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Mortgages

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

Almost everyone who buys their own home gets a mortgage to pay for it. This section provides information about the things you should consider when getting a mortgage and how common problems can be dealt with.

There are many different types of mortgages, and it's important to understand how they work so you can choose one that suits your needs. If you think you've chosen the wrong mortgage, it may be possible to switch to a new one. If you have problems making your monthly repayments it's important to take action as quickly as possible, or you could risk losing your home.

If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage, you can get free independent advice from a housing aid centre, Citizens Advice Bureau or other advice centre. Use the Advice Services Directory to find one in your area.

Introduction to mortgages

Few people have enough money to buy their home outright, so if you want to buy a house or flat you'll probably need a mortgage. This page explains what a mortgage is and introduces the main points you'll need to think about before getting a mortgage. Read more

Getting a mortgage

This section looks at things you should consider when choosing a mortgage, how to apply for a mortgage and how mortgages work. Read more

Endowment shortfalls

If you have an interest only mortgage and have been told that your endowment policy may not cover the outstanding capital at the end of your mortgage term, you may be able to make a complaint and get compensation. If this isn't successful, you can take steps to ensure your mortgage will be paid off. Read more