Knowledge Centre

Whether you’re in the process of buying your first home or are the proud owner of several properties, the HLC Bulletin covers a number of financial topics. Check in for helpful money and mortgage advice, saving tips, financial news and updates, plus so much more.

If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear from you!

Young male and female couple looking at a laptop together

What’s Happening with Interest Rates?

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news, you might have noticed a curious [...]

young to middle aged male and female couple sat at desk with paperwork, calculator and laptop looking serious

Can I Move if I’m in Negative Equity?

Finding yourself in negative equity can be a daunting experience. You might feel stuck in [...]

Young happy couple sat at desk with a professional man with paperwork and laptop

10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Advisor

When you're about to embark on one of the biggest financial commitments of your life [...]

young male a female couple looking happy packing moving boxes in their kitchen getting ready to move house

Can I Move House if I’m Tied into a Fixed Rate?

If you're a homeowner on a fixed-rate mortgage, you might be wondering if moving house [...]

older couple male and female happy and dancing together in a kitchen

Is There an Age Limit for Taking Out a Mortgage?

When it comes to mortgages, one of the questions we often hear is, ‘Is there [...]

Young male and female couple with laptop on top of moving boxes

10 Reasons Why Mortgage Applications May be Declined

Applying for a mortgage can feel like a big milestone in life, whether you're a [...]

happy older male and female couple, husband and wife cuddling up on the sofa with blanket

What is Equity Release?

If you’re a homeowner over the age of 55 in the UK and looking for [...]

Shot of two pretty young business woman relaxing one moment while drinking coffee in the office.

Do Mortgage Brokers Get Better Rates?

If you’re considering applying for a mortgage in the UK, one question that may have [...]

How Much Work is Involved in Applying for a Mortgage?

Applying for a mortgage is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make in [...]

young attractive woman sat on a bed with a mug in her hand looking at a laptop.

Navigating the Path to Homeownership: A Guide to Getting a Mortgage as a Single Person in the UK

Owning a home is a dream shared by many, and while it’s often seen as [...]

Young man and woman chatting together face to face on the sofa.

Mortgage Myths Busted: What You Need to Know Before Buying a Home in the UK

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make, and [...]

young male and female holding credit card working on a laptop

How to Remove a Default from My Credit History

If you've ever faced financial difficulties that resulted in a default on your credit history, [...]

young and happy inter-racial couple at home looking out the window

First-Time Buyers’ FAQs: Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating the Mortgage Landscape

Buying your first home is a monumental milestone, filled with excitement and anticipation. However, it [...]

Older couple over 55 looking at computer at home interested in equity release

What is a Lifetime Mortgage?

A lifetime mortgage is a popular financial product in the UK designed to help homeowners [...]

Happy young woman and young man sat on the floor surrounded by moving boxes with a white dog.

5 First-Time Buyer Mistakes You Should Avoid

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting [...]

10 Steps: The House Buying Process

[...]

Smiling man and woman at table with paperwork, calculator and laptop applying for mortgaqge with a ccj

Can I Get a Mortgage with a CCJ?

If you're looking for a mortgage in UK, but have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) [...]

Cheerful beautiful woman embracing her bearded husband while resting together in the bedroom looking at laptop for mortgage

£200k Mortgage: Monthly Repayments & Income Requirements

Purchasing a property is one of the most significant financial commitments many people will make [...]

man and woman looking over a laptop together discussing property negotiations

How Do I Navigate Negotiations?

Navigating property negotiations can be a daunting part of buying a home, but with the [...]

Moving day with removal van, young couple and removal men

Moving House Checklist: Your Essential Guide

Welcome to our Moving House Checklist! Moving can be a stressful time, but with a [...]

Navigating the Maze: A Comprehensive Guide to UK Mortgage Types

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial commitments you'll ever make, and [...]

Young handsome smiling bearded man sitting at home, calculating budget for a buy-to-let

The Benefits & Risks of a Buy-to-Let

In the UK, buy-to-let properties have become a popular investment choice for those looking to [...]

Eco friendly house with family outside and electric car want a green mortgage

What is a Green Mortgage?

As awareness of environmental issues grows, more people are seeking ways to reduce their carbon [...]

Parents with adult daughter at table with calculator helping her with deposit for a mortgage

Can My Parents Lend Me a Deposit?

With property prices continuing to rise, it's no surprise that many first-time buyers are turning [...]

Planning to build your own house with a self-build mortgage

What is a Self-Build Mortgage and Can I Get One?

Embarking on a self-build project is an exciting journey that allows you to design and [...]

Sad depressed man checking bills, anxiety about debt or bankruptcy, financial problem, bank debt or lack of money, unhappy frustrated young male sitting at work desk with laptop and calculator

Can I Get a Mortgage After Bankruptcy?

