Getting a mortgage

This content applies to Scotland only.

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

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

These pages only contain a basic introduction to getting a mortgage. More information can be found at the Which? Mortgage Guide and MoneySavingExpert websites.

How much can I borrow?

Before applying for a mortgage, you need to work out how much you can afford to borrow. This page explains how lenders calculate the amount they will lend you, how much deposit you will need to come up with and how much your repayments will cost. Read more 

Choosing a mortgage

With such a wide range of different mortgages on offer, it can be hard to know where to start. This page has advice on how to go about finding the right mortgage for you. Read more 

Mortgage information and advice

If you contact a lender or mortgage broker to find out more about mortgages, the information you are given must conform to certain rules. This page tells you more about the rules that have to be followed. Read more 

Applying for a mortgage

Once you've worked out how much money you want to borrow and what kind of mortgage you want, it's a good idea to apply for a mortgage early, so you can act quickly when you find a property you like. Read more 

Problems getting a mortgage

In certain cases it may be difficult to get a mortgage, for example if you are self-employed or have had debt problems in the past. You might also be turned down if there are problems with the property. A specialist lender may still be able to help you. Read more 

Repayment options

When choosing a mortgage, you must first decide between a repayment mortgage and an interest only mortgage. Then you can go on to check the interest deals and other options. This page explains your options. Read more 

Interest options

When you take out a mortgage, as well as repaying the capital (the sum you borrow), you will also have to pay interest on the loan. There are several different ways of repaying the interest - this page looks at your options. Read more 

Joint mortgages

If you're buying a property with someone else, you'll need a joint mortgage. How much you can borrow will depend on both your incomes. You need to think carefully about what would happen to your mortgage if one of you moves out. Read more 

Mortgage protection

If you are taking out a mortgage, it is important to think about how the mortgage repayments would be met if something happened to you in the future. There are various ways of protecting your mortgage payments - this page looks at the different insurance options. Read more 

CAT standards

If a mortgage meets the CAT standard it should be clear, fair and easy to understand. The government introduced CAT standards to encourage mortgage lenders to provide basic and transparent conditions. CAT is short for Charges, Access and Terms. Read more 

Mortgages if you're disabled

Many disabled people have to rely on benefits to make up their income. However, this needn't prevent you getting a mortgage to buy your own home. This page looks at the kind of things you'll need to consider when applying for a mortgage and how you can get help to pay your mortgage interest. Read more 

Shariah mortgages

Under the Islamic law of Shariah, the charging and paying of interest is not permitted. This means that Muslims cannot take out repayment or interest only mortgages without breaking these laws. This page looks at home finance that complies with Shariah. Read more 

Secured loans and second mortgages

If you already have a mortgage, you may be thinking about taking out a second mortgage or a secured loan. This page explains what secured loans and second mortgages are and how they work. Make sure you read the credit agreement carefully, so you understand what you're committing yourself to and what will happen if you can't make the payments. Read more