Complete First-Time Buyer Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about buying your first home in the UK, from saving for a deposit to completing your purchase.
Read Full Guide →Browse by Category
Find the information you need organized by topic
Mortgage Fundamentals
Essential mortgage concepts and terminology for beginners. Learn the basics of mortgages, interest rates, and lending criteria.
9 articlesStep-by-Step Guides
Complete step-by-step guides for homebuyers and property investors. From application to completion.
11 articlesGovernment Schemes
Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, Lifetime ISA, and other government assistance programs explained.
9 articlesAdvanced Topics
In-depth analysis of complex mortgage concepts, investment strategies, and market insights.
8 articlesProperty Investment
Buy-to-let mortgages, rental yields, tax implications, and portfolio management strategies.
1 articleMortgage Glossary
Comprehensive definitions of mortgage and property terms, jargon, and abbreviations.
100+ termsFeatured Articles
Our most popular and recently updated guides
Help to Buy Scheme Explained
Comprehensive guide to the Help to Buy equity loan scheme, eligibility requirements, and application process.
Read Full Guide →Fixed vs Variable Rate Mortgages
Compare fixed and variable rate mortgages to understand which option might be best for your circumstances.
Read Full Guide →Buy-to-Let Investment Guide
Essential guide to buy-to-let property investment including mortgages, yields, tax implications, and regulations.
Read Full Guide →Complete Stamp Duty Guide
Understanding Stamp Duty Land Tax rates, exemptions, and how to calculate what you'll need to pay.
Read Full Guide →Mortgage Stress Testing & Financial Planning
Complete guide to mortgage stress testing and financial planning. Understand affordability assessments and long-term financial strategies.
Read Full Guide →Property Chain & Moving Guide
Complete guide to managing property chains and moving house successfully. Expert advice on chain management, timing, and risks.
Read Full Guide →UK Property Market Trends 2025
Comprehensive analysis of UK property market trends for 2025 including house prices, regional variations, mortgage rates, and investment opportunities.
Read Full Guide →How to Use Our UK Mortgage Knowledge Base
Follow these 5 steps to find the information you need and make informed mortgage decisions
1
Start with Mortgage Fundamentals
Begin with our Mortgage Fundamentals section to understand basic concepts: mortgage types (fixed, variable, tracker), interest rates (4.5-6.5% typical range), LTV ratios (95%, 90%, 80%, 60%), affordability calculations (4-4.5× income), and UK lending criteria. Learn key terminology like APR, ERC, SVR, and stress testing. Essential reading for first-time buyers and anyone new to UK mortgages.
2
Follow Step-by-Step Guides for Your Situation
Use our Step-by-Step Guides for detailed walkthroughs: First-Time Buyer Guide (deposit requirements 5-20%, Help to Buy, Lifetime ISA), Remortgaging Guide (best timing 3-6 months before fixed ends, avoid SVR 7-9%), Self-Employed Mortgage Guide (2-3 years accounts, SA302 forms), Joint Mortgage Guide (legal structures, ownership types), Property Investment Guide (BTL requirements, 25% deposit, 125-145% rental coverage). Each guide includes timelines, costs, and common pitfalls to avoid.
3
Explore Government Schemes (If Eligible)
Check our Government Schemes section for eligibility and benefits: Help to Buy (5% deposit + 20-40% equity loan, fees from year 6), Shared Ownership (25-75% purchase, rent on remainder at 2.75%), Lifetime ISA (£4k/year + 25% bonus = £1k free), First Homes Scheme (30-50% discount for local buyers), Stamp Duty Relief (£0 on first £425k for FTB vs £0-27.5k for others). Detailed guides explain application process, costs, and long-term implications.
4
Dive into Advanced Topics
For experienced buyers and investors, explore Advanced Topics: Portfolio Building Strategies (4-6 properties by retirement, £1m-2m portfolio value), Tax Planning (income tax 20-45%, CGT 18-28%, limited company structure saves £5k-15k/year), Market Analysis (regional variations, price trends, investment hotspots), Offset Mortgages (save £20k on £200k mortgage with £20k savings), Bridging Loans (£5k-15k if chain breaks), and Complex Scenarios (adverse credit, non-standard income, large portfolios).
5
Combine Guides with Calculators
Use our guides alongside our 30+ Mortgage Calculators for complete planning: Read the First-Time Buyer Guide, then use the Affordability Calculator (£60k income = £240k-270k borrowing), Deposit Calculator (5-20% deposit options), and Stamp Duty Calculator (£0 for FTB on £425k). Read the Remortgaging Guide, then use the Remortgage Calculator (£200k SVR 8% = £1,540/month vs 5% fixed = £1,169/month, save £371/month). Guides provide context and strategy, calculators provide specific numbers for your situation.
Important Reminders
- Read Multiple Guides: Don't rely on just one - combine fundamentals, step-by-step guides, and advanced topics for complete understanding
- Use Calculators: Apply what you learn by using our calculators to see how concepts affect your specific situation
- Check Dates: All guides are updated regularly - look for "Updated [Month] 2025" to ensure current information
- Verify with Lenders: Guides provide general information - always verify specific criteria and rates with your chosen lender
- Seek Professional Advice: For complex situations or personalized recommendations, consult an FCA-authorized mortgage advisor
- Bookmark Favorites: Save guides you reference frequently for easy access during your mortgage journey
FCA Compliance Notice
The guides and articles in this knowledge base provide educational information and general guidance for informational purposes only. They are not regulated financial advice and should not be considered as recommendations to enter into any specific mortgage product or financial arrangement. All information is based on current UK regulations and market conditions as of the publication date, but rules, rates, and criteria are subject to change. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another. For personalized mortgage advice tailored to your specific situation, credit history, and financial goals, please consult with a qualified, FCA-authorized mortgage advisor. MortgagePro.uk is an educational resource and does not provide regulated mortgage advice or arrange mortgage products. Always verify information with official sources and your chosen lender before making any financial decisions.