Minimum deposit is 5% but most lenders prefer 10%. On the average UK house price of £285,000, that's £14,250 to £28,500. Here's how deposit size affects rates, SDLT and monthly costs.
Remortgaging isn't free — product fees, legal work, valuations and broker charges all add up. But many lenders now offer incentive packages that cover the main costs. Here's what you'll actually pay in 2026, and when a fee-free deal beats a lower rate.
Parents can help you buy in two ways: by joining your mortgage (JBSP) or gifting the deposit. Each has different tax, stamp duty and mortgage implications.
A Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) mortgage lets parents boost a child's borrowing power without going on the property deeds — avoiding the 3% stamp duty surcharge. Here's how it works, the tax implications, and which lenders offer it in 2026.
Help to Buy ISA closed to new applicants in November 2019. If you already have one, you have until November 2029 to use the bonus. New first-time buyers should use a Lifetime ISA — here's how the numbers compare.
On £60k most lenders offer 4-4.5x = £240k-£270k. With a 10% deposit that's a £267k-£300k property. But professionals and joint buyers can access more.
Overpaying your mortgage saves interest and cuts years off your term — but it's not always the right move. Here's the maths for 2026 rates, compared against investing, with worked examples for £180k–£250k mortgages.
Paying an Early Repayment Charge to exit a high-rate fix early can save thousands — if the maths work. Here's the break-even calculation, current 2026 market rates, and when to wait instead.
Complete guide to Capital Gains Tax when selling a rental property in 2026: 24% higher rate, 60-day reporting rule, letting relief changes, and legitimate ways to reduce your CGT.
From 1 April 2025, the first-time buyer SDLT relief threshold reverted from £425,000 back to £300,000. This means a first-time buyer purchasing a £450,000 home now pays £7,500 in stamp duty — compared to £1,250 under the old rules. Here's exactly what changed.
The First Homes scheme offers first-time buyers a minimum 30% discount on new-build homes in England. Here's who qualifies, how SDLT works on discounted homes, and a full worked example.
When two or more people buy property together in England and Wales, they must choose between joint tenancy and tenants in common. The right choice depends on whether you want equal shares, IHT planning, or control over what happens to your share if you die. Here's the full breakdown.
