On your own
Boost your buying budget without a loved one’s help.
Guarantor Mortgages
Boost your buying budget with the help of family or friends.
Remortgage
Release equity, borrow more or access better rates.
Part Buy, Part Rent
Buy a share of a home and pay rent on the rest.
Standard Mortgage
Buy a home with a repayment mortgage
5.5x Income
Increased borrowing for first-time buyers
Professional Mortgage
Increased borrowing for professionals
Dynamic Ownership
Co-buy with friends or siblings
Deposit Unlock
Buy a new-build home with a 5% deposit
Armed Forces Help To Buy
Borrow up to £25,000 as an interest-free loan
Skipton Track Record Mortgage
Use your track record of paying rent to get a 100% mortgage
Mortgages can feel like double-dutch.
LTV, APR, DTI... it's enough to make your head spin. Let us break it down for you. Dig into our content to learn more about house hunting, first-time buyer mortgages, interest rates and so much more.
What is top slicing and how does it work?
Ever since the disastrous mini-Budget back in September 2022, mortgage affordability has been stretched. Lenders have tightened their criteria, and interest rates have risen, making it not only harder to get a Buy to Let mortgage, but also remortgage onto a new deal for existing landlords. As a result there’s a number of landlords who are leaving the market, having no choice but to sell up when faced with unaffordable mortgage costs. If you’re struggling to pay your current Buy to Let mortgage, or are worried about remortgaging onto a new deal, you might have heard of top slicing as a possible solution. But what actually is it? Find out below.
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Can I change my mortgage to Buy to Let?
It’s very common for homeowners to change their mortgage to a Buy to Let after having lived in the property for a few years. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about switching your residential mortgage to a Buy to Let. However, keep in mind that making this type of switch is a big decision and not something to rush into. To make an informed decision and understand what options are open to you, it’s always worth speaking to a mortgage advisor, like one of our award-winning experts.
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Should you pay off student loans early?
If you’ve got money leftover at the end of each month, you might be wondering whether to pay off your student loan early. With interest rates on the rise, we can’t blame you for looking for ways to reduce the amount you spend on interest. But is it a good idea to pay off your student loan early? Find out in this guide.
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How to get a buy to let mortgage
If you are thinking about becoming a landlord, you might be wondering how you actually go about getting a buy to let mortgage. We’ll run you through exactly how to get a buy to let mortgage, but first thing’s first, let’s cover how much you could borrow with a buy to let mortgage
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How long should my mortgage term be?
When it comes to choosing a mortgage deal, there are a few things you’ll need to decide upon before applying. This includes the type of mortgage product - for example, whether you want a fixed rate or variable rate deal - and how long you want your mortgage term to be.
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August’s #MarketWatch - What’s going on in mortgage land?
Summer sunshine may feel like a distant dream, but there's hope on the horizon in mortgage-land. While many Brits enjoy a much-earned summer getaway, the world of mortgages stops for no tan (excuse the bad pun, we couldn’t help it). Here’s the latest goings-on in the market that you need to know about.
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Are rates going down?
There’s been a lot of talk about mortgage interest rates over the last few months - it’s been almost impossible to watch the news without there being some mention of mortgages, inflation or the Bank of England’s base rate. With so much noise, it can be difficult to know what exactly is going on, and which way interest rates are going. Are rates going down? How long will interest rates stay high? To set the record straight, we’ve answered all your burning questions in this helpful guide.
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What is a buy to let mortgage and can I get one?
Interested in becoming a landlord? You might have heard the term “buy to let” floated about, but what does it actually mean? Find out all you need to know about buy to let mortgages in this essential guide.
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What is interest coverage ratio?
If you’ve been researching buy to let mortgages and how to become a landlord, you might have come across the phrase ‘interest coverage ratio’. Find out what this means, and how it impacts your ability to get a buy to let mortgage below.
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Tracker or fixed rate mortgage: Which one should I choose?
If you’re applying for a mortgage soon or you’re looking for ways to get a lower interest rate, one of the key choices you’ll need to make is deciding between a tracker or fixed rate mortgage. But which one should you choose?
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The essential guide to mortgages for doctors
If you’re a doctor, getting a mortgage could be easier than you think. You might even be eligible for a bigger loan and better mortgage rates than those in other professions. Wondering what your options are? Our essential guide to mortgages for doctors will tell you everything you need to know.
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What happens to mortgage rates in a recession?
When a recession hits, it can be a worrying time for homeowners and first time buyers, particularly those facing tightening budgets, pay cuts or even redundancies. Keep reading to find out what happens to mortgage rates in a recession, and what you should do.
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How to get a mortgage in Scotland
Scotland’s legal system is entirely separate from that of England, which means that while the home buying process is similar, there are some differences you need to be aware of if you’re thinking of buying a house in Scotland.
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Should I change mortgage providers?
Wondering whether you should change mortgage providers? In this guide, we will run you through what to consider when deciding whether to switch mortgage lenders, or stay with your current provider.
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The essential guide to mortgages for NHS Key Workers
If you’re an NHS key worker, getting a mortgage could be easier than you think. You might even be able to access better mortgage deals than those in other professions. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know in our essential guide to mortgages for NHS staff.
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What is a green mortgage in the UK?
If you’d like to buy an eco-friendly property or make your home more energy efficient, you could save money with the help of a green mortgage. The number of lenders offering this type of mortgage is on the rise, but how do green mortgages work and are they a cost–effective option?
