Remortgaging

The cheapest and best mortgage you can get is a 60% LTV (loan to value) mortgage. By putting down a deposit of 40%, mortgage lenders will see you as a very safe bet – and thus offer you the best interest rates and promotional periods.

If you can obtain an 85% LTV mortgage, where you provide a deposit or home equity of 15%, you will usually be rewarded with a much lower interest rate than a 90% LTV mortgage – which can save you thousands of pounds in interest repayments over a few years.

If you have ever shared an address with someone, you could be financially associated – which means, in the eyes of the credit reference agencies, that your finances are connected. Credit agencies play a big role in whether you can get approved for credit in the future, so it’s very important to be aware of your financial associations.

If you are considering selling your home, it’s important to make your home stand out from others to increase the chances of a quick sale at your target price.

Not all mortgages are created equal. Beyond interest-only and repayment, fixed and variable rates, there are additional choices to be made. One option is an offset mortgage.

Before you buy a property both you and your lender need to know it’s worth what you’ve agreed to pay to the seller. To do this, you’ll need a mortgage valuation report and property survey.

Thinking of moving in together? Read our guide first to the financial and practical preparations you should make.

Should I move house?

Demand for equity release mortgages has reached record levels in recent years. More lenders have entered the market, increasing competition and lowering interest rates. For those over 55 years old who own their property outright, equity release mortgages provide a way to generate a lump sum or regular instalments of cash.