LTV, APR, DTI... it's enough to make your head spin. Let us break it down for you. Dig into our content to learn more about house hunting, first-time buyer mortgages, interest rates and so much more.
If you're thinking about remortgaging to release equity, get a better rate, or switch lenders, your property will usually need to be valued. But how does a remortgage valuation work? Does it affect how much you can borrow? And what happens if your home’s value has changed?
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If you're in the process of buying a home and your mortgage lender suddenly says they’re holding back some of the money, you’re probably dealing with something called a mortgage retention. Let’s take a look at what mortgage retention means, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
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Over the past 50 years, homeownership for women in the UK has gone from a distant dream to a real possibility - but it hasn’t been an easy ride. From outright discrimination to today’s stubborn homeownership gap, the journey’s been full of twists and turns. Discover how far we’ve come, the challenges that remain, and what you need to know to claim your place on the property ladder.
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If you’d like to transfer a mortgage to a family member, remove yourself from a joint mortgage, or share the responsibility of the monthly repayments, you’ll need to request a transfer of equity from your lender. Llet’s take a look at when you can transfer a mortgage to a family member and how to start the process.
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You can protect your savings from falling interest rates with a fixed rate savings account. Your interest rate will be fixed for a set period, but in return for this certainty, you’ll need to lock your money away until the end of the term. Let’s take a look at the best fixed rate savings accounts in the UK in 2025, with fixes ranging from 1 to 5 years.
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The last couple of years have been a rollercoaster for the UK housing market. We've seen inflation rise and fall, the Bank of England cut its base rate for the first time since 2020, and a general election ushered in a new government. Not to mention the rollercoaster caused by Trump's tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty. Now we're nearing the end of 2025, many homeowners and first-time buyers are looking ahead and wondering what's next. While no one has a crystal ball, by looking at current trends and expert forecasts, we can piece together a picture of what to expect for mortgage rates in 2026.
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The 2025 Autumn Budget is shaping up to be one of the most significant fiscal events in recent years. With Chancellor Rachel Reeves facing a reported £50 billion funding gap and mounting pressure to balance the books without breaking Labour's manifesto promises, speculation is rife about what to expect. For savers, homebuyers, and those looking to remortgage, the stakes couldn't be higher. While nothing is confirmed until the Chancellor opens that famous red box, the writing appears to be on the wall for several key areas that could directly impact your financial future. We’ve summed up what could be announced in this year’s Autumn Budget, and what it could mean for you.
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The UK savings market has reached a new milestone, with the number of savings products climbing to record highs, rising to 2,274 in August 2025. This surge in product choice comes as average savings rates continue to decline. So while more products mean more choice for savers, choosing the right product to make the most of your money is even more important.
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You’ve had heated debates about paint colours. You’ve agreed on a sofa. You’ve even planned the housewarming. But have you talked about debt? Or what happens if one of you pays more into the deposit? When you’re buying a home with a partner, it’s easy to get swept up in the fun stuff - but it’s the slightly awkward money chats that will make or break the process. These five conversations might not be romantic, but they’re essential and can save you a lot of stress later on.
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A Fixed Rate ISA is a savings account where you lock your money away for a set period and earn a guaranteed interest rate in return. Your interest will be tax-free and protected from fluctuating interest rates, but you won’t be able to withdraw your money until the end of your fixed term (usually between one to five years). In this guide, we’ll run over all the Fixed Rate ISAs currently available from TSB. If you’re looking for the best Fixed Rate ISA on the market, keep in mind that the familiar high-street banks don’t always offer the most competitive rates.
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A Fixed Rate ISA is a type of savings account where your money is locked away for a set period, and in return, you get a guaranteed interest rate. Your interest will also be tax-free, but you won’t be able to withdraw your money until the end of your fixed term (usually between one to five years). In this guide, we’ll cover all the Fixed Rate ISAs currently offered by Coventry Building Society. If you’re looking for the best Fixed Rate ISA on the market, keep in mind that the familiar high-street banks don’t always offer the most competitive rates.
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If you’re saving for a house, one of the first decisions you’ll probably make is where you’ll put your money. With the right bank account, you can reach your savings goals faster and even pay less tax. But with so many accounts to choose from, including ISAs, LISAs and easy access accounts, what’s the best option for saving for a house?
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A Fixed Rate ISA is a savings account where you put away a set amount of money for a fixed period of time, usually 1-3 years. In return for locking away your money, you’ll receive a guaranteed interest rate for the set time period. Because it’s an ISA, your interest will also be tax-free, unlike if you saved into a normal savings account.