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How do I remortgage with the same lender?
Remortgaging with the same lender, technically called a product transfer, is a popular choice amongst homeowners once their current fixed rate deal ends. There are various reasons why you might remortgage with the same lender, from wanting a speedy remortgage to avoiding full affordability checks due to a change in circumstance. Whatever your reason for wanting to do a product transfer, keep reading to find out how to remortgage with the same lender, and what to consider.
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What is a deed of trust?
If you’re buying a house with a partner, friends, siblings or with parental help, you might have been told you need a deed of trust. But what actually is a deed of trust? Find out exactly what a deed of trust is and why you might need one in this essential guide.
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July’s #MarketWatch - What's going on in mortgage land?
Mortgages are getting more headlines than Love Island this year, and with the market in constant flux, the Tembo team want to give you the inside scoop. Each month, one of their experts will provide commentary on the latest news from lenders, the Bank of England and more. Without further ado, let’s cover off July’s headlines.
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Can you remortgage with the same lender?
If you’re reaching the end of your current fixed rate deal or want to change the terms of your mortgage (for example, extending the length of your mortgage term or borrow more), you might be considering staying with the same lender. Find out whether you can remortgage with the same lender in this guide.
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What is the Bank of England’s base rate?
Chances are, you’ve likely heard the Bank of England’s base rate mentioned in the news - probably in relation to mortgage interest rates or inflation. But what is the base rate, and how does it impact you? Keep reading to find out.
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When can you remortgage?
Remortgaging can be a smart way to get a better interest rate, release equity from your home, or switch to an interest-only or repayment mortgage. But how often can you remortgage? When should you remortgage? And is it ever worth remortgaging early? We’ll answer some of your most common remortgaging questions here.
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What help are mortgage lenders giving to struggling borrowers and homeowners?
Mortgage interest rates have been rising, hiked up in line with the Bank of England increasing its base rate - in fact it has increased 13 times in a row. The base rate now stands at 5%, the highest level since the 2008 financial crash. The higher mortgage rates are leading to higher borrowing costs. This not only makes it more expensive for first time buyers looking to get on the ladder, but also homeowners on variable rate mortgages or those coming to the end of their fixed rate deal. Concerns over the rising mortgage rates have led to the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt meeting with the top UK mortgage lenders to discuss what support they will give to customers. This has resulted in HSBC, Santander, Natwest, Barclays and other lenders signing up to a Mortgage Charter.
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Agreement In Principle: What can go wrong?
An Agreement In Principle (AIP), also known as a Decision In Principle (DIP) is a document that a mortgage lender like a bank or building society issues you after assessing your eligibility for a mortgage with them. This is a key step in your journey to buying your first home. An Agreement In Principle lets you know how much you can afford to borrow for a mortgage if you go with that specific lender. The last thing you need is to get your heart set on a 3-bed detached house in your dream location, only to discover you can only afford a 2-bed in a cheaper part of town. It’s good to know what you’re working with from the get-go! But how reliable is an Agreement In Principle? What could go wrong? And is it a good sign that you’ll definitely get a mortgage later on?
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The essential guide to mortgages for teachers
As a teacher, you probably experience a number of challenges from funding limitations to endless paperwork. The last thing you need is to face similar obstacles when it comes to buying your first home. If you’d like to buy a house or remortgage your home, we have good news for you! Teachers are often eligible for enhanced borrowing schemes which aren’t open to those in other professions. And, with the help of a mortgage broker like us, you can find the best buying scheme for you and overcome common financial obstacles that could impact your mortgage affordability.
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What are the different types of Shared Ownership?
If you’re struggling to save a deposit big enough to buy a home, a Shared Ownership scheme or home purchase plan could be the answer. Rather than buying a home in the traditional way (with just a deposit and mortgage), you’ll buy a portion of the property and then pay rent on the rest. Since you’re only buying a percentage of the property, you can get away with saving a much smaller deposit and taking out a smaller mortgage, too. In some cases, you might not need a mortgage at all! Shared ownership schemes can vary depending on which one you choose. The government started its own Shared Ownership scheme back in the 1980s but since then a number of private companies have created similar alternatives. But what are the different types of Shared Ownership and which one is right for you?
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What Are The Mortgage Visa Requirements UK?
If you have a visa to live and work in the UK, you might be thinking of leaving the renting world and getting on the property ladder. But is it possible to get a mortgage as a visa holder in the UK? Keep reading to find out.
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How to get a Mortgage In Principle in 10 minutes
A Mortgage In Principle is a formal document, normally issued by a bank, building society or mortgage broker that outlines how much you could borrow if you applied for a mortgage based on the information you have provided. Getting a Mortgage In Principle can make your property search a lot easier. For starters, it’ll give you a realistic idea of what you can afford. It can also speed up the home-buying process - estate agents and sellers will be more likely to accept your offer if they can see that you’re a serious buyer and the property is within your budget. But how do you get a Mortgage In Principle in the first place? And is it essential when buying a house? We answer your questions below.
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What happens when my fixed rate mortgage ends?
More than 1.4 million households are looking to renew their fixed rate mortgages this year. If this is you and you’re currently on your first fixed rate deal, you might be wondering what happens when your current deal ends. Keep reading to find out what happens when your fixed rate mortgage ends, and what options you have.
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Stella on helping her son buy his first home
Through an Income Boost, Stella was able to help her son get the boost he needed to buy his first home.
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