Mortgage and protection advice
Extend Finance Blog
Practical articles about mortgages, protection, buying costs, and the UK property market.
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7 steps to buying property in the UK
Plan your UK home purchase: budget, documents, mortgage checks, surveys, conveyancing and completion, with key differences between UK legal systems.
Why a UK property could be refused a mortgage
Find out how construction, condition, lease length, property use and flood risk can affect a UK mortgage, and what to check before applying.
Home buying schemes in England: 2026 guide
Compare home buying schemes in England, including Shared Ownership and First Homes, plus first-time buyer tax relief, Lifetime ISA rules and key costs.
How are mortgage interest rates set in the UK?
Learn how Bank Rate, market pricing, loan-to-value and product choice affect UK mortgage rates, and how to compare rates, fees and APRC.
How to set up a Checkmyfile account and download your report
Learn how to register with Checkmyfile, download your credit report, check subscription costs and cancel before renewal.
How does BMI affect the cost of life insurance?
Find out how BMI can affect UK life insurance premiums, why insurers assess applicants differently and what information you may need for a quote.
How to apply for a mortgage in the UK: 8 practical steps
A practical guide to preparing and applying for a UK mortgage, from affordability and documents to an AIP, underwriting, offer and completion.
How to save for a mortgage deposit in the UK
A practical guide to setting a mortgage-deposit target, using a Lifetime ISA and choosing accessible savings.
How to buy a house in the UK: a step-by-step guide
Plan your budget and mortgage, search for a property, arrange surveys and legal work, and understand the different buying stages across the UK.
How to check your credit score and report in the UK
Find out how to access free UK credit reports, understand different credit scores, check your records and dispute errors before applying for a mortgage.
How to choose a mortgage in the UK
Compare UK mortgage options, including deposits, repayment methods, fixed and variable rates, fees and early repayment charges.
How to choose an insurance broker in the UK
Check an insurance broker’s FCA status, advice service, insurer panel, fees, policy terms and complaints process before choosing cover.
Mortgage legal issues: title, leasehold and joint ownership
Understand title problems, leasehold charges and joint ownership disputes, with guidance on legal advice and complaints in England and Wales.
Lasting power of attorney in England and Wales
A clear guide to lasting powers of attorney in England and Wales: the two types, choosing attorneys, signing, registration, duties and mortgage considerations.
Mortgage Broker in Coventry
Mortgage advice for buyers and homeowners in Coventry. Learn what to discuss with an adviser, which documents to prepare and how to contact Extend Finance.
Mortgage product fees vs fee-free deals: how to compare them
Understand mortgage product, booking and broker fees, and compare fee-paying and fee-free deals on cost, flexibility and your plans.
Mortgages for renovation properties in the UK
Buying a home that needs renovation? Learn when a standard mortgage may work, how specialist finance differs and what to check before borrowing.
Mortgage for commercial property in the UK
How UK commercial mortgages work, including owner-occupier and investment lending, lender checks, deposits and regulatory limits.
Mortgage Guarantee Scheme: 5% deposits and eligibility
Understand the UK Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, deposit requirements, eligibility and what the government guarantee means for lenders and borrowers.
Mortgage in the UK and changing jobs
Changing jobs during a UK mortgage application? Learn when to tell your lender, how probation and pay changes matter, and what documents may be needed.
Mortgage in the UK and moving abroad
Moving abroad with a UK mortgage: understand the options for selling, letting or retaining your property.
Mortgage in the UK – questions and answers (Part 1)
Answers to common UK home-buying questions about deposits, mortgage documents, fees, affordability and property taxes across the four UK nations.
Mortgage in the UK – questions and answers (Part 3)
Answers to UK mortgage questions about overseas property, shared ownership, deposits, legal costs, age limits and borrowing, with national differences explained.
Mortgage interest – key information
Learn how UK mortgage interest works and how to compare rates, fees, APRC and repayment options.
Mortgage jargon made easy
A plain-English UK mortgage jargon guide to rates, APRC, LTV, repayment options, fees and key property-buying terms.