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Interest rates have risen over the last few years, making savings accounts much more rewarding than before. However, not all savings accounts are made equal. While some accounts like Cash ISAs offer 4-5%, the average rate offered by easy-access savings accounts is 3.2%. So where should you keep your money? Let’s take a look at the best savings accounts available on the market today.
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An Individual Savings Account (ISA) lets you save or invest without paying tax on any interest or returns. But there are certain restrictions with an ISA on how much can you save in an ISA each year. If you’ve already met this year’s allowance, or want to know how long you have to max out, keep reading to find out when the ISA year starts.
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Thinking about selling your home in 2026? You’re definitely not alone - and you’re wise to check in on what’s happening before making any big decisions. The good news: after a rollercoaster few years, the UK housing market is looking a bit more predictable in 2026. Here’s our easy-to-follow, expert-backed guide to help you figure out if 2026 is the right time for your next move.
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When you research how much you should have in savings, you’ll probably find various rules about how much you should have. But there are a number of factors that can affect your ability to save for the future, such as your age, income, relationship status and whether you rent or own your home. So whether you’ve got some money tucked away in a Cash ISA or you’ve barely enough to fund a Deliveroo, don’t compare yourself too much to others! In this guide, we’ll myth-bust how much the majority of people actually have in savings, and what is a good goal to aim for is.
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Saving for a house is a huge goal to work towards, and can feel daunting to start or keep up with - especially when rising house prices and high interest rates make homeownership feel further out of reach. At times like these, it’s okay to feel discouraged. But right now could be the best time to focus on putting money towards your first home.
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The countdown is on! If you're on this blog, you've hopefully quite close to your savings goals for a house deposit. After years of dreaming about it (and the endless hours of scrolling through Rightmove...) owning your first home is actually within reach! At this point, you probably just want to move in already (!!!) but before that happens, there are a few things you need to do before applying for your first mortgage and buying your first house. As with all things, a lil’ preparation goes a long way, so here are some things you can do to get you ready.
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If you’ve got a Lifetime ISA, or are about to open one, understanding how the tax year impacts what you can put into your LISA is important to ensure you max out your free government bonus! Keep reading to find out how Lifetime ISA works in relation to the tax year, and how long you have till the tax year ends.
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So, you're thinking about transferring your Lifetime ISA to another provider. You probably have a ton of questions - we're here to answer them, including how to transfer your Lifetime ISA, how long it takes, and some of the other most frequently asked questions about transferring LISAs along the way.
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If you’re saving a deposit for a house, the right savings account could help you get on the ladder sooner. But which type of savings account should you choose? Let’s take a look at two of the most tax-efficient and rewarding options: the Cash ISA vs Lifetime ISA.
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If you’d like to buy a house one day, a Lifetime ISA could make it easier to save a deposit. You can save up to £4,000 a year in your Lifetime ISA and the government will boost your contributions for free by 25%, meaning you could get a £1,000 bonus each tax year if you max out your account. Lifetime ISAs were first introduced in 2017 and since then more than 170,000 first-time buyers have used them to buy their first home. But is a Lifetime ISA worth it today and should you get one?
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So, you're dreaming of owning your first home and seeking an ally to guide you through reaching one of life’s biggest milestones – building a deposit. Well, you've found your companion. Here's how Tembo can help you pave the way to your first home 🏠
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If you’re a first-time buyer aged 18-39, a Lifetime ISA (LISA) could help you boost your deposit and get on the property ladder sooner. Pay up to £4,000 a year into your LISA and the government will give you a 25% bonus up to £1,000. You can use the money towards your first home or retirement, but when are LISA bonuses paid out and how do you claim them?
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As a first-time buyer, the world of mortgages can seem overwhelming. How much can you borrow for a mortgage? How much deposit do you need? Which lender should you apply to? How can you borrow more? These are all questions which might have crossed your mind while trying to wade through the murky world of mortgages. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ve outlined our top first-time buyer mortgages and schemes for you in this guide. To see what you could qualify for, create a free Tembo plan today.
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Buy to Let has long been a favourite investment in the UK, fuelled by years of rising house prices and accessible mortgages. But as we look towards 2026, the landscape has shifted. Mortgage rates are settling, tax rules are changing, and new landlord regulations are here. With the rental market finding its feet again, many landlords are asking: Is a Buy to Let still a good investment? Whether you're thinking about renting out your first home or you're a seasoned investor, it's essential to keep up with the latest market changes. Let’s break down the key things you need to know about Buy to Let in 2026.
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If you’re buying a house or remortgaging your home, getting mortgage advice from a mortgage broker can make a huge difference to your financial situation as they can save you money by helping you access better mortgage deals or lower interest rates. But are all mortgage brokers the same?
