Remortgaging

Choosing the right mortgage is a complex problem, but it’s vital for your financial health that you make a sensible decision and don’t get overwhelmed by the options, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.

The loan to value ratio, or LTV, of a mortgage, is based on much money you need to borrow to afford a property.

A second charge mortgage – also known as a second mortgage – lets you borrow more money by using your home as security. A second mortgage can be a good way of borrowing money for home improvements but, in many cases, it may be more prudent to use a conventional remortgage.

Remortgaging is when you get a new mortgage on your current home. It’s a very important decision that could impact your finances by thousands of pounds every year.

Are you weighing up whether to rent or buy a home? Both have upsides and drawbacks.

How long it takes to save up a deposit for a house is influenced by a number of factors including your income versus your outgoings, how much the type of property you want costs and whether you’re saving up alone or if you’ll have help.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll ever make, and on top of the price of the property there are a wide range of associated costs both before and after completion.

For most LGBT people, getting personal finances right means saving enough for retirement, getting good value life and household insurance, and managing money effectively on a monthly basis.

There’s no such thing as a self-employed mortgage. Sole traders, contractors and company directors have access to the same mortgages as normal employees. But lenders will look at your finances more closely.

Your credit score gives an indication about the state of your financial history. Unfortunately, improving your credit score is not an easy fix – you will have to change your financial behaviour and stick at it for a while.