We use cookies to allow us and selected partners to improve your experience and our advertising. By continuing to browse you consent to our use of cookies. You can understand more and change your cookies preferences here.

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: Apr 2020

Find out what mortgages are and the basics of how they work in our easy-to-understand guide.

Mortgage interest rates explained

Last updated: Mar 2020

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: Sep 2020

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: Mar 2020

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: Jul 2019

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.

Calculate mortgage costs

Use these calculators to see if you're financially ready to buy.

How much can I borrow: mortgage calculator Mortgage repayment calculator Stamp duty calculator

All 11 calculators