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One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when buying a home is what type of property to go for. Whether you choose a city-centre flat, a new build house in the suburbs, or a traditional cottage in a small village, there are so many different types of houses to choose from.
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One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when buying your first home is whether to buy a flat or a house. If you want lots of space and a garden, a house might seem like the most obvious choice. But if you’re on a very tight budget or you want to live in a city, a flat might be better. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of houses and flats to help you decide which property type is right for you.
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Most property experts agree that location is the most important part of the house buying process. You can paint the walls, fit a brand new kitchen and even have the loft converted into an extra bedroom, but you can’t change your property’s location. Besides, not only can a good location make it easier to get to work, access the best schools and make the most of your weekends, you may benefit from rising house prices too. So where should you buy a house? If you’re wondering how to find the perfect place for your dream home, here are our top tips.
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A lot of people dream of having their own place. Whether you want to live solo but can’t afford to rent by yourself or simply want to get your foot on the property ladder - there are lots of reasons why you might want to buy a house on your own. But is it possible? Find out how you can buy a home by yourself, and the ways you can boost what you can afford in our guide.
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Buying a house as a single person can be ridiculously expensive. Not only do you have to save a deposit by yourself, you’ll also need to pay for solicitors, valuations, moving costs and in some cases, stamp duty. With house prices rising so quickly and the overall cost of living going up, you might be thinking of buying a house with siblings or friends instead. If this is you, here’s what you need to know:
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You and your partner are finally ready to buy a home together but there’s just one problem…you’re a first-time home buyer and they already own their home. This might seem like a complicated and awkward scenario, but it happens more often than you think. If you’re buying with a homeowner, here’s what you need to know and how it affects your house purchase as a first time home buyer.
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Deciding whether to buy a house is one of the biggest financial choices you'll make. It’s not just about finding the right property; it’s about timing, affordability, and your personal circumstances. In this guide, we walk through what’s predicted for the UK housing market in 2026 and key factors to help you decide if next year is the right time for you to step onto or move up the property ladder.
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Are your housemates driving you crazy? Do you lose entire evenings watching home transformation videos on TikTok? Do you dream of having your own space? If this is you, you might have started thinking about owning a home of your own some day in the future. But you might also be wondering how to save for a house in the first place. How long does it take to save for a house? And what’s the best way to save? Look no further because we’ve answered your top questions below.
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After more than a decade of low interest rates, the cost of having a mortgage has increased. The Bank of England’s base rate, which sets the benchmark for mortgage interest rates across the UK, is currently at 4.00%, while back in December 2021 it stood at just 0.1%. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, home mover or remortgager, all this uncertainty in the market might leave you wondering whether you should fix your mortgage and how long to fix your mortgage for. To make your decision that little bit easier, we’ve weighed up the pros and cons of fixing your mortgage interest rate in this guide.
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What are mortgage interest rates, what is a good rate and how do you get the best deal? In this guide, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about mortgage interest rates, to help you work out what is the best option for you.
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If you’re a first-time buyer, opening a Lifetime ISA could help you reach your savings goals faster. You can save up to £4,000 a year in it and the government will top it up by 25% — that’s a bonus of up to £1,000 a year. But you can also earn interest or investment growth on top - depending on whether you go for a Cash Lifetime ISA or Stocks and Shares Lifetime ISA. But which provider do you choose to go with? Keep reading to find out the best Lifetime ISA providers in the UK below.
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The Help to Buy equity loan scheme helped more than 350,000 first-time buyers get on the property ladder. But, so far the government hasn’t announced an official Help to Buy replacement. So, what are the alternatives to Help to Buy equity loan for first time buyers? The good news is, there are numerous options to help you buy a home. Keep reading to find out what options are out there to help you get a place of your own.
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For many of us out there, the ability to buy your own home before the age of 50 seems like a far-off and unattainable dream. House prices may have decreased slightly, but for those who are potential first-time buyers, the prospect of purchasing a property while faced with constant reports of changing inflation rates and the cost of living crisis can feel out of reach. At Tembo, we are on a mission to help first-time buyers who are not in the position to obtain a mortgage “in the traditional way” (aka the standard repayment mortgage) get on the ladder sooner. If you are looking for alternative and affordable ways to buy your first home, read on…
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If you’re applying for a mortgage, you’ll probably come across a confusing mix of mortgage abbreviations and acronyms. From LTVs to DIPs, SVRs to APRs, it can sometimes feel like mortgage lenders are speaking a different language. To help you cut through the jargon, here’s our guide to the most common mortgage acronyms. By the end, you’ll know your AIPs from your APRs — and you’ll be able to ask the right questions when comparing mortgage deals.
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