No-deposit mortgages in the UK: options and risks
Explore no-deposit mortgage options, Skipton Track Record criteria, family support, buying costs and the risks of borrowing at 100% loan-to-value.
Checkmyfile credit report errors: how to correct them
Find out how to dispute errors on your Checkmyfile credit report, understand payment markers and use a notice of correction when an explanation is needed.
Negative equity in the UK: mortgage options
Understand negative equity, how to calculate it, and what it can mean for remortgaging, selling your home and dealing with a mortgage shortfall.
UK mortgage calculator
Estimate UK mortgage repayments from your property value, deposit, interest rate and term, with a worked example and clear calculator limitations.
How long does it take to buy a house in the UK?
Plan a house purchase in months, not to a guaranteed date. Understand the mortgage, conveyancing and national legal stages that can affect timing.
The costs of buying a flat or house in the UK
Plan for the deposit, transaction tax, legal work, mortgage charges and optional services when buying a home in the UK.
Home insurance refused in the UK: reasons and next steps
Been refused home insurance? Learn what insurers check, when specialist cover may help, and what to confirm before buying a UK home or switching policies.
Buying a flat or house in the UK to rent: a buy-to-let guide
A practical guide to buying a UK property to rent, covering buy-to-let mortgages, deposits, rental coverage, tax, landlord duties and investment risks.
Buying a house at auction in the UK. What do you need to know?
Buying a house at auction in the UK: understand contracts, legal packs, surveys, bridging finance, insurance and the full cost before you bid.
Buying a house in Manchester step by step
Buying a house in Manchester: compare areas and local prices, plan your budget, arrange a mortgage and understand conveyancing through to completion.
Buying a house in Northern Ireland: process, costs and schemes
Buying a house in Northern Ireland: understand the purchase process, SDLT, upfront costs, domestic rates and local home ownership schemes.
Buying a house in Scotland: offers, mortgages and LBTT
Understand offers over, Home Reports, missives, mortgage deposits and LBTT when buying a house in Scotland, with practical steps and costs to consider.
Buying a house in Wales: tax, schemes and the buying process
Buying a home in Wales: understand Land Transaction Tax, Welsh support schemes, rental rules, mortgages and the costs before you commit.
Freehold or leasehold: what UK homebuyers should check
Compare freehold and leasehold, understand lease terms and ongoing charges, and check the England and Wales rules before buying a home.
Buying a property in the UK: a step-by-step guide
Plan your UK home purchase: budget, mortgage, surveys, legal checks and completion, with the key differences between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Buying a home in the UK without a deposit in 2026
Can you buy a home in the UK with no deposit? Understand specialist mortgages, family support, upfront costs and the risks before deciding.
Buying or renting a home in the UK? Pros and cons
Compare the costs, flexibility and risks of buying or renting in the UK, including deposits, maintenance and tenancy rules across the four nations.
Right to Buy in England: buying your council home
Check Right to Buy eligibility in England, how discounts work, the application process and mortgage, ownership and resale costs.
Can a limited company get a buy-to-let mortgage in the UK?
Yes. A limited company can get a buy-to-let mortgage, but lender criteria, personal guarantees, deposits, repayment plans and the company's tax position all need careful consideration.
Is a mortgage worth it in the UK?
Compare buying with a mortgage and renting in the UK, including interest, ownership costs, equity, inflation and the risks of changing rates.
Getting a mortgage in the UK: 7 myths explained
Explore seven myths about getting a mortgage in the UK, covering deposits, credit history, age, self-employment, costs and changing jobs.
Holiday Let Mortgages explained
Understand holiday let mortgage criteria, rental income checks, permissions, insurance, tax and the risks of changing how you let your property.
How do changes in interest rates affect mortgage repayments?
See how interest rate changes affect UK mortgage payments, with fixed and variable rate explanations, worked examples and options when your deal ends.
Life is unexpected: understanding protection insurance
Understand life insurance, income protection and critical illness cover in the UK, including their differences, exclusions and policy limits.
Lifetime ISA - what do you need to know? Terms and limits for 2026
Lifetime ISA rules for 2026/27: eligibility, the £4,000 allowance, 25% bonus, first-home conditions and withdrawal charges.
