Case Studies...
Below are our articles on the subject of Case Studies. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
All About Base Rate Cuts
What the Bank of England sets the base rate at can have a huge impact on the cost of a mortgage, this article explores the impact of base rate cuts....
Am I Eligible for a Self Build Mortgage?
With a current shortage of housing, more people are turning to self-build to fulfil their housing dreams, but you will need to complete some groundwork before making your application....
Being Miss-sold a Mortgage and who to Contact
A look at what help is out there is you have been mis-sold a mortgage and who you should contact....
Benefits and Drawbacks of Sharing a Mortgage
A look at the benefits and drawbacks of sharing a mortgage with either a family member a friend or a stranger....
Bidding for a Mortgage
A look at why you should consider buying your first home from an auction and how you can snap up a bargain....
Borrow More with Self Cert Mortgage?
A look at why buyers may think that you can borrow more money with a self-cert mortgage, but why this is not always the case....
Borrowing 75% LTV
A description of what lending 75% Loan to Value means and why it is important to understand this when taking out a mortgage....
Borrowing from a Bank
A look at why you should go to a bank to get your first mortgage, and why it might not always be the best option....
Borrowing from a Building Society
A look at what a building society can offer you that another lender can't when it comes to getting your mortgage....
Borrowing More Than the Property Value
A look at how you can get a mortgage for more than the property is worth and if there are any risks in doing this....
Borrowing up to 100% LTV
A look at when it is a good idea to borrow 100% of the property's value, and how this can help first-time buyers onto the housing ladder....
Bridging Finance
A look at what bridging finance is, how it can be used to buy a property and when it should be avoided....
Budgeting for a Mortgage
A guide to how to budget for a mortgage and what you may have to think about before you commit to a mortgage....
Buying Abroad
A look at what the benefits are of buying your dream property abroad and why you need to exercise a bit more caution....
Buying in the Credit Crunch: A Case Study
Finding a mortgage in the middle of a credit crunch can seem impossible, especially if you require a specialist mortgage, this case study looks at Andrew’s experience....
Buying Property Cheap and Selling on
A look at what the benefits are of buying a property for a good price, renovating it and then selling it on to make a profit....
Buy-to-let Mortgage
A guide to buy-to-let mortgages, looking at the benefits and pitfalls of renting out a property and where is best to buy....
Can I Change Mortgage Provider After Contracts Exchanged?
A look at when it is too late to change your mortgage provider once you have signed and sealed a contract....
Can My Lender Increase My Mortgage Payments?
One of the biggest misconceptions among mortgage holders is that their mortgage payments cannot increase, but this isn’t always true....
Can you Afford your Mortgage?
A look at what you need to think about before you commit yourself to a mortgage and why it might be worthwhile waiting for a while....
Cashback Mortgage
A look at how a cashback mortgage works and why this might be an option for first-time buyers who are short of cash....
Changing Interest Rates
A look at what interest rates are, who sets them and how they can effect what your mortgage repayments are....
Changing Lenders and Potential Fees or Penalties
A look at how much it might cost you to change lenders when you remortgage and why it is a good idea to do so....
Choosing a Mortgage: A Case Study
The mortgage market is a maze at the moment and it’s hard to know where to turn; this case study looks at how one first-time buyer found their mortgage....
Choosing the Right Location for your First Home
A look at what factors you should take into consideration when choosing the location of your first property and why location is important....
Commercial Mortgage
A look at what a commercial mortgage is and how these can be used for people who own their own business....
Completing your Mortgage Application
A look at what you need to do when filling in your mortgage application form and what you will need to give the lender....
Cost to Exit the Mortgage
A look at how much it will cost you to exit a mortgage offer and what you should look out for when it comes to paying these added costs....
Decision in Principle and the Mortgage Offer
A look at what it means to be offered a decision in principle and what the difference is between this and a mortgage offer....
Discounted Vs Standard Variable Rate Mortgage
A look at the pros and cons of discounted mortgages and standard variable rate mortgages and when it is best to use these types of mortgage....
Doing Your Research and Asking the Right Questions
A guide to what questions you need to ask when you visit a lender or mortgage broker, and why you should do you research before your first meeting....
Exchanging Contracts
A look at what happens when you exchange contracts with the person in the property you are buying, and what you need to be aware of....
