First-Time Buyer in London 2026: How to Buy with a 5% Deposit
London prices are high — but with a 5% deposit, the right scheme, and a specialist broker, ownership is still within reach. The 2026 playbook.
Latest mortgage news, market updates, and expert guides
London prices are high — but with a 5% deposit, the right scheme, and a specialist broker, ownership is still within reach. The 2026 playbook.
Post-Section 24, which structure saves you the most? Detailed comparison plus 2026 lender-rate landscape.
UK mortgage paths for Turkish citizens, document checklist, SDLT surcharges, and FX strategy — bilingual specialist support.
After five years of price growth, how much equity can you really release? Step-by-step, with 2026 rates and a real client outcome.
A comprehensive analysis of the Bank of England's latest interest rate decisions and their impact on the mortgage market.
Looking to buy your first home? Everything you need to know about the process, from deposit to completion.
Applying for your first mortgage can feel daunting, but the process is easier when you know what lenders look for and what happens at each stage. This 2026 guide explains the UK mortgage application journey step-by-step, with practical tips to improve your chances and avoid delays.
Read MoreShared Ownership can help you buy a home with a smaller deposit, but it comes with rules, costs and long-term considerations. Here’s how it works in 2026, what lenders look for, and how to decide if it’s the right route onto the property ladder.
Read MoreBuying your first home in 2026 can feel daunting, but understanding how lenders assess you, what rates to expect, and how to prepare can make the process far smoother. This guide explains the UK mortgage market in 2026 and gives practical, broker-style tips to boost your chances of approval and secure a competitive deal.
Read MoreThe First Homes scheme offers eligible first-time buyers in England a discount of at least 30% on certain new-build properties. Here’s who qualifies in 2026, how the application process works in practice, and what to watch for when arranging your mortgage.
Read MoreBuying your first home in 2026 can still feel daunting, but the right preparation makes mortgage approval far more achievable. This guide explains how the UK mortgage market works right now, what lenders look for, and the practical steps first-time buyers can take to secure a competitive deal.
Read MoreThe First Homes scheme can help eligible buyers purchase a new-build home in England with a discount of at least 30%. Here’s what the scheme is, who qualifies in 2026, how the application process works in practice, and how to approach mortgages and affordability in today’s market.
Read MoreShared Ownership can help buyers onto the property ladder with a smaller mortgage and deposit, but it comes with rent, service charges and resale rules. Here’s how the scheme works in 2026, what lenders look for, and how to decide if it’s the right fit for your budget and long-term plans.
Read MoreMortgage rates in 2026 will likely be driven by inflation trends, Bank of England policy, and swap rates—rather than headline-grabbing guesses. Here’s what to watch over the coming months, where fixed and tracker deals may go, and practical steps UK borrowers can take now.
Read MoreUK mortgage pricing in 2026 is being shaped by inflation progress, Bank of England rate expectations and intense lender competition. Here’s what the latest fixed vs variable trends mean for your monthly payments—and how to decide which route suits your goals and risk tolerance.
Read MoreInterest rate changes can quickly alter your monthly mortgage payment, especially if you’re on a tracker or approaching the end of a fixed rate. Here’s how mortgage rates work in the UK in 2026, what to expect when rates move, and practical steps to protect your budget.
Read MoreBuying your first home in 2026 can feel complex, with affordability tests, product choices and shifting interest rates. This guide explains how UK mortgages work, what lenders look for, and the practical steps first-time buyers can take to improve their chances of approval and secure the right deal.
Read MoreShared Ownership can help some buyers get on the property ladder with a smaller deposit and mortgage by purchasing a share of a home and paying rent on the rest. In 2026, affordability pressures, lending criteria and rent levels make it more important than ever to understand the true costs, the rules, and when Shared Ownership is (and isn’t) a good fit.
Read MoreUK borrowers in 2026 face a more nuanced fixed vs variable decision than in recent years, as swap rates, lender competition and affordability rules reshape pricing. This guide explains today’s trends, where the best value is appearing, and practical steps to choose the right product for your circumstances.
Read MoreBuying your first home is exciting, but avoidable mistakes can cost you time, money and even the property. Here are the most common first-time buyer pitfalls in 2026 and practical steps to stay mortgage-ready, budget-smart and chain-resilient in today’s UK market.
Read MoreMortgage rates matter, but fees can add thousands to the true cost of borrowing. This 2026 guide explains the main UK mortgage fees, upfront buying costs, and ongoing charges—plus practical ways to reduce what you pay.
Read MoreMortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI) can help cover your monthly mortgage payments if you can’t work due to accident, sickness or (in some policies) unemployment. Here’s how MPPI works in 2026, what it covers, what to watch out for, and how to decide if it’s right for you.
Read MoreNew to property investing? This guide explains beginner-friendly UK strategies in 2026, from buy-to-let and HMOs to flipping and property funds, with a clear focus on mortgage options, affordability and risk. Learn how to choose a strategy that fits your budget, time and goals—plus practical steps to strengthen your application and avoid common pitfalls.
Read MoreBuying a UK property while living overseas is still possible in 2026, but expat mortgage criteria remain stricter than for UK residents. This guide explains how expat mortgages work, what lenders look for, and practical steps to improve your chances of approval.
Read MoreBad credit doesn’t automatically rule out a remortgage in 2026, but it can affect the rate you’re offered, the lender choices available and how much you can borrow. This guide explains your realistic options, how lenders assess credit issues, and practical steps to improve your chances of approval.