Facing bankruptcy can be a daunting and stressful experience, especially when it comes to future [...]

young couple on the sofa with laptops and their dog understanding mortgage terms

Understanding Mortgage Terms: A Homebuyer’s Guide

Navigating the world of mortgages can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a first-time [...]

Couple in the kitchen preparing food talking about overpaying their mortgage

Should I Overpay My Mortgage?

As a mortgage broker, one of the questions we frequently encounter is whether homeowners should [...]

Portrait of happy young couple using laptop, man holding mobile phone, hugging dog, sitting together on comfortable sofa at home. Sorting out their mortgage.

The Top 5 Financial Fears and Their Solutions

Navigating the financial landscape can be daunting, especially when it comes to significant commitments like [...]

woman at laptop in cafe learning about stamp duty

Buying Property: What is Stamp Duty?

Purchasing property in the UK involves various financial obligations, one of the most significant of [...]

Young adult first-time buyer at laptop with parent getting mortgage

What is a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor Mortgage?

Navigating the world of mortgages can often feel like learning a new language. Among the [...]

young woman on yoga mat at laptop payday loan mortgage

Do Payday Loans Impact on Getting a Mortgage Approval in the UK?

In the journey towards homeownership, understanding the impact of financial decisions is crucial, especially when [...]

Couple with paperwork and laptop working out cost of remortgaging

What Are the Costs of Remortgaging?

When you're considering remortgaging your home in the UK, it's essential to understand not only [...]

Unlocking Homeownership: The New £5,000 Deposit Mortgage

A major lender has launched a potentially life-changing opportunity for first-time home buyers! The journey [...]

11 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Property

Embarking on the journey to purchase a property is a monumental step, filled with excitement, [...]

couple with paperwork, laptop and calculator working out the cost of moving

Mastering the Move: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hidden Costs of Buying Property

Moving house is an exciting journey, often symbolising a fresh start or a step up [...]

woman looking at architect plans for home improvement and extension funding with remortgage

Can I fund Home Improvements when I Remortgage?

Are you dreaming of a spacious kitchen, a sunlit conservatory, or perhaps an extra bedroom? Whether [...]

man at laptop on desk new job looking for a mortgage

Applying for a Mortgage in the UK After Changing Jobs: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing jobs is a significant life event, and if you’re looking to buy a home [...]

young black woman hugging her piggy bank saving for house deposit

Struggling to Save for a House Deposit? Here’s What You Can Do

In the current UK housing market, accumulating enough savings for a house deposit can feel [...]

Woman on sofa with laptop securing her ideal mortgage

Securing Your Ideal Mortgage: Overcoming the Top 5 Challenges in the UK

Navigating the world of mortgages can often feel like trying to find your way through [...]

Happy single-parent family having mortgage holiday

What is a Mortgage Holiday?

In today’s ever-changing economic climate, homeowners across the UK are increasingly seeking flexible solutions to [...]

happy family out walking able to pay mortgage on sick leave

Securing Your Home’s Future: A Guide to Mortgage Protection on Long-Term Sick Leave

Events such as an accident at work or on the road, or being diagnosed with [...]

Understanding Buy-to-Let Mortgages in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides an easy-to-understand overview of the key aspects of BTL mortgages, including deposit [...]

How Do I Choose the Right Mortgage Advisor?

For many, seeking the assistance of a mortgage advisor is a crucial step in ensuring [...]

Buying Property: 5 Negotiation Tips

Buying property is a huge step, and knowing how to negotiate effectively can save you [...]

Couple in the kitchen discussing their remortgage

When Should I Sort Out My Remortgage?

Deciding when to remortgage your home is a significant financial decision that can impact your [...]

Family in kitchen discussing whether they should change the term of their mortgage

Can I Change the Term of My Mortgage?

The term of a mortgage - the time you have to repay the loan - [...]

young couple talking over a desk to a mortgage advisor

What Will Happen to Fixed Mortgage Rates in 2024?

The past year has been quite the ride for both current and prospective homeowners, as [...]

Common Financial Fears when Buying a Property

We explore some of the common financial fears that prospective homebuyers face and offer guidance [...]

Male Investor at Laptop looking at mortgages

What is an Interest-Only Mortgage?

If you're a homeowner or are considering buying a home or investing in property, you've [...]

How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage Offer?

Getting a mortgage is a significant step in the homebuying process. It's an exciting journey [...]

woman on sofa with dog in shared ownership mortgage property

How does a Shared Ownership mortgage work?

Shared ownership mortgages represent an innovative pathway to homeownership, particularly useful for those who find [...]

