Category Archives: Uncategorized

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.

When people think about putting down a deposit for a house, they usually imagine saving up tens of thousands of pounds in cash over many years. And yes—having a traditional savings pot is one way to do it. But what if we told you there are other, lesser-known ways to raise a deposit and get onto the property ladder faster?

Spoiler: yes – and here’s how.
When it comes to getting a mortgage, there are two routes: you can go it alone and try to figure it all out yourself… or you can work with a mortgage advisor or broker to guide you through it.
But the big question on many people’s minds is:
Will using a mortgage broker actually save me money – or will it just cost me more?
It’s a fair question – and one we hear a lot at HLC Mortgages. So, in this article, we’ll break down exactly how a good mortgage advisor (like us!) can potentially save you time, stress, and – most importantly – a lot of money over the life of your mortgage.
Let’s dive in.

It’s not just about protecting your home — it’s about protecting your future.
When you’re applying for a mortgage, there’s a lot to think about — interest rates, deposits, monthly payments… and then someone brings up critical illness cover, and you wonder: Do I really need that too?
It’s a fair question — and one we get asked a lot. So, in this article, we’ll explain what critical illness cover actually is, how it works, and whether it’s something you should seriously consider when taking out a mortgage.
Let’s break it down simply, without the jargon.