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Mortgages and deposits: the basics

5 articles

Understand how mortgages work and get advice on how to save up a big enough deposit to buy your first home.

What is a mortgage?

Last updated: Jan 2019

A mortgage is a loan that enables you to buy a house. Watch our short, easy-to-understand video to find out how mortgages work.

Mortgage interest rates explained

Last updated: Nov 2018

Mortgage interest rates determine how much you'll be charged to borrow and buy a property, and what your monthly repayments will be. Find out how they work and how to get the best mortgage interest rate.

How much deposit do you need for a mortgage?

Last updated: Jan 2019

Find out how much deposit you need for a mortgage, use our mortgage deposit calculator, and see how much deposit first-time buyers in your area are paying with our interactive map.

How to save for a mortgage deposit

Last updated: Oct 2018

Learn about saving for a property deposit plus expert tips on budgeting and schemes to help you buy your first home sooner.

A-Z mortgages jargon-buster

Last updated: Oct 2018

From agreements in principle and arrangement fees to porting and variable rates, our A-Z glossary explains all the words you'll hear during the mortgage application process.
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