians are coming!

by John Fitzsimons | The mortgage market has an exciting new entrant for borrowers to consider when shopping around for a deal.

The £20,000 cost of constantly switching mortgages

by Neil Faulkner | Are all the fees we pay for switching mortgage worth it?

Published in September 2011

Why mortgage lenders can see your tax return

by Emma Lunn | A new scheme allows mortgage lenders to cross-check details on application forms with details on tax returns. But will it stop you getting a mortgage?

The perfect tracker mortgage

by John Fitzsimons | The lifetime tracker allows you to take advantage of low interest rates for the long term.

The offset mortgage that's worth buying

by Neil Faulkner | We identify an offset mortgage that is worth buying in today's low interest, high inflation environment.

It's time to move your mortgage!

by Cliff D'Arcy | With rates at new lows, it may be worth paying a penalty to swap your home loan.

2,557 mortgages: how to pick the one for you

by Robert Powell | The number of mortgage deals available is at its highest since 2008. But which one is right for you? Robert Powell finds out...

The best new mortgage deals

by Robert Powell | The Bank of England Base Rate has been at the historic low of 0.5% for 30 months now. But at what cost to the British public?

Landlords are set to suffer

by John Fitzsimons | The rental market has rarely looked so rosy. But there may be trouble ahead...

Buy a property without a deposit

by Neil Faulkner | There's a new way to get on the ladder with no deposit. We compare this with your other options.

The sneaky mortgage rate that may cost you £££

by Emma Lunn | In the old days lenders had one standard variable rate each. But not any more. So which one will you have to pay?

Fix for five years at 3.34%

by Cliff D'Arcy | As mortgage rates continue to tumble, some amazing deals are appearing!

Fix your mortgage at 3.59% for 4 years!

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Ferguson rounds up the latest fantastic fixed rate mortgages available.

Four reasons not to get this mortgage

by Robert Powell | Here are four reasons why I think fixed-term variable mortgages are a waste of time...

Fix your mortgage at 3.99% for ten years!

by John Fitzsimons | Fancy paying 3.99% on your mortgage for a decade? Then this new deal may be for you.

Published in August 2011

Mortgages cost less than inflation

by Neil Faulkner | Mortgage interest rates are usually much higher than inflation, but right now they're considerably lower.

The hidden costs lurking in your mortgage

by Cliff D'Arcy | Always inspect the small print of home loans for these 10 sneaky charges!

Three massive mortgage dilemmas solved

by Donna Ferguson | What difference does a mortgage broker actually make? Donna Ferguson investigates.

Buy a property with a 5% deposit

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you only have a small deposit, good news! Mortgage rates are coming down.

Average mortgage fee is more than £1,000!

by John Fitzsimons | The size of the fee you have to pay to secure your mortgage has rocketed by 17% over the past 12 months. Is it worth focusing on those mortgages that don’t charge an up-front fee?

EU red tape set to raise your mortgage costs

by John Fitzsimons | Mortgage lenders reckon new proposals from Europe will force up mortgage costs.

100% mortgages are back!

by John Fitzsimons | Mortgages allowing you to buy a home without a deposit disappeared after the credit crunch, but are making a reappearance.

Switch now and slash your mortgage payments

by Emma Lunn | You may be able to cut your mortgage payments - if you act quickly!

The forgotten costs of an offset mortgage

by Neil Faulkner | On the surface, using offset mortgages appear to be far better than savings accounts, but this is not always the case.

The new mortgage that lets you track AND fix

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell looks into the new five year mortgage that lets you get hold of a low tracker rate for two years before locking in at a fixed level for three...

How pregnancy and maternity leave affect your mortgage

by Donna Ferguson | Going on maternity leave and not sure how it will affect your mortgage? Donna Ferguson reveals all.

Fix your mortgage for longer without paying higher rate

by John Fitzsimons | This new mortgage range allows you to decide exactly how long your mortgage rate is fixed for.

Lowest ever tracker mortgage rates

by Robert Powell | Variable mortgage rates are still dropping – with some lenders offering sub-2% deals...

The mortgage that will never charge more than 3.98%

by Robert Powell | Are capped tracker mortgages really as clever as they seem? Robert Powell takes a look...

