One of the first—and most common—questions people ask when thinking about buying a home is:
“How much deposit do I need for a mortgage?”
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home, or looking to invest in property, understanding how deposits work is key to getting mortgage-ready. In this blog, we’ll explain how much deposit you typically need in the UK, how it affects your mortgage, and what options are available if you’re working with a smaller deposit.
With house prices on the rise and the cost of living squeezing monthly budgets, many buyers are looking for ways to make homeownership more affordable. One option that’s becoming increasingly popular in the UK is the 40-year mortgage.
But is it the right move for you?
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably come across the term ‘Agreement in Principle’ (or AIP for short). And if you’re like most buyers, you might be wondering…
Yes – and here’s what you need to know.
If you’re currently on maternity leave and wondering whether it’s even possible to get a mortgage right now – you’re not alone.
We get this question a lot at HLC Mortgages, and the good news is: yes, you absolutely can apply for a mortgage while on maternity leave.
But, like with anything mortgage-related, there are a few things to be aware of – and some key steps you can take to make the process smoother.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home, or looking to remortgage, here’s everything you need to know about securing a mortgage during maternity leave.
If you’re thinking about applying for a mortgage, one of the first things you’ll hear is:
“Make sure your credit score is in good shape.”
But what does that actually mean?
Who’s keeping track?
And most importantly—how can you improve your credit score if it’s not where you want it to be?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. At HLC Mortgages, we believe mortgage advice shouldn’t feel like decoding a secret language. So in this guide, we’ll break it all down in clear, simple terms to help you understand your credit score and take steps to boost it.
When it comes to choosing the right mortgage, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to go for a tracker mortgage or a fixed-rate mortgage.
If you’re wondering, “Which one is best for me?”—you’re not alone. At HLC Mortgages, it’s one of the most common questions we get from clients. And the answer really depends on your circumstances, your goals, and your attitude toward risk.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down in clear, simple terms—no jargon, no fluff—so you can feel confident about making the right choice.
As we head into 2026, many buyers and homeowners are wondering what happens next — and more importantly, how to put themselves in the best position.
As we approach the end of 2025, homeowners and buyers are looking ahead and asking the same question: what will 2026 bring for mortgage rates and house prices?
If you’re over 55 and own your home, you’ve probably heard the term equity release—maybe on the radio, TV ads, or through a friend. But what exactly is equity release, and more importantly, is it a good idea?
Changing your mortgage, or remortgaging, simply means switching from your current mortgage deal to a new one. This could be with your current lender or a completely different one.
