Mortgages with
Compare mortgage rates from more than 50 lenders[1]
Why do you need a mortgage?
Get one step closer to finding the right deal for you by viewing a range of mortgages you’re eligible for before you apply.
First, decide what type of mortgage you need:
First home
Moving home
Remortgages
First home mortgages are for those who have never owned or inherited residential property before.
You won’t qualify as a first-time buyer if you’ve ever owned a commercial property with living accommodation, or if you’re looking to buy a property with someone else who’s previously owned a home of their own.
- You must never have owned or inherited residential property
- You won’t qualify if you’ve owned a commercial building with living accommodation
- If you’re buying a joint mortgage, the other person can’t have previously owned a home either
These mortgages are suitable for those who are planning on or considering moving house.
Some mortgages can be taken with you to use on a new property. Just be aware that your credit score will be rechecked and there may be complications if the new property is worth significantly more or less than your current one.
- If you’re eligible, you might be able to get a new mortgage for your new home
- Alternatively, transferring or porting your current mortgage might be possible
- Talk to a professional broker to find the right option for you
If your current mortgage deal is about to end, if you want to save money on your existing repayments, if you want to borrow more money or if you want to switch to a repayment mortgage, then remortgaging to a better deal might be right for you.
- Remortgaging your home allows you to switch to a better deal
- This could be to save money on your repayments or change to a different type of mortgage
- Watch out for early repayment fees if you switch mid-term
Online mortgages, advice from real people
You can speak to a professional mortgage broker at any time.
We’re real people, and we want to give you real support.
Our brokers will always be there to answer your questions and can handle your mortgage application for you, all online.[1]
Maximise your chances of getting a mortgage
Here are 9 things that could help you get a mortgage:
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Your credit score
Lenders will check your credit history against its criteria to show you your chances of approval
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Get on the electoral register
This affects your credit score, so it’s important for anyone looking to apply for a mortgage
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Contribute as much deposit as possible
A higher deposit means you won’t need to borrow so much and you’re likely to be offered better rates
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Pay your bills
Paying your bills regularly and on time will be reflected in your credit score and shows lenders your reliable
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Check your eligibility
Use an eligibility checker to find out which mortgages you qualify for without affecting your credit score
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Buy together
If you want to buy a home with someone else, getting a joint mortgage with them can mean you can borrow more, as long as they’ve managed their finances well in the past
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Consider all the costs
You’ll need to budget for expenses like conveyancing fees and survey costs
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Start planning early
It can take a while to build or repair your credit score. Mortgage lenders can check the last six years of your credit history, so it’s worth preparing early
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Compare a range of mortgages
There are plenty of options when it comes to getting the right mortgage for your circumstances. Compare those you’re eligible for to find the right deal for you
Types of mortgages
Bad credit mortgages
If you have problems with your credit history, your ability to get a mortgage might be affected, but there are some lenders that will consider your application.
You might be asked to provide more extensive proof that you can afford repayments and you’ll be asked about previous credit problems.
Buy-to-let mortgages
Interest rates and fees are usually higher than for residential options, but you’ll need this type of mortgage if you intend to rent out your property.
Interest-only mortgages
You just pay the interest accrued on your mortgage each month, and don’t repay the capital. You’ll need to repay the capital at the end of the mortgage term, so you’ll need a plan for how you’ll do this like separate investments, or simply selling the property.
Low-deposit mortgages
You just pay the interest accrued on your mortgage each month, and don’t repay the capital. You’ll need to repay the capital at the end of the mortgage term, so you’ll need a plan for how you’ll do this like separate investments, or simply selling the property.
Self-employed mortgages
Self-employed mortgage applicants will need to provide two to three years’ worth of accounts to prove you can afford a mortgage.
Mortgages for unusual homes
Lenders are less likely to lend on homes of non-traditional or unusual construction. - You might have to put down a higher deposit, or you’ll be offered higher rates.
89% of mortgage applications led to an offer within the first three months of 2019[2]
Frequently asked questions
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What’s a mortgage?
A mortgage is a loan to buy a house and the property you buy is the security for the loan.
Choosing the right mortgage is an important financial decision and it’s important that you know you can afford one.
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How much can I borrow?
This will depend on a number of factors, such as salary, other income, bonuses, tax credits and maintenance payments.
Lenders will consider all these things to assess what you are able to loan and repay. -
How much do I need for a deposit?
Many lenders will ask for at least 10%, while some of the best rates are only available to borrowers with a deposit of 25%.
However, there are government schemes such as Help to Buy and Right to Buy that will help you access a mortgage with lower upfront costs. -
How long can I take a mortgage out over?
Most mortgage terms are between 15 and 30 years, but you can get terms for longer or shorter periods.
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What does a mortgage broker do?
A broker is a mortgage expert with knowledge of all products and lenders on the market. They work on your behalf to search the mortgage market to find a mortgage you can afford and apply for successfully.
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What kind of mortgage advice will I get?
Once they've reviewed your income and expenditure, the size of your deposit and the details of a house sale, the broker will advise you which mortgage products are affordable in your situation.
They'll make you aware of the interest rate, benefits (like cashback), or fees which will affect how much you pay for your mortgage.
Brokers usually have access to the whole market unless the lender chooses not to give brokers access to their products. Even then, the broker can see the details of the mortgage, but won't be able to complete the transaction for you. To get access to these mortgages, you'll have to approach the lender directly. However, if you buy a mortgage that's unsuitable or unaffordable, or the lender rejects you and damages your credit score, you are fully responsible for the purchase and outcome.
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What will I pay for a brokerage application?
Brokers either charge a flat fee, around 1% of the mortgage value, or a commission based on the size of your loan. The broker must tell you what you're going to pay before you agree to the mortgage. The cost's illustrated in the 'keyfacts' document outlining your mortgage repayments, fees and charges.
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What additional fees might I have to pay?
- Arrangement/booking fee - what it costs to set up your mortgage
- Valuation fee - for a basic survey to determine your property’s value
- Survey fee - if the property needs a more in-depth valuation
- Broker fee - what you usually pay for mortgage advice – but our advice is free
- Stamp duty - a tax homebuyers pay if your property costs over £125,000
- Conveyancing fee - the legal cost associated with buying your house
- Land Registry fee - what you pay the Land Registry to update the property records
News and articles on mortgages
THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
"PLEASE NOTE: THE FCA DOES NOT REGULATE MOST BUY TO LET MORTGAGES"
[1]For online mortgage comparison and advice Gocompare.com introduces customers to MortgageGym Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. MortgageGym brokers will charge a fee, which is payable when your mortgage application is submitted. The fee will depend on your circumstances and will be discussed with you at the earliest opportunity. Gocompare.com holds a controlling investment in MortgageGym Limited.
[2]Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) Mortgage Market Tracker, Q1 2019.