Missed mortgage payments in the UK: what to do
Missed a mortgage payment? Find out how to contact your lender, explore support, protect essential spending and get free debt advice in the UK.
Mortgage in the UK – questions and answers (Part 2)
Answers to UK mortgage questions about deposits, eligibility, repayment options, interest rates, application times and choosing a mortgage adviser.
What is Open Banking and how does it help with credit scoring in the UK?
In 2018, the EU’s PSD2 directive was introduced in the UK, breaking the banks’ monopoly on customers’ financial data.
How to improve your credit score? 9 important tips for borrowers
If, despite the increase in prices, you plan to buy a property in the UK, you certainly want to increase your credit score.
What is a joint mortgage and when does it pay off?
Everyone wants to have their own home, but getting to that state is not always easy.
Support for Mortgage Interest – when can you claim government assistance with your mortgage in the UK?
The Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) scheme is one of the least well known government support schemes.
Home purchase support schemes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2026
Although all of these countries form part of the United Kingdom, the rules governing the purchase of property often differ between them.
Where should you avoid buying a house in the UK?
A property purchased to provide a home for you and your family should be a place where everyone feels safe, children have access to a high standard of educ...
Family Deposit Mortgage in the UK – is it a good way to obtain a 100% LTV mortgage?
Lenders in the United Kingdom offer a wide range of credit solutions tailored to different customer situations.
How to save on interest with an Offset Mortgage?
Although their popularity declined significantly after the 2008 crisis, offset mortgages are still available on the market and are offered by many banks an...
Guarantor Mortgage – A Mortgage with a Financial Guarantor
In the United Kingdom, there are several ways to obtain a better mortgage interest rate.
UK property portfolio: Why is holding the ‘Holy Grail’ for landlords?
Investing in buy to let properties in the UK has entered a new phase.
Living and working in one property – Semi-Commercial mortgage
Sometimes it happens that there is a need to use one property for both residential and commercial purposes.
What is a mortgage stress test?
If you apply for a mortgage, the bank will carry out a series of checks to determine whether you will be able to repay your debt.
What is a bridging loan and when is it used?
Amongst a wide range of financial products, banks also offer lesser known items used in less standard situations.
When will an insurer not pay out on your life insurance policy in the UK?
Although life insurance in the UK is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, which provides a very high level of consumer protection, there are situa...
Debt consolidation in the UK – the best methods
It is estimated that around80% of adult UK residents are paying off loans.
Completion day when buying a house in the UK
What happens on completion day in the UK? Understand payments, keys, insurance, delays and the differences between each country's buying process.
Fixed or variable interest rate in the UK – pros and cons
Are you applying for a mortgage for your dream home in the UK?
Everything you need to know about Professional Mortgages in the UK
A professional mortgage is often the key to lower interest rates, higher affordability, and even better customer service.
What is the Land Registry in the UK?
If you decide to purchase property in the UK, sooner or later you will learn about the need to register with the Land Registry.
Will interest rates on mortgages in the UK increase?
As a legally operating credit broker in the UK, we must inform our customers about the risk of interest rate increases and, consequently, increases in thei...
Stamp Duty Land Tax when buying property in 2025. What has changed?
If you are buying property in England or Northern Ireland, you will most likely be liable to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax, or transaction tax.
Types of life insurance in the UK
Life insurance in the UK can be extremely diverse.
Death of a borrower with a mortgage in the UK
A mortgage is often a commitment lasting up to 30 years.
Why do I need income protection insurance?
Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you could not work for a few weeks or months?
Consent to Let – how to rent out your home with a residential mortgage?
With the most popular type of mortgage in the UK, which is a residential mortgage, one of the conditions of the mortgage agreement is that the purchased pr...
Let to Buy – What is it and when should you consider it?
There are many reasons why you might want to move house – sometimes it will be necessary, for example due to a change of job or other life circumstances, o...
Transfer of Equity in the UK – everything you need to know
When repaying a mortgage in the UK, various situations may arise in your life.
What to expect from your first meeting with a mortgage broker in the UK?
Your first meeting with a mortgage broker is a crucial step on your journey to obtaining a mortgage or carrying out some kind of transaction on your curren...
