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.
Most lenders will offer 4-4.5x salary, meaning you need £66,667-£75,000 to borrow £300k alone. Joint applications, higher deposits and stress-test rates all affect the answer.
A £200,000 mortgage at current rates (4.3–4.8% fixed) costs approximately £1,100–£1,200 per month on a 25-year repayment basis. Here's exactly how rate, term, and repayment type change your monthly payment.
Help to Buy closed to new applications in October 2022. In 2026, first-time buyers have a new set of tools: the Lifetime ISA, Shared Ownership, First Homes, and 95% mortgages without government equity loans. Here's how each one works and who they suit.
When your fixed-rate deal expires, your lender automatically moves you to their Standard Variable Rate — typically 7–8% in 2026. Here's exactly how to act before it happens and what your options are.
Section 24 replaced mortgage interest deduction with a 20% tax credit in 2020. In 2026 it still hits higher-rate landlords hard — here's exactly how much extra tax you're paying and what to do about it.
Tracker mortgages move with the Bank of England base rate; fixed deals lock your rate for 2–5 years. In 2026 with base rate at 4.25% and swap rates falling, the tracker vs fixed decision is finely balanced. Full analysis.
With UK base rate at 4.25% in May 2026, is a 2-year fix or a 5-year fix the better bet? Full numbers on a £250,000 mortgage including break-even rate scenarios, ERC risks and remortgage costs.
Direct buy-to-let or a UK REIT inside an ISA? Section 24, 5% SDLT surcharge, 24% CGT and management hassle versus PID dividends, no SDLT and full ISA shelter. Worked example on £200k.
Non-UK resident buyers of residential property in England or Northern Ireland pay a 2% SDLT surcharge on top of normal rates — and the 5% second-home surcharge stacks. Full breakdown with worked examples.
Section 24, 5% SDLT surcharge, 24% CGT, vanishing CGT allowance, lower yields and tighter EPC rules — the maths on selling a BTL in 2026. A full worked example on a £250,000 property bought for £180,000.
