Mortgages and Property: UK Guides
Remortgaging, stamp duty, deposits and first-time buyer schemes, explained clearly for UK homebuyers and homeowners.
TL;DR: Mortgages are the biggest financial commitment most people ever make. This hub gathers our UK guides: how to remortgage, stamp duty rates for 2026/27, first-time buyer deposits and schemes, and getting a mortgage in principle.
Our mortgage and property guides
- Remortgaging in the UK: When to Do It and How It Works (product transfer vs switching lender, early repayment charges, timelines)
- Stamp Duty in 2026: Rates, Thresholds and First-Time Buyer Relief (current £125,000 threshold, relief to £300,000, worked examples)
- First-Time Buyer Guide UK: Deposits, Schemes and How to Start (5% deposits, Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, the new Your First Home plan)
- Proven Way to Get a Mortgage in Principle UK (agreement in principle explained)
- Stamp Duty Calculator: work out your SDLT, LBTT or LTT in seconds
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bank of England base rate | 3.75% (held 17 September 2026) |
| Stamp duty, England and NI | 0% to £125,000; first-time buyer relief 0% to £300,000 |
| Typical 2 year fixed mortgage | Around 5.5% to 5.7% (late September 2026, moves daily) |
| Mortgage Guarantee Scheme | Permanent since July 2025; 5% deposits available |
| Your First Home scheme | Announced 26 September 2026; full details due at the Budget on 28 October |
Frequently asked questions
When should I start remortgaging?
Three to six months before your current deal ends, so the new deal starts the day the old one finishes. Full remortgaging guide.
How much stamp duty will I pay?
It depends on the price and whether you are a first-time buyer. See the 2026 rates and worked examples.
Can I buy with a 5% deposit?
Yes, through 95% mortgages and the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme. First-time buyer guide.
What is a mortgage in principle?
A lender’s conditional statement of how much they would lend you, useful before making an offer. How to get one.
General information, not financial advice. Facts checked 1 October 2026.