Read MoreBuy-to-let remains a popular route for UK property investors, but tax rules and mortgage costs continue to shape real-world returns. Here’s what’s changed, what still matters in 2026, and practical steps landlords can take to keep investments viable and mortgage-ready.
Read MoreUK housing market data in 2026 points to a more balanced landscape: steadier house price growth, improved stock, and lenders competing for high-quality borrowers. Here’s what the latest statistics typically show, what they mean in practice, and how buyers can use the data to secure the right mortgage and negotiate confidently.
Read MoreA poor credit history doesn’t always mean the end of your homeownership plans. This guide explains how adverse credit mortgages work in the UK in 2026, what lenders look for, and practical steps you can take to improve your chances of approval.
Read MoreBuying your first home is exciting, but small missteps can cost thousands or derail a purchase. Here are the most common first-time buyer mistakes UK buyers make in 2026—and practical, lender-friendly ways to avoid them.
Read MoreRemortgaging can cut your monthly payments, protect you from rate rises and even help you fund home improvements. This 2026 guide explains when to remortgage, how the process works in the UK, what it costs, and how to secure the best deal for your circumstances.
Read MoreHMO mortgages can unlock higher rental yields, but they come with tighter lender criteria, licensing rules and more complex affordability tests. This 2026 guide explains how HMO mortgages work in the UK, what lenders look for, and how to improve your chances of approval.
Read MoreInterest rate moves can change your mortgage payment by hundreds of pounds a month, depending on your rate type, balance and term. This guide explains exactly how Bank of England decisions feed into UK mortgage rates in 2026, with practical examples and tips to protect your budget.
Read MoreUK house prices in 2026 are being pulled in different directions by interest rates, wage growth, inflation, taxation and housing supply. This guide explains the key economic forces behind prices and offers practical mortgage-focused steps to help you buy or refinance with confidence.
Read MoreBridging loans can help you buy a property quickly or unlock short-term funding when a standard mortgage won’t fit the timetable. This guide explains how bridging finance works in the UK in 2026, when it’s suitable, typical costs, and the practical steps to secure a competitive deal safely.
Read MoreBuying your first home is exciting, but small missteps can cost you time, money, or even the property. Here are the most common first-time buyer mistakes UK buyers make in 2026, plus practical ways to avoid them and strengthen your mortgage application.
Read MoreRemortgaging can help you secure a better deal, reduce monthly payments or release equity—especially as many UK borrowers come off higher fixed rates in 2026. This guide explains when to remortgage, how the process works, the costs to watch and practical ways to improve your chances of a cheaper rate.
Read MoreRental yield is a key metric for UK buy-to-let investors, but the “headline” figure rarely tells the whole story. This 2026 guide explains how to calculate gross and net yields, what to include in your costs, and how yield links to mortgage affordability, stress tests and real-world cash flow.
Read MoreProperty prices still vary dramatically across the UK in 2026, shaping what buyers can borrow, where they can buy, and how lenders assess affordability. This guide explains the key regional patterns, what’s driving them, and practical mortgage tips for first-time buyers, movers and investors.
Read MoreUK mortgage rates in 2026 will be shaped by the Bank of England base rate path, inflation progress, and how competitively lenders fight for business. Here’s what to watch in the coming months, plus practical steps to secure the best mortgage deal for your circumstances.
Read MoreProperty prices vary dramatically across the UK, and in 2026 those regional gaps can directly affect affordability, deposit size and the mortgage products available to you. Here’s how to interpret regional house price trends and use them to plan a smarter mortgage strategy—wherever you’re buying.
Read MoreUK mortgage rates in 2026 will be shaped by inflation, Bank of England policy, swap rates and lender competition. Here’s what mortgage seekers should watch over the coming months, plus practical steps to secure the best deal in a still-changing market.
Read MoreA Lifetime ISA can be one of the most powerful tools for first-time buyers, thanks to the 25% government bonus. Here’s how to use it strategically in 2026, avoid common pitfalls, and line it up with your mortgage plans and purchase timeline.
Read MoreThe latest Bank of England base rate decision has immediate knock-on effects for tracker mortgages, new fixed-rate pricing, and what lenders will offer in affordability checks. Here’s what UK mortgage seekers in 2026 need to know—plus practical steps to protect your budget and improve your chances of approval.
Read MoreThe latest changes to the Help to Buy scheme and what they mean for prospective buyers.
Read MoreThis month's market trends, lender updates, and best mortgage deals available.
Read MoreThinking of investing in property? What you need to know about your buy-to-let mortgage options.
Read MoreHow to know if you should remortgage and potentially save thousands on your monthly payments.
Read MoreHow the central bank's next interest rate decision could impact the mortgage market and your repayments.
Read MoreEverything you need to know about the new stamp duty rules and how they affect homebuyers.
Read MoreWhere are London house prices heading? Expert predictions and market analysis for the year ahead.
Read MorePractical strategies and saving methods to help you reach your deposit goal faster.
Read MoreUnderstand the differences between fixed and variable rate mortgages to make the best choice.
Read MoreA comprehensive guide for those looking to invest in UK property this year.
Read MoreAll the documents you need for your mortgage application and tips to get prepared.
Read MoreDetailed analysis of the best London areas for investment and living.
Read MoreEverything about mortgage insurance types, costs, and why it matters for your home purchase.
Read MoreSubscribe to our newsletter for the latest mortgage news and exclusive offers.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. You can manage your preferences or reject non-essential cookies.
Install Credys
Add to Home Screen
Launch instantly. Works offline. No app store needed.