Where to get one
Loans are available through banks, building societies, insurance companies, internet lenders, independent financial advisers, specialist mortgage companies and estate agents. Competition between them is fierce – which is good news for the borrower. Since rates change frequently, the best deal of today may not be around next week. Use our Best Mortgage Rates and Mortgage Finder to compare the latest deals. Sometimes, specialist mortgage brokers can arrange deals from lenders that may be better than those generally available (see Mortgage brokers).
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TIP: Shop around for the best deal. The annual percentage rate (APR) should help you to do this. Generally, the lower the APR, the better the deal but watch out – some lenders advertise mortgages as if the initial low-start rate will last throughout the loan when in fact it is almost certain it will increase once the discount period has ended.
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Should you get a mortgage from an estate agent? Bear in mind that some agents are owned by mortgage lenders, so it is questionable how independent their advice is. Even if they are not lender-owned, they may only recommend a small selection of lenders for you to choose from. You are not obliged to accept the lender suggested by an agent.
The Code of Mortgage Lending Practice is a voluntary code followed by lenders and mortgage advisers to which members are expected to adhere. A lender or adviser should inform you of the code’s existence. If they do not, alarm bells should start to ring. You can get a copy of the Mortgage Code from The Council of Mortgage Lenders, 3 Savile Row, London, W1X 1AF, 020 7440 2255.
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TIP: Some lenders, especially building societies, have introduced loyalty schemes for long-standing borrowers. These usually mean a reduced mortgage rate – a 0.5% reduction is typical – once you’ve had your loan with the lender for a set time.
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Where to get one
Will I get one
Deals for the self-employed