Extra Risk Involved
A look at what risks you need to consider when taking out a mortgage and why it is important to prepare for the worst....
Facts About Mortgage Lending
Figures on mortgage lending do not make for comfortable reading at the moment, this article looks at some interesting facts surrounding the mortgage market....
Facts About Repossessions
Unfortunately the number of lenders repossessing is creeping upwards, but it is important you don’t let the facts put you off the mortgage market altogether....
FAQ: How to Get the Best Deal?
Searching for the best mortgage deal can be challenging, but if done correctly you should be able to find the best deal for you....
FAQ: Mortgages and the Credit Crunch
Everywhere you turn people seem to be talking about the credit crunch, but what does it actually mean for you and your finances, this article answers some frequently asked questions....
FAQ: Specialist Mortgages
The specialist mortgage market is a very different place to what it was a couple of years ago. This article answers some key questions about the specialist sector....
FAQ: The Value of Your Home
The value of your home can fluctuate even in the space of a few months, so it’s vital you get it valued correctly....
Find a Lender and Get a Good Deal
A look at how you can find the right lender for your circumstances and how to make sure you get the best mortgage for you....
Finding a Tracker Mortgage
Tracker mortgages are slowly starting to become extinct among mortgage lenders as the Bank base rate continues to fall....
Finding the Best Remortgage Rate
A look at when it is best to remortgage and what you should expect when it comes to changing lenders and rates....
Fixed Rate Mortgage vs Base Rate Tracker
A look at what it means to have a fixed rate mortgage and a base rate tracker mortgage, and which one may suit you best....
Flexible Mortgage
A look at how a flexible mortgage can allow you to take a career break for a few months and not have the worry of having to pay your mortgage....
Funds for a Property not yet Built
A look at how you can get a mortgage for a property that has not been built yet or may be in the process of being developed...
Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit
A look at how you can get a mortgage when you have a bad credit history and what are the benefits and disadvantages of this type of mortgage....
Getting a Deposit for a Home
A look at how you can get a deposit for your dream home, and why putting down a deposit for the property is always best, if you can....
Getting Finances in Order
A look at how you can get your finances in order before you apply for a mortgage and why getting a credit check might be a good idea....
Has the Credit Crunch Killed Off Self-Cert?
Self-cert loans have been dubbed liar loans by the media, but they may soon be a thing of the past....
Higher Lending Charges
A description of what a higher lending charge is and why lenders may insist that you pay this if you are borrowing a large amount of money....
How and When Will the Market Recover?
The mortgage market has shown few signs of recovering of late, this article looks at when and how the market is likely to recover....
How Much to Borrow
A look at how much you should borrow when it comes to getting a mortgage and why borrowing as much as you can get isn't always the best answer....
How Regulation Affects Mortgage Advice
A look at who the Financial Services Authority are and why and how they regulate mortgage advice and what this means in terms of the mortgage advice you are given....
How the Government Bailout Banks
The economy has got so bad the government has been forced to intervene and bail out a number of banks, this article looks at what this means for the market....
I Paid Back the Interest Only: A Case Study
Paying interest only on a mortgage is a good temporary solution if you find yourself in a tight spot, this article looks at one person’s experience of paying interest only....
I Paid Off My Mortgage Early: A Case Study
Trying to clear your mortgage quickly can often be a game of luck, this case study follows Steve and looks at how he managed to pay his mortgage early...
I Remortgaged Despite House Prices Falling: A Case Study
Just because your house has dropped in value it does not mean you cannot move home, here is how Julie and Steven did....
I Was Mis-Sold My Mortgage: A Case Study
Everyone slips up now and again, even mortgage lenders, this article looks at how one person claimed money back from her mortgage lender after being charged too much....
In Mortgage Arrears: What Can I Do?
Being in arrears doesn’t automatically lead to repossession and there are things you can do to get yourself back on track....
In Negative Equity: Can I Move?
You might feel like a prisoner in your own home if you are in negative equity, but there are ways that lenders can help you move house....
Initial Meeting
A look at what you should expect from your initial meeting with a mortgage adviser and what you need to be prepared for....
Interest Only Mortgage
A look at how an interest only mortgage can help a first-time buyer onto the property ladder and what to consider when choosing this option....
Investing in the Right Area
When it comes to investing in property, choosing the right location can be a tricky business, this article offers a few tips....