Does Getting an Agreement in Principle (AIP) Affect My Credit Score?

An Agreement in Principle is a crucial step in your home buying journey. It gives [...]

I’m on a Zero-Hour Contract, Will This Affect Getting a Mortgage?

Zero-hour contracts have become a staple in the flexible job market of the UK, their [...]

Mortgage advisor from mortgage broker with client

Why Should I Pay a Mortgage Broker?

If you’ve ever ventured into the home-buying process, you know it can be as daunting [...]

Buying Property: The Top 5 Problems and Solutions

Here are the top 5 problems faced by property buyers and the solutions to overcome [...]

woman stressed at laptop worrying about mortgage payments

Help! What if I’m Struggling to Make My Mortgage Repayments?

What options are available to homeowners finding it hard to meet their mortgage repayments, and [...]

Most Common Mortgage Fears Solved

Mortgages can be a daunting topic for many, especially first-time homebuyers. From the fear of [...]

The House Buying Process: A Complete Guide

We’re here to offer some clarity on what to expect and how to navigate the [...]

First Time Buyers young couple with baby child

First-Time Buyers: The Top 5 Problems and The Solutions

Here’s a look at the top five problems faced by first-time buyers and how to [...]

Young couple at home on sofa and doing yoga

Understanding the Costs of Buying Property in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

Buying a property is an exciting adventure, but it's also a complex financial commitment that [...]

Remortgaging: The Top 5 Problems and The Solutions

Remortgaging can be a great way to secure an interest rate, release equity, or consolidate [...]

Self-employed person working at a desk with a laptop trying to get a mortgage

I’m Self-Employed, How Will This Affect Applying for a Mortgage?

When you're self-employed, navigating the maze of financial decisions can seem a tad more complex [...]

Couple at desk with computer declined a mortgage

Help! My bank won’t give me a mortgage, what should I do?

So, you've been dreaming of that little nest, a place to call your own, and [...]

Happy family with laptop and mortgage protection

Mortgage Protection Products: Safeguarding Your Home and Financial Future

If you’re wondering ‘what protection should I take out with my mortgage?’, here we explain [...]

couple moving into property with fixed rate mortgage

Should I Choose a Two or Five-Year Fixed Mortgage?

Navigating the property market can be a complex journey, especially when it comes to the [...]

I’m on a Fixed Low Interest Rate, Can I Port My Mortgage Over to My New Home?

Let’s talk about one of the most common dilemmas that many homeowners face when they [...]

Couple with a mortgage advisor signing paperwork

Should I Choose a Tracker or Fixed Rate Mortgage?

In the current financial climate, there’s never been a more important time to understand your [...]

Woman with calculator and comupter checking her credit score

Who’s Keeping Score: How to Uplift Your Credit Rating

It’s fair to say that most of us probably don’t keep a constant check on [...]

Mortgages: How Much can I Borrow to Buy a Property?

Deciding to buy a home is an exciting journey, a testament to your hard work, [...]

mother-and-daughter-at-laptop-checking-out-mortgages-scaled

➡️How Will Rising Interest Rates Affect My Mortgage Affordability?

So, it has been announced that the Bank of England has raised the base rate [...]

My Fixed Rate Mortgage is Coming to an End: What should I do?

We’re here to chat with you about a topic that has been causing a bit [...]

woman on sofa with laptop considering 40-year mortgage

Should I Consider a 40-Year Mortgage?

Is a 40-year mortgage the best choice for you? Let's discuss! [...]

Couple choosing the best interest rate mortgage

Mortgage Rates: How can I be sure I’m getting the best interest rate on my mortgage?

Welcome to another exciting blog where we explore the ins and outs of financing your [...]

What Deposit Do I Need to Get a Mortgage?

Hello future homeowners! We're here to shine a light on one of the most commonly [...]

How Do I Qualify for a Mortgage? An In-Depth Guide

If you're like a lot of our customers, the prospect of buying a property is [...]

Receiving an agreement in principle for a mortgage

How quickly can I get an Agreement in Principle (AIP or DIP) for a Mortgage?

An agreement in principle (AIP) or Decision in Principle (DIP) is universally required these days [...]

Should I use a Mortgage Broker or go direct to my Bank?

One of the first questions we are often asked is ‘what’s the difference between using [...]

Equity Release

If you are a homeowner and aged 55+ you may want to read through this [...]

5 Tips to Save for a Mortgage Deposit

Before you begin the process of applying for a mortgage, most first-time buyers will need [...]

First-Time Buyers

The world of mortgages can seem incredibly daunting especially if you are young and fabulous [...]

Should I switch my mortgage?

Interest rates remained low for a long time after the financial crash in 2008, however, [...]