Published in July 2011

The new mortgage that’s not as clever as it looks

by Robert Powell | A new range of mortgages has been released for first-time buyers wanting to purchase a property with their friends. But are they really as original or as practical as they look?

How much homes really cost

by Cliff D'Arcy | You may be shocked at the true cost of buying a home with a mortgage!

Lowest five-year fixed mortgage rates ever

by Robert Powell | Rates for five-year fixed mortgages just keep dropping. Could it be time to ditch that variable and lock in for the long-run?

Buy a house with 10% deposit or less

by John Fitzsimons | You don't need a massive deposit to get onto the property ladder with these mortgages.

Homeowners face another two years of payment shocks

by Cliff D'Arcy | With the base rate set to rise from 2012, millions of homeowners face higher mortgage rates.

The smartest mortgage for savers

by John Fitzsimons | Forget about savings accounts. If you want a proper return on your cash, your choice of mortgage is more important.

10 things mortgage borrowers should never forget

by Neil Faulkner | Here's a checklist of ten points that you should look into before signing on the dotted line.

The property market's worst-case scenario

by Neil Faulkner | Consider the worst-case scenario of rapidly-rising interest rates and sharply falling house prices. How would this affect you and are you ready for it?

Cheapest mortgage rates in 23 years!

by Robert Powell | Interest rates on new mortgages just keep falling...

The rise of the seven day mortgage

by John Fitzsimons | One lender is offering fabulous rates, but you'll need to move quickly to get hold of them!

Published in June 2011

The secret mortgage rip-off

by Cliff D'Arcy | Mortgage lenders have been cheating borrowers paying variable rates!

Buy a house with a 10% deposit

by John Fitzsimons | If you only have a small deposit, these new deals are worth a look.

The tracker mortgage that protects you from rate rises

by John Fitzsimons | With this clever mortgage, you can enjoy the current low interest rate, but guard yourself against rate rises.

Help! I can’t get a mortgage!

by Tim Wilson | With many borrowers pessimistic about their chances of getting a mortgage, lovemoney.com’s resident broker Tim Wilson looks at how to overcome certain hurdles like previous rejections or small deposits.

Lenders preventing mortgage transfers

by Neil Faulkner | Lenders are preventing borrowers from transferring their mortgages to new properties, even though the small print says the mortgages are portable.

Why we need 95% mortgages

by Robert Powell | High LTV mortgages are beginning to creep back into the market. Here’s why it’s a good thing...

The most flexible mortgage in the UK!

by Emma Lunn | This mortgage gives you the best of both the fixed and variable rate worlds.

Save thousands with an offset mortgage

by Emma Lunn | Offset mortgages allow you to pay off your mortgage earlier and save thousands in interest...

The silly mortgage mistake that’ll cost you thousands

by John Fitzsimons | Adding your fee to the mortgage will leave you out of pocket in the long run.

Published in May 2011

Working out what a ‘good’ mortgage rate is

by Tim Wilson | We all have an idea of what constitutes a ‘good’ mortgage rate. But are we being realistic? Tim Wilson, mortgage broker at lovemoney.com, takes a look.

Fix your mortgage at 4% for five years

by John Fitzsimons | A new market-leading mortgage makes fixing for the long term even more attractive!

The best mortgages for low deposits

by Rachel Wait | If you only have a small deposit for a house, things are starting to look a little brighter...

You can still save thousands with a variable mortgage

by Robert Powell | With inflation high, the economy shaky and fixed rate mortgages relatively cheap, is there any reason to go for a variable deal nowadays?

You have a week to slash the cost of new mortgage!

by John Fitzsimons | One lender is restricting mortgage fees, so long as you apply within the next seven days.

Avoid these rubbish mortgage deals

by John Fitzsimons | These mortgage features have been designed to attract new borrowers. But they are a waste of time.

How to pick the right remortgage deal

by Neil Faulkner | Many SVR mortgages are cheap and they come with fewer restrictions and penalties than most deals, but some trackers are cheaper, and long fixes also look good value. How do you choose?

It’s time to ditch mortgage fees!

by John Fitzsimons | Getting a great mortgage doesn’t need to cost you a fortune.

Seven reasons mortgage lenders turn you down

by Rachel Wait | If you’re hoping to apply for a mortgage, make sure you get accepted...