Key Worker Mortgage
A look at how being a key worker can give you an advantage when it comes to getting the first step on the housing ladder....
Libor Mortgage
A look at what a Libor rate is and when this type of mortgage should be used, and when it should be avoided....
Loan-to-Value
A description of what the phrase loan to value means and why it is important to think carefully about what loan to value you borrow from a lender....
Looking in the Newspaper
When it comes to finding where you should go for mortgage advice, local and national newspapers can be a vital tool, this article looks at why this is....
Making Mortgage Repayments
A look at why making the repayments on your mortgage can often be the hardest part of the mortgage process, and what you should do it you find yourself in trouble....
Market Conditions
Market conditions can have a huge impact on what kind of mortgage you can get and how much you can borrow, this article looks at why this is....
Mortgage Arrangement Fees
A look at why you might have to pay an arrangemnet fee to a lender, and why this isn't always a bad thing....
Mortgage Fraud: The Facts
Mortgage fraud continues to harm the financial services industry as fraudsters find new ways to submit fraudulent applications....
Mortgage Jargon buster
When it comes to arranging your mortgage, the jargon advisers use can often feel you leaving confused. This article gives descriptions of some typical mortgage jargon you may come across....
Mortgage Reference Checks
People are always scared of getting references, this article looks at what references you will need to get your mortgage and why this should be a simple process....
Mortgages and Extra Loans
If you have taken out a loan in the past it doesn't mean you won't be able to get a mortgage, in some cases it may even help you....
Mortgages for the Self-Employed
A look at why being self-employed does not mean that you cannot get a foot on the housing ladder and get a mortgage....
Muslim Mortgage
A glimpse at how Muslims can get on the property ladder and have a mortgage without paying interest and breaking Islamic law....
My Mortgage Was Sold: Case Study
Like thousands of mortgage holders every year, the Martins’ received a letter one day saying their mortgage had been sold....
Offset Mortgage
A look at whether an offset mortgage is right for you and how it could help you pay off your mortgage quicker....
Outlook for the Market
Predictions for the mortgage and proerty market are always conflicting. This article looks at when it is important to know what the market is doing and when it is not....
Overpaying on the Mortgage
Overpaying on your mortgage can be a great way to get your mortgage paid off more quickly, but sometimes it is best to agree it with your lender first....
Paying the Money Back on your Mortgage
A look at when it is best to pay back the money you owe on your mortgage and how you should do this....
Paying the Solicitor and Mortgage Broker
What you should expect when it comes to paying your solicitor and mortgage broker fees and why you should make sure you know exactly what you are paying for....
Predictions About the Interest Rate
Unfortunately nobody can see into the future, but there are those that are qualified enough to make an educated guess as to when the Bank’s base rate will rise....
Price Comparison Sites
A look at how price comparison sites can be a great tool when it comes to searching for your mortgage but also what limits they have....
Prime Mortgage
A look at what a prime borrower is and what the advantages of being this type of borrower are when getting a mortgage....
Property Crashes
A look at what to expect from a property crash and why they are not always a bad thing if you are a first-time buyer....
Property Value
A look at how you can try and work out for yourself how much a property is worth and why it may be wise to offer below the asking price....
Pro's and Con's of a Self-Cert Mortgage
Self-cert mortgages have many advantages, but also have many disadvantages, this article weighs up the pro's and cons of self-cert....
Protecting Your Mortgage
There are a number of ways that you can protect your mortgage payment, we look at the pros and cons of doing this....
Questionnaire: Are You at Risk of Negative Equity?
Millions of homeowners risk falling into negative equity as house prices begin to crash, take this quiz to see if you could be at risk....
Questionnaire: Do I Need Mortgage Protection?
Mortgage payment protection insurance can be a lifeline when you fall into trouble with your mortgage repayments; complete this questionnaire to see whether you need to take out the insurance....
Questionnaire: Should I Get a Linked Mortgage?
Packaged mortgage deals are becoming increasingly popular on the high street, but they are not right for everyone....
Remortgaging for Repairs and Renovations
A look at what your options are when remortgaging to carry out home improvements and repairs,and why your lender will often be in favour of this....
Rising Repossessions Due to the Credit Crunch
Going through a repossession is never a good experience, this article looks at why the credit crunch has caused more lenders to repossess....
Self-certification and its Bad Reputation
A look at why self-cert mortgages have gained a bad reputation in the short time that they have been in the mortgage market....
