Property guides

A mortgage can be the biggest financial decision you make in your life, so it makes sense to do what you can to get the best possible deal.

If you’re aged between 18 and 39, a Lifetime ISA (also called a LISA) is a type of savings account that offers a tax-free way to save – but with an appealing extra.

Your credit score matters. From mortgages to credit cards to loans, it affects your ability to borrow money and the cost of that debt to you.

Every year, thousands of people in the UK get a mortgage so they can buy a property. In fact, data from the Bank of England (BoE) shows that there were 54,700 mortgage approvals in June 2023 alone. But whether you're just starting out on your journey to homeownership or you're a seasoned mover, getting a mortgage can be a confusing - and at times daunting - prospect. In this guide, we run through the basics of everything you need to know about how mortgages work and what you can expect.

A good mortgage broker can be the difference between getting the best mortgage deal for you or missing out and ending up paying more every month for one you're not happy with. They can also streamline the mortgage application process, helping you with narrow down your options and handling some of that dreaded paperwork.

The rules around Stamp Duty have changed a lot in recent years, so this guide will give you the low-down on everything from the threshold your property must pass before you pay it to how much you could end up paying.