The Mortgage & Finance category of Hall's Homes Articles — borrowing, deposits, credit, and the money side of buying a home. For the full mortgage overview start with the UK Mortgage Guide 2026; for the numbers on your own situation use the calculators.
What a £20,000 deposit actually buys in the UK in 2026 — the LTV it gives you, worked examples by income, and the schemes that stretch it further.
How lenders treat adverse credit, the six-year rule, and how to put your application in its strongest position.
Income multiples, the affordability stress test, and realistic borrowing ranges by income in 2026.
How lenders assess sole traders, company directors and contractors — the accounts and SA302s you need, and why a specialist broker matters.
Current SDLT rates, first-time buyer relief, the £500,000 cliff edge, second home surcharge, and worked examples for every buyer type.
Every upfront cost itemised — deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, survey, and the things most buyers forget to budget for.
How to fund home improvements through your mortgage, a further advance, or other borrowing — and what lenders look for.
A realistic 2026 timeline from offer to completion — what happens at each stage, what causes delays, and how to speed things up.