Our customers rate us Excellent
based on 696 ratings over the past
year ![]()
What is my mortgageability?
Before we dive into the details or talk about rates, the first step is understanding your mortgageability — what you can borrow, and which lenders will likely say yes. From there, we’ll match you with one of our specialist lenders who understands your situation. And who knows? Depending on your circumstances, we might even be able to secure you a deal from a high street lender.
We will ask you:
- Who you are and where you live
- Affordability, spending habits, and any existing loans.
- A few questions about your credit history
One of the first things we’ll do is carry out a free mortgage assessment, including a quick look at your current credit score. This helps us understand where you stand and how best to match you with a lender who’s right for you.
Refine your mortgage options
At this stage, the indication above is likely all you need. However, you can refine your search here. If you feel ready to choose your mortgage, we recommend speaking to one of our advisers today. They’ll guide you through your options and help you find the right deal.
Understanding your initial repayment options
When you take out a mortgage, you’ll usually start with an initial deal that lasts for a set period — typically two, three or five years. The most common types are fixed, tracker, and discount rates. Each option works slightly differently and comes with its own pros and cons, depending on what matters most to you — whether it’s payment certainty, flexibility, or the chance to benefit from rate changes. We’ll explain how each type works so you can make an informed choice with confidence.
Speak to an expertA fixed-rate mortgage keeps your monthly payments the same for a set period — usually two, three or five years — giving you stability and peace of mind.
Advantages
Your monthly payments stay the same, making it easier to budget
Protection from interest rate rises during the fixed term
Ideal if you prefer certainty and want to plan ahead
Disadvantages
If interest rates fall, your payments stay the same, so you could miss out on lower costs
Early repayment charges often apply if you want to switch or repay early
Fixed rates can sometimes be slightly higher than variable options
A discount mortgage offers a reduced interest rate for an initial period, usually tied to your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR). This means your payments can go up or down during the deal period.
Advantages
Lower interest rate at the start of your mortgage
Potential to save money compared to standard variable or fixed rates
A good option if you expect rates to stay steady or fall
Disadvantages
Your payments can go up if the lender’s SVR increases
Budgeting is less predictable than with a fixed rate
May come with early repayment charges during the discount period
A tracker mortgage follows the Bank of England base rate, plus a set percentage. This means your payments can rise or fall in line with interest rate changes.
Advantages
If the base rate drops, your payments could go down
Often lower rates than fixed mortgages at the start
Transparent — you know exactly what your rate is based on
Disadvantages
Your payments will increase if the base rate rises
Less certainty when it comes to monthly budgeting
Some tracker deals come with early repayment charges or a minimum rate (a collar)
An offset mortgage links your mortgage to your savings. Instead of earning interest on your savings, they are used to reduce the amount of your mortgage that interest is charged on, which can lower your monthly payments or help you pay off your mortgage sooner.
Advantages
You can reduce the amount of interest you pay without locking your savings away
Flexible — you can choose to lower your monthly payments or shorten your mortgage term
Savings remain accessible if you need them
Disadvantages
You won’t earn interest on your savings while they’re offset
Offset mortgage rates can be slightly higher than standard deals
You may need a larger savings balance to see a noticeable benefit
