If you have recently applied for a mortgage, then the University of York and the University of Bristol would love to hear about your experience.
mortgage
In the news this week, the latest round up
So with Christmas firmly behind us this week, we look at the top stories including, mortgage lenders cutting rates and introducing new deals on fixed rates, plus what happened to the property market in 2019.
Can you avoid paying more for a ‘Help to Buy’ property?
We all know you pay more for a new build home. It's the same principle as when buy a new car. But latest research shows first-time buyers using a Help to Buy can pay up to 22% more. We take a look at this research and how you can avoid paying over the odds...
Will your payments rocket when your fixed-rate mortgage deal ends?
Do you have a two-year fixed-rate mortgage that is about to end? Then you need to act NOW to avoid the risk of seeing a huge jump in the amount you pay for your mortgage each month.
Mortgage boost for zero hours contract workers
Workers on zero hours contracts will find it easier to get a mortgage thanks to new changes made by a major lender
Is now the time for a tracker mortgage?
We’re living in turbulent times politically and it’s tempting to choose a fixed-rate mortgage deal to get financial security for the years ahead. But could you save money by taking out a tracker instead?
5 things to know about investing in student property
If you've got a child moving away to university, investing in student property will be tempting. Here's what you need to know
One missed bill could cost you your dream home
Think having a high credit score is enough to get a mortgage? Think again. Just one missed payment on your credit report could be enough for a lender to reject your application
Family Springboard mortgages explained
Want to buy your first house but don’t have a deposit? Then a family springboard mortgage may be the answer. Here's what you need to know.
Homebuyers misled into buying mortgage protection
Homebuyers are being wrongly told they can only get a mortgage if they buy income protection cover or life insurance, an investigation has found.
More than 8 in 10 homes are selling for less than the asking price
Some 81% of homes sold in May failed to make their asking price. We look at what this means if you're buying and selling at the moment.
New build completion delay: What can you do?
You paid your reservation fee and exchanged on your new home months ago – but it's still not ready. New build delays are common but the impact can mean undue stress and huge additional costs. Here's what to do to avoid new build delays and your options if it happens to you.
5 things you need to know if you want to help your child buy a house
With news this week that the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is predicted to lend £6.3 billion this year, we look at what you need to know if you want to help your children get on the property ladder
Boom in mortgages for second homes
In this week’s mortgage round-up we look at why now could be the time to buy that second home you’ve always wanted, the explosion in mortgage choice for landlords and whether you should fix your mortgage for five years.
Sales falling through due to inconsistency from lenders on leases
Mortgage lenders need to standardise their policies in relation to lease length in order to stop sales falling through, say experts.
First-time buyer ‘spending tactics’ to get on the housing ladder
More than half of UK homeowners made tactical changes to their spending habits in order to get on the housing ladder,
‘Mortgage pain’ felt by most self-employed
Nearly three quarters of the UK’s self-employed population believe their employment status makes it harder to get a mortgage, a new study has found.
What does a conveyancer do?
If you’re buying or selling property then you’ll need a conveyancing solicitor to help you with the legal transaction. But how do you find one and what do they do?
Remortgage and save £4,000 a year
In this week’s mortgage round-up we look at remortgaging could save you £4,000. We also reveal why 2019 is the year first-time homeowners should get a new mortgage and how low-deposit mortgages are booming.
Half of home-buyers would consider a 40-year mortgage
Half of home-buyers would consider a 40-year mortgage to keep monthly repayments affordable and get onto the property ladder sooner. But there are some big catches...
First-time buyers love mortgage brokers
In our latest mortgage round-up, finance journalist Ruth Jackson looks at a spate of good news including low interest rates, rising completions and how brokers are helping first-time buyers.
Four reasons your gender is stopping you from buying a house
We’ve come a long way since women weren’t trusted to own property. But it is still not a level playing field. Here’s how your gender is curtailing your ability to buy a house.
The rise of retirement interest-only mortgages
Retirement interest-only mortgages have been on offer for a year now. They provide a lifeline to older borrowers and could allow you to stay in your home for longer. We look at how they work, how they compare to equity release and the best rates on offer
Moving house in 2019? Here’s what you need to know
If you're thinking of moving home in 2019, here's your update on what to expect from the market, pre and post Brexit, mortgage rates, and other changes that homeowners need to be aware of.
Freelancers fear mortgage rejection
In this fortnight's mortgage round-up, consumer journalist Christine Toner looks at why freelancers fear mortgage rejection, how borrowers are seeking certainty and the increasing appeal of cashback mortgages
Government ‘misled’ over Northern Rock
The number of first-time buyers is rising, but so too are the average fees. All this and more in this fortnight's mortgage update from our consumer journalist Christine Toner.
How to cut ALL your household bills
Think loyalty pays? Think again. We take a look at how you can break free from unfair bills and save some cash.
Shared ownership: Is it worth it?
A much-needed helping hand for buyers or a big mistake that should be avoided? We look at the pros and cons of shared ownership.
Could this be the top mortgage lender?
Borrowers name their top lender, Halifax relaunches cashback and the remortgaging boom continues - in this fortnight's mortgage update.
95% mortgage market bouncing back
The Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee scheme may have long since ended but lenders are still willing to lend at 95%, says consumer journalist Christine Toner.