Mortgages & First-Time Buyers
The mortgage you can actually afford.
Stamp duty, deposits, fixed vs tracker, and what the affordability tests really check. Worked examples for England, Scotland and Wales.
Guides we're working on
These are being researched and written now — check back, or subscribe below to be told when they go live.
Coming soon
How much deposit do I actually need in 2026?
5%, 10% or 25% — what each does to your monthly repayment.
Coming soon
Stamp duty in England, Scotland and Wales
First-time buyer relief, second home surcharge and the new thresholds.
Coming soon
Lifetime ISA for first-time buyers — worth it?
The 25% bonus, the £450k cap, and the gotchas.
Coming soon
Fixed vs tracker mortgages in 2026
What the Bank of England rate path means for your monthly payment.
Coming soon
Affordability assessments — what lenders actually check
How payslips, bank statements and stress tests really work.
Coming soon
Remortgaging — when does it pay off?
Early repayment charges, product fees and break-even maths.