Is it worth buying a house in the UK in 2025?
Buying a house will probably be the biggest expense of your life.
Deposit for buying a property in the UK
The deposit, is the percentage of the price of the property you are buying that you have to cover with your own funds.
Does hire purchase increase creditworthiness?
For reasons that have not been fully explained, many people believe that buying products on hire purchase is a great way to boost your credit rating.
What is Stamp duty land tax? Calculator and rates for 2024
If you are planning to buy a property in the UK or are going through this process, you will certainly have come across Stamp duty land tax.
Wills and Trusts in the UK - How better to bequeath an estate in 2025?
In the UK, the transfer of assets can be divided into two ways: Making a will or making a trust.
Trust - Everything you need to know
Many myths have grown up around trusts, but a large part of them miss the truth.
Selling a property in the UK - how long does it take and what formalities are involved?
If you are thinking of selling your property, you are bound to have doubts about how long it will take you to find a buyer.
What is the First Homes Scheme and how do I use it?
The British government offers a number of reliefs and assistance programmes for different groups in society.
First Time Buyer in the UK - how does it work?
Welcome to another post on our blog about mortgages in the UK.
PMI - what do you need to know about Private Medical Insurance?
Do you have public health insurance with the NHS but want to improve your standard of treatment?
Final mortgage payment in UK - this is what you need to know
Completing a mortgage is a big moment.
Is it worth overpaying a mortgage in the UK?
A mortgage is probably the most important financial commitment in your life.
Is termination of a mortgage contract by the bank possible?
A mortgage contract is concluded between a borrower and a lender (usually a bank) for a specific purpose.
What are the differences between mortgage offers in the UK?
Choosing a right mortgage offer in the UK is a really difficult task there are at least 300 mortgage lenders and administrators, each with several funding...
Conveyancing - what do you need to know?
Although we already have a section dedicated to conveyancing on our website, we have decided to introduce you to this topic in a little more detail.
Do I need a life cover insurance?
Everyone wants to be safe it is one of the fundamental human needs.
Early Repayment Charge on a mortgage in the UK
Early Repayment Charge is a term that anyone considering overpaying their mortgage orremortgage, needs to be familiar with.
What is the easiest bank in the UK to get a mortgage from?
Wondering which UK bank is the easiest to get a mortgage from?
Educating Tenants on Gas Safety: A 2024 Must-Read
Post written by Dur e Sabih If you are a tenant, then it is most likely the responsibility of your landlord to safety check all of the gas appliances in yo...
Electoral Roll registration versus mortgage application
Few people know that by signing up to the Electoral Roll you can increase your credit score, which will consequently allow you to pay a lower interest rate...
End of Help to Buy program. 3 alternatives you need to know!
The purchase of property involves a lot of money, which is why the British government has introduced several assistance programs for borrowers.
Everything you need to know about Consumer Duty
On 31 July 2023, the UK financial market had to comply with a package of new changes introduced by the authorities.
Fixed rate mortgage in 2024 - is it worth it?
Fixed rate mortgages are very popular in the UK.
How to increase the value of property in the UK? 9 tips
If you want to sell your current house or flat, surely you want to get as much money as possible.
How to pay lower mortgage instalments? 6 tips for 2025
When you take out a mortgage, you are choosing to make a very serious commitment.
How to take care of your household budget? A guide for mortgage borrowers
If you're reading this article, you're probably planning to apply for a mortgage, or you're just about to pay it off and feel a little short of money.
Critical illness insurance - what is it?
Cancer statistics are getting worse every year.
Insurance for a child in the UK. What do you need to know about it?
Today's article is aimed primarily at parents :) If you have children, you know very well that illnesses and minor accidents do happen, often on a daily ba...
Insurance for dog and cat in the UK - you need to know this
You become responsible forever for what you have tamed.
Interest rate increase in the UK. How will it affect the mortgage market?
In today's article, I'll explain to you what to expect from the recent UK interest rate increase.
Is buying a home in England a good investment? Guidance for 2025
When we buy a house, we may not approach it as a long term investment.
