Your mortgage, explained simply.
Clear, jargon-free guides to buying, remortgaging and protecting your home, plus free tools and a reminder before your fixed rate ends.
Where are you on your mortgage journey?
Pick the one that fits and we'll point you to the right guides.
I'm buying my first home
Deposits, affordability and every step from saving to getting the keys.
Buying a Home →My fixed rate is ending
When to remortgage, product transfers and early repayment charges.
Managing Your Mortgage →I want to learn the basics
How mortgages work, fixed vs tracker, LTV and the jargon explained.
Mortgage Basics →I want to protect my family
Life cover, critical illness and income protection in plain English.
Protection & Insurance →Know when your fixed rate ends.
When a fixed deal ends, most mortgages move to the lender's standard variable rate, which can be noticeably higher. We'll remind you in good time to review your options.
Popular mortgage guides
First-Time Buyer Mortgage Guide: Everything You Need to Know
To get a first-time buyer mortgage in the UK, you will usually need a deposit of at least 5% of the property…
When and Why Should I Remortgage?
For most homeowners, the answer to when to remortgage is around six months before your current deal ends. That gives you time…
Fixed, Variable, and Tracker Mortgages Explained
The next big decision Once you’ve got your deposit together, the next big decision is what kind of mortgage rate to choose.…
The news that affects your mortgage
Short, plain-English updates, and what they mean for you.
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Mortgage Repayment Calculator
Work out your monthly payment for any loan amount, rate and term.
Open calculator →New Monthly Payment Calculator
See how your payment could change when your current deal ends.
Check my new payment →Ask Mortgage Owl
Stuck on a guide or a mortgage term? Send us your question and we'll reply in plain English.
Ask a question →Common questions
Is Mortgage Owl free to use?
Yes. All guides, calculators and the fixed-rate reminder are free.
Is this financial advice?
No. Mortgage Owl provides general educational information only. For a recommendation based on your circumstances, speak to a qualified mortgage adviser.
How does the fixed-rate reminder work?
You tell us when your deal ends and we email you 6 months, 3 months and 1 month beforehand, so you have time to compare options.
How much can I borrow for a mortgage?
Most UK lenders will lend around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income, and some go higher for certain borrowers. The final amount depends on your income, outgoings, credit history and deposit, as lenders check what you can afford each month.
How much deposit do I need to buy a house?
You usually need at least 5% of the property price. A bigger deposit, such as 10%, 15% or more, normally gives you access to lower interest rates and more lenders.
When should I start looking for a new mortgage deal?
Start around six months before your current deal ends. Many lenders let you secure a new rate up to six months in advance, which helps you avoid moving onto your lender's standard variable rate.
Hi, I'm Steve. After 15 years in the police and 15 in the merchant navy, I'm training as a mortgage adviser. Every guide is written in plain English and checked against official sources such as GOV.UK, the Bank of England and MoneyHelper.