Sharing a Mortgage with Family
A look at when sharing a mortgage with a family member is a good idea and when it is not....
Sharing a Mortgage with Friends
A look at how you can share a mortgage with friends, enabling you all to get on the housing ladder quicker....
Sharing a Mortgage with Strangers
A look at how first-time buyers can get on the housing ladder by sharing a mortgage with a stranger....
Taking on a Business Partner
A look at when it is best to take on a business partner when buying a property, and why you should think carefully before doing this....
Taking Out a Second Mortgage
A look at what second mortgages are, who offers them, and why they have gained a reputation as being more expensive in the past....
Talk to Friends and Family about Buying a Home
A look at why it is always best to seek the advice of family and friends when getting a mortgage, as they will know all your financial habits....
The Cost of Mortgage Advice
A look at when you should pay for mortgage advice and when you should not, and why it might cost you more depending on what type of mortgage you get....
The need for Insurance and the Added Cost
A look at why you might need insurance when taking out your mortgage, and what the differnce is between all the different products available....
Types of Mortgage Insurance
A look at what mortgage insurance is, who you should get it from and why it might be important to take it out with your mortgage....
Valuation Fee and Survey Costs
A look at what you might be expected to pay to get a valuation and survey carried out on the property you want to buy....
Visiting a Mortgage Broker
A description of what you should be aware of when visiting a mortgage broker, and how they can help you get a good deal....
What is a Top-up Mortgage?
A look at what your options are when taking out a top up mortgage, and why in the current climate you may find it harder to get one....
What is Equity Release is Being Used For?
Whether you desire a luxury cruise, new kitchen or merely need to pay off some debts, equity release is increasingly being used by the older generation to fill a financial void....
What Regulation Means
A look at what a mortgage broker means when they say that the mortgage advice they are giving is regulated....
What to be Aware of when Buying your First Home
A look at what you need to be aware of when it comes to getting your foot on the housing ladder and getting your first mortgage....
What to Do If Mortgage Lender Miscalculates Payments
If you feel you have been wronged by your mortgage lender or that they have miscalculated your payments in any way, it is important you complain....
What to Do if You Can't Afford a Mortgage
A look at why you may find getting a mortgage harder today than a few months ago, and what to do if you can't afford a mortgage....
What to do if your Current Mortgage Rate is no Longer Available
Trying to find a good mortgage deal is becoming increasingly difficult in the wake of the credit crunch, this article looks at how to get the best mortgage rate....
What to Take with you When Requesting a Mortgage
A look at what financial information you will need to take along with you when you are requesting your mortgage....
What's Happening to the Mortgage Market?
The mortgage market is going through a traumatic phase at the moment, this article looks at what has gone wrong with the mortgage market....
When to Remortgage
A look at when it is best to start to think about remortgaging and when it is sometimes better to wait....
Where Should I Go for a Mortgage?
Deciding where to go for mortgage advice is almost as tricky as deciding what product you want or how much to borrow....
Where to Start with a Self Build Mortgage
A look at how you can get a mortgage to fund a property that you have not built yet and what options you have....
Which Are the Top Mortgage Lenders
A lack of competition in the mortgage market has led to a few lenders dominating the market, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best....
Who Needs a Self-cert Mortgage?
A look at what type of person may qualify for a self-certification mortgage and why people may not realise they do qualify....
Why Are Lenders No Longer Allowing Interest-Only Mortgages?
In 2007, 33% of all first-time buyer mortgages were interest-only, but this has fallen to around 6% as lenders restrict this type of borrowing....
Why is it Getting Harder to Get on the Property Ladder?
A look at what has happened to the UK mortgage market in the past year, and why it is harder for first-time buyers to get a mortgage....
Why Lenders are Cutting Back
A look at why the mortgage market has changed so dramatically over the past few months, and why lenders are imposing stricter lending criteria....
Why Mortgage Lenders Are Going Bust
A lot of mortgage lenders are going bust as a result of the credit crunch: what you should do if your mortgage lender has gone bust?...
Will My Property Go Down in Value?
Whichever house you buy there is a risk that it will decrease in value, some properties however are more prone to dropping in price than others....
Your Rights when Sharing a Mortgage
One of the most important aspects of sharing a mortgage is knowing your legal rights, this article examines how to make sure you are legally covered should anything go wrong....