It’s now easier to get a mortgage!

by Robert Powell | The size of deposit needed to get a mortgage is at its lowest since 2008 – and what’s more, lenders are cutting interest rates left, right and centre. But is it really getting easier to borrow?

Published in April 2011

HSBC axes fees for mortgage customers

by Robert Powell | HSBC are dropping the fees on their entire tracker mortgage range as well as allowing customers to switch to a fixed rate deal with no additional charges

You're too old for a mortgage!

by Emma Lunn | The problems of first-time buyers, remortgagers in negative equity, home-movers struggling to move up the ladder and the like are well documented. But one group of people is rarely mentioned in mortgage advice: the older borrower.

Avoid these expensive mortgages

by Neil Faulkner | Some borrowers pay a very high price to fix their mortgage rate. Is it worth it?

Why going for a tracker is not so smart

by Neil Faulkner | A leading mortgage firm reckons trackers are the way to go at the moment. But are they jumping the gun?

Ten steps to finding a mortgage

by Rachel Wait | Whether you’re buying your first home or looking to remortgage, make sure you follow these ten steps...

Save money with a tracker mortgage

by John Fitzsimons | Variable mortgage rates are still incredibly cheap. But have borrowers left it too late to take full advantage?

Six horrendous mortgage mistakes

by Robert Powell | Steer clear of these pitfalls when you’re shopping around for a mortgage...

This clever mortgage will save you thousands

by Cliff D'Arcy | An offset mortgage can help you to kill off your home loan in record time.

Avoid rising mortgage fees

by John Fitzsimons | Low-fee and fee-free mortgage deals offer a great alternative to punishing mortgage fees.

Mortgages are dying out!

by Cliff D'Arcy | If mortgage lending remains weak, then house prices will follow suit...

Published in March 2011

Dodgy mortgage lending is back!

by John Fitzsimons | Some lessons have clearly not been learnt from the credit crunch.

Rate rises will hit 90% of borrowers

by John Fitzsimons | According to one firm, nine in every ten borrowers are vulnerable to base rate rises.

The brilliant new best buy mortgage

by Christina Jordan | Beat the Base Rate rises by locking into a long-term fix.

The death of the ten-year mortgage

by John Fitzsimons | If you want to fix your rate for a decade, you don’t have many options!

Buy a house with a 5% deposit

by Christina Jordan | Not got a big deposit? It’s not necessarily a problem with the new breed of 95% mortgages.

Mortgage affordability at 10-year high

by John Fitzsimons | Buying a home hasn’t been this affordable in a decade.

Forget fixes and turn to trackers

by Christina Jordan | As Base Rate trackers fall to an all-time low their appeal is undeniable

The top 30 deals for remortgagors!

by Christina Jordan | If you’ve got equity, you can get a great mortgage deal.

The cheapest mortgages on the market

by Neil Faulkner | We go through the small print to find the best deals in the market today

Northern Rock launches 90% mortgage

by Cliff D'Arcy | The bailed-out bank once famous for 125% mortgages launches a 90% home loan.

The best mortgages are found off the high street!

by John Fitzsimons | If you want a market leader, you’ll need to look beyond the big names.

Published in February 2011

The solution to your mortgage dilemma

by Christina Jordan | Can decide between a fix or a tracker? Now you don’t have to.

Hurrah! More mortgages for smaller deposits

by John Fitzsimons | Borrowers with small deposits can now enjoy a greater choice of deals.

Fixed mortgages reach highest rates in six-months

by John Fitzsimons | If you want to get a great fixed rate, you need to get a move on.

It's time to ditch your mortgage

by Christina Jordan | Who can -- and can’t -- save money by switching their homeloan?

Halifax to pay £500m to overcharged customers

by Cliff D'Arcy | Overcharged Halifax mortgage borrowers can expect average compensation of £1,667 each!

An easy way to choose the right mortgage

by Christina Jordan | Get help through the mortgage maze from a free and independent broker.

The new 120% mortgage

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell takes a look at Lloyds TSB’s new mortgage for home owners who want to move but are being held back by negative equity...

Get ready for mortgage rate rises

by Christina Jordan | The only way to guarantee your mortgage rate is to fix it.

Apprentice star commits mortgage fraud!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The conviction of Apprentice star, Christopher Farrell, reveals the shady side of the housing boom.