Mortgage & Property — Page 12

Capital Gains Tax When You Sell an Inherited Property: How the Gain Is Actually Calculated

CGT on an inherited property is calculated from the probate value, not what the deceased originally paid. How the base cost, allowances and 60-day reporting rule work.

Emma Clarke29 Jun 20266 min read

🏠 Mortgage & Property

Chain-Free Property Purchases: Why They're Worth Paying a Premium For

Chain-free buyers and sellers can complete faster and with less risk of collapse. Why chain-free properties command a premium, and how to position yourself as one.

James Morgan29 Jun 20265 min read

🏠 Mortgage & Property

Non-Standard Construction and Mortgages: RAAC, PRC Concrete and Steel-Frame Homes

Homes built with RAAC, PRC concrete or non-standard steel/timber frames can be far harder to mortgage. Which construction types raise lender red flags and what to do about it.

James Morgan29 Jun 20265 min read

🏠 Mortgage & Property

Decision in Principle vs Mortgage Offer: What's the Difference and When Do You Need Each?

A Decision in Principle and a full mortgage offer are not the same thing. What each stage checks, how long they take, and why an AIP is not a guarantee of lending.

James Morgan29 Jun 20265 min read

🏠 Mortgage & Property

Challenging Tenancy Deposit Deductions: The ADR Process Explained

Landlords can't simply keep part of your deposit — the scheme's Alternative Dispute Resolution process decides disputed deductions. How to build evidence and win a challenge.

Emma Clarke29 Jun 20265 min read

🏠 Mortgage & Property

Down Valuation: What Happens When Your Mortgage Lender Values the Property Lower

A down valuation means the lender's surveyor thinks the property is worth less than you agreed to pay. Why it happens and your realistic options to keep the purchase alive.

James Morgan29 Jun 20265 min read

🏠 Mortgage & Property

Equity Release: Drawdown vs Lump Sum Lifetime Mortgages Compared

Drawdown lifetime mortgages release equity in stages as needed, while lump sum products release it all upfront. How the interest cost, flexibility and estate impact differ.

James Morgan29 Jun 20265 min read

🏠 Mortgage & Property

Shared Equity Beyond Help to Buy: How Discount Market Sale and Regional Schemes Work in 2026

Help to Buy has closed, but discount market sale, First Homes and regional shared equity schemes still offer below-market routes into homeownership. How the discount is locked in and repaid.

James Morgan29 Jun 20265 min read

🏠 Mortgage & Property

Flying Freeholds: Why Some Lenders Refuse to Mortgage Them

A flying freehold occurs when part of your property overhangs or is supported by a neighbour's land, creating maintenance obligations lenders worry about. What it means for getting a mortgage.

James Morgan29 Jun 20266 min read

🏠 Mortgage & Property

Further Advance vs Remortgage: Which Is Cheaper for Funding Home Improvements?

A further advance from your existing lender and a full remortgage both release equity for home improvements, but they work very differently. Costs, speed and rate risk compared.

James Morgan29 Jun 20265 min read

🏠 Mortgage & Property

Gazumping and Gazundering: What They Are and How to Protect Yourself in 2026

Gazumping and gazundering remain legal in England and Wales because offers aren't binding until exchange. What they are, why they happen, and practical steps to reduce your risk.

James Morgan29 Jun 20265 min read

🏠 Mortgage & Property

Gifting a House Deposit: The Mortgage Paperwork and Inheritance Tax Rules

Gifting a deposit to a family member requires a formal gifted deposit letter for the lender, and can have Inheritance Tax implications for the donor if they don't survive seven years.

Emma Clarke29 Jun 20265 min read

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Mortgage & Property — Frequently Asked Questions

What mortgage topics are covered here?

The Mortgage & Property category covers UK mortgage types (fixed, tracker, offset), stamp duty (SDLT in England, LBTT in Scotland, LTT in Wales), first-time buyer schemes, remortgaging, buy-to-let rules, Help to Buy and Shared Ownership. All figures are updated for 2026/27.

How much stamp duty will I pay on a £300,000 home?

In England for 2026/27, on a main residential property: 0% on the first £125,000, 2% on £125,001–£250,000 (£2,500), and 5% on £250,001–£300,000 (£2,500). Total SDLT = £5,000. First-time buyers get relief up to £500,000 (0% on the first £300,000 and 5% above). Use the stamp duty calculator for an exact breakdown.

What is the current Bank of England base rate?

The Bank of England base rate directly affects mortgage rates, particularly trackers and variable-rate products. Use the CalcHub mortgage calculators which display current indicative rates, and check the Bank of England website (bankofengland.co.uk) for the live official rate. The Mortgage & Property blog articles cover each MPC decision and its impact on borrowers.

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How is mortgage affordability assessed?

Lenders typically apply a stress test of 3% above the current rate to check you could afford repayments if rates rose. Most lend 4–4.5x your gross annual income, though some offer up to 5.5x for high earners. Outgoings, credit score and deposit size all affect the final offer. Use the mortgage affordability calculator to estimate your maximum borrowing.

What is a buy-to-let mortgage?

Buy-to-let mortgages are for properties rented out to tenants. They typically require a minimum 25% deposit and the rental income must usually cover 125–145% of the monthly mortgage payment. Mortgage interest relief for landlords has been replaced with a basic-rate tax credit since April 2020. Articles in this category explain the current rules and tax implications.

What are the additional property stamp duty rates?

If you buy a second home or investment property in England, an extra 3% SDLT surcharge applies on top of standard rates. For 2026/27, this means 3% on the first £125,000, 5% on £125,001–£250,000, and 8% on £250,001–£925,000. The surcharge is refunded if you sell your previous main home within 3 years.

Can first-time buyers get help with their deposit?

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme allows first-time buyers to get a 95% LTV mortgage on homes up to £600,000. Shared Ownership lets you buy a 10–75% share and pay rent on the rest. The Lifetime ISA provides a 25% government bonus (up to £1,000/year) to boost your deposit savings. Each scheme has its own eligibility rules covered in the blog articles.

How does remortgaging work?

Remortgaging means switching your mortgage to a new deal, either with your existing lender (product transfer) or a new lender. It is most common when a fixed-rate term ends, as you revert to the higher standard variable rate (SVR). You can also remortgage to release equity, change your term length, or consolidate debt. Remortgaging usually has solicitor and valuation fees.

What is an offset mortgage?

An offset mortgage links your savings account to your mortgage. The savings balance is offset against the mortgage balance so you only pay interest on the difference. For example, a £200,000 mortgage offset against £20,000 savings means you pay interest on £180,000. Useful for higher-rate taxpayers since no interest is earned (and therefore not taxed) on the savings.

Where can I find official guidance on stamp duty?

HMRC publishes SDLT rates at gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax. Revenue Scotland covers LBTT (lrs.gov.uk) and Welsh Revenue Authority covers LTT (gov.wales). The CalcHub stamp duty calculator includes all three systems and is updated after any Budget changes.