What does the coronavirus mean for my mortgage?

Millions of Brits have faced losing their jobs or a reduction in pay as the coronavirus pandemic has forced businesses to take action. Some firms have been forced to close due to the nationwide lockdown, whilst others will have reduced working hours or laid off staff to minimise losses during uncertain times. For some, it may mean struggling to keep up with usual outgoings, such as mortgage repayments, but steps have been taken to offer...

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7 tips for securing a mortgage if you’re self-employed

Millions of people are now self-employed, and it could provide more flexible opportunities for those that are traditionally employed. But, as your income may fluctuate, it can be more difficult to secure a mortgage from high street lenders. If this is something you’re struggling with or have concerns about the future, there are things you can do to improve your chances. More than 4.8 million people are self-employed in the UK. This accounts for...

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6 areas where a mortgage adviser can add value

Taking out a mortgage is a big step. Whether it’s for your first home or as you’re moving up the property ladder. With the length of mortgage increasing and house prices rising considerably over the last few decades, getting the right mortgage is essential. It could save you money and come with other benefits. You may be thinking of going down the DIY route when choosing a mortgage. But there are reasons why choosing to work with a mortgage...

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The cost of being a landlord in the UK

House prices and rental yield have risen significantly over the last few decades. So, it’s no surprise that becoming a landlord is often seen as an attractive way to supplement income or create a nest egg for retirement. However, research shows that landlords have to contend with significant costs too. If you’re thinking of using property to build up your wealth, it’s important that you go ahead with a clear understanding of how much a...

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6 tips for securing a mortgage if you’re self-employed

The ability to work flexibly has led to far more people becoming self-employed. In fact, official statistics indicate there were more than 4.8 million self-employed workers in 2018, a figure that’s likely to increase further. Whilst the flexibility it offers can certainly be appealing, it can make securing a mortgage to get on the property ladder challenging. If this is a position you find yourself in, there are things you can do to improve your...

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6 things to consider when searching for a mortgage

Thanks to the internet, searching and comparing mortgages has never been easier. However, the market is huge with a range of providers, from those with a high street presence to specialist lenders. As a result, it can be challenging to find the right mortgage product for you, whether you’re a first-time buyer or remortgaging to secure a better deal. So, what areas should you focus on? There are six key factors to keep in mind when you want to...

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Six things to check before you apply for a mortgage

Applying for a mortgage can be a daunting prospect, whether you’re buying your first home, looking to take a step up the ladder or remortgage. With so much hinging on being approved for a mortgage, it makes sense to improve your prospects as much as possible beforehand. A mortgage application being rejected can seriously affect your plans. You may not be able to move to the house you’d hoped or find yourself paying more than anticipated in...

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The pros and cons of choosing a longer mortgage term

With property prices rising and many young adults struggling to get on the property ladder, mortgage lengths are increasing. More mortgage products that allow homebuyers to spread repayments over a 40-year period are on the rise. It can be an effective way to reduce outgoings each month, but it does come at a cost. Research from Moneyfacts found that over half of all residential mortgage products have a standard maximum mortgage term of up to 40...

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Six alternatives to borrowing from the Bank of Mum and Dad

It's well known that first-time buyers are struggling to get on the property ladder. One of the biggest hurdles is pulling together the deposit needed to secure a mortgage. As a result, it's not surprising that more aspiring homeowners are turning to parents for financial support. According to Which?, nearly one in four potential first-time buyers are relying on the Bank of Mum and Dad to fund their mortgage deposit and get on the property ladder....

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Should you fix your mortgage rate?

Interest rates are low, and the shape Brexit will take is still largely unknown, especially when you consider the impact it could have in the long term. However, it’s anticipated that interest rates will start to rise in the near future. It could mean repayments on debts will being to creep up soon. As your mortgage is likely to be the largest debt you have, rising interest rates could have a significant impact on your monthly outgoings....

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