Mortgages tips and guides
Explore our handy mortgage guides
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or want to understand the process of remortgaging, we’ve got all the information you need. From our best tips and tricks for saving for a deposit, to information about porting your mortgage, our guides are designed to make navigating mortgages simpler.
Explore our guides for more information.
Different Types of Mortgages
![People sat around having a nice time in their house that they own together.](/-/media/confused/articles/mortgages/people-in-a-joint-mortgage-teaser.jpg?la=en-GB&hash=7FB3A029267A2427CF656C001F15DA5D)
Everything you need to know about joint mortgages
We look at joint mortgages, their pros and cons, and how they differ from other types of mortgage.
![Close up of a hand signing a mortgage agreement while a lender gestures at the paper.](/-/media/confused/articles/mortgages/man-signing-mortgage-agreement-teaser.jpg?la=en-GB&hash=0297D75AA99FFB20129B9FFA8E6EAB5D)
Buy-to-let mortgages explained
A buy-to-let mortgage isn't that different from a regular mortgage. But there are some important differences.
![A house being built, surrounded by scaffolding](/-/media/confused/articles/mortgages/self-build-house-scaffolding-teaser.jpg?la=en-GB&hash=ECB60E135DE207E82670DDDB41B65C47)
Self-build mortgages explained
So where to start with financing something as big as building your very own home? Self-build mortgages are one way to fund this.
![A stack of pound coins on a background showing financial trends](/-/media/confused/articles/mortgages/stack-coins-on-financial-chart-teaser.jpg?la=en-GB&hash=A225D291FE7D45BAD8003D65DE484D15)
Tracker mortgages explained
Mortgages can be difficult to get your head around. But tracker mortgages seem to be even more complicated, with base rates, interest rate floors and collars. Let’s take a look at what it all means.
Deposits
![Hands holding a ceramic piggy bank and a model house](/-/media/confused/articles/home-insurance/hand-piggy-bank-model-house-teaser.jpg?la=en-GB&hash=E3F3445339890ACAF274D7F31A005EB6)
Getting a mortgage with a gifted deposit
If you’re a first-time buyer, a gifted deposit can help you to get on the property ladder. Here’s what you need to know.
Managing Your Mortgage
![Fingers stepping on stairs made of coins to get to a model house](/-/media/confused/articles/mortgages/fingers-stepping-up-to-house-on-coins-teaser.jpg?la=en-GB&hash=853E2CA8408D0A9A44F635EA37CEB8DF)
Early repayment charges explained
An early repayment charge, or ERC, is a fee that’s paid to your mortgage lender for paying off some types of mortgages early.
![Person signing mortgage form](/-/media/confused/redesign/carousel/images/mortgages/equity-releases.jpg?la=en-GB&h=240&w=360&hash=8E6347DBFFF7198B1B1780EF3E879C8A)
Equity release
Equity releases can get you a tax-free lump sum, but there are a few things to think about before applying.
![Couple speaking to mortgage advisor](/-/media/confused/redesign/carousel/images/mortgages/porting-mortgage.jpg?la=en-GB&h=240&w=360&hash=94A9BA0AC01B8AC215E9EA5190896A8C)
Porting your mortgage
Taking your mortgage with you when you move has pros and cons. We take a look at them.
![Person calculating their finances with wooden houses in the foreground](/-/media/confused/articles/mortgages/hand-calculating-paments-with-wooden-houses-teaser.jpg?la=en-GB&hash=1A2D1948FA7DF3BFC4DB63F98589231C)
Overpaying your mortgage?
Mortgage overpayments are when you pay more than your normal monthly mortgage payment. This lets that you pay your mortgage off faster and you could pay less interest overall.
![Couple considering mortgage options](/-/media/confused/articles/mortgages/couple-considering-mortgage-options-teaser.jpg?la=en-GB&hash=E4CF1BFC4982C3E21CEF1ABB88F5C1EB)
Should I take a mortgage holiday?
If you’ve taken a mortgage holiday or if you’re thinking about taking one, read on.
Understanding Mortgages
![Person calculating their mortgage interest rates](/-/media/confused/articles/mortgages/person-calculating-mortgage-interest-rate-teaser.jpg?la=en-GB&hash=324B812A05068F98960E1B6209959281)
APRC explained
When looking at mortgages, you’re likely to come across your fair share of jargon and acronyms. Another one to add into the mix is APRC.
![Person signing mortgage form](/-/media/confused/redesign/carousel/images/mortgages/mortgage-agreements-in-principle.jpg?la=en-GB&h=240&w=360&hash=A313EA04EC70E8D12921E26DF9327B0A)
Mortgages in principle
Let us take you through what you need to know about a mortgage agreement in principle.
![Coins stacked up](/-/media/confused/articles/mortgages/bank-of-england-base-rate-teaser.jpg?la=en-GB&hash=3AE3CD725DC5F62EEF9B73F4B7F5A878)
The Bank of England base rate explained
The Bank of England base rate can affect how much interest you pay on your mortgage. Here’s how it works.