Is it worth having life insurance on a UK mortgage?
Lenders in the UK do not generally require customers to havelife insurance , and it is an individual borrower's decision to purchase it.
IVA, another way to consolidate debts in the UK
Some of our clients are struggling with debt.
Property prices in the UK- winter 2025
Today's article is rather an overview instead of explaining more, we'll cover the topic of prices in the UK property market.
Remortgage step by step
It's safe to say that a remortgage is one of the best investments you can make in connection with your property.
Retirement Interest Only Mortgage (RIO) - mortgage for over 50s
Although a mortgage in the UK is best taken out when you are in your 30s or 40s, there are financial products on the market dedicated to 50 year olds and e...
Self-build mortgage in the UK? It doesn't have to be difficult!
Looking for your perfect four walls, but the buildings on offer don't suit you? Find out how a self-build mortgage works!
Shared Ownership - What It Is?
There are many ways to acquire property ownership in the UK.
Smoking and life insurance in the UK
Smoking cigarettes is harmful to health every healthy minded person knows this.
Three ways to multiply your savings
Investing is one of the key steps towards achieving financial stability and securing your future.
UK home extension loan. What do you need to know about it?
There comes a point in the lives of many families when the current home is no longer sufficient.
Fracture insurance - is it worth it?
Everyone is afraid of fractures and other serious limb injuries any such accident involves pain.
UK mortgage and divorce. What to do? - Guide to 2025
When you take out a mortgage for a house together, you dream of starting a family there and want to treat it as your safe haven.
UK mortgage for the Self-employed - questions and answers
Self employment is very popular in the UK, with an estimated 4.
UK Mortgage - key information
Do you want to take a mortgage in the UK in 2024?
UK residential mortgage - how much do you need to earn to get one in 2025?
Many people who would like to buy their own property in the UK in the future wonder how much they would actually need to earn to get a mortgage.
What Are the Top Alternatives to Traditional Retirement Savings?
Retirement is an exciting chapter, but planning for it can feel overwhelming.
What is a second charge mortgage and why is it used?
There are times when unplanned yet large expenses arise in life.
What is affordability? All about creditworthiness in the UK
We mention affordability very often on our blog.
What is conveyancing and what do you need to know about it?
Although we have already written several posts about legal procedures in the context of buying property in the UK, we feel that this topic still deserves a...
What is Debt-to-Income ratio?
Banks look at a great many factors when assessing affordability.
What is decision in principle?
Decision in principle, also known as mortgage in principle or agreement in principle, is a document that confirms the bank's willingness to lend you a cert...
What is Financial Ombudsman Service?
When you take out a mortgage, take out a loan or buy lifeinsurance, you expect the quality of the service you receive to be high and the whole relationship...
What is mortgage porting?
Sometimes it happens that we decide to change banks or offers in order to save on interest rates.
What is mortgage underwriting and how does the process work?
You've found your dream home, you've received your initial mortgage decision and you've applied for a mortgage you've heard from your advisor at Extend Fin...
What is Remortgage and how does it work? Guide to 2025
In today's article we will look at the topic of remortgage, also known as a mortgage switch.
What is a shared ownership resale scheme? Everything you need to know about buying a home with government help
Shared Ownership is an assistance programme designed for people who would like to buy a house but are not able to provide a large enough deposit.
What is the LTV ratio of a mortgage and what do you need to know about it?
LTV, or loan to value ratio, is mentioned in almost every article on mortgages.
What to ask your mortgage advisor?
Mortgages are complicated to begin with.
When is it worth taking out a mortgage in the UK? We explain
Most UK residents are unable to buy a home without using a mortgage.
Why is insurance a good financial decision? 4 reasons
When buying insurance, you want first and foremost to provide mental comfort and protect yourself from potential expenses that your household budget could...
Why should you do an insurance review? 8 reasons
Insurance is a financial product that we often use for many years.
Will in the UK - why is it worth making one?
Many people treat the topic of wills as taboo when a loved one, such as parents, brings up the subject of the division of property after death, we usually...
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Extend Finance is a mortgage broker regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our registration number is 792412 — you can verify this at register.fca.org.uk