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Mortgage Guides
Expert mortgage insights, tips, and industry updates to help you navigate your property journey


Does Paying Off Credit Cards Before Application Improve Your Chances?
Updated: 22 October 2025 Written by Ben Stephenson, CeMAP‑qualified Mortgage Broker, reviewed by Mortgage Experts. Manor Mortgages Direct is FCA authorised (496907), has been in business nearly 30 years and is highly positively reviewed, 4.9 rated on Google. We have helped thousands successfully secure the right mortgage. Bristol‑based, assisting clients nationwide. Yes , paying off or paying down credit cards before you apply often improves your prospects, although outcomes
1 day ago8 min read


Do Lenders Check Gambling on Bank Statements UK?
Updated: 22 October 2025 Written by Ben Stephenson, CeMAP‑qualified Mortgage Broker, and reviewed by Mortgage Experts. Manor Mortgages Direct is FCA authorised, 496907, established for nearly 30 years and highly reviewed, 4.9 on Google. We have helped thousands secure the right mortgage. We are Bristol based brokers who can assist nationwide. Yes, many UK mortgage underwriters do review gambling transactions on bank statements , usually across the most recent three to six mo
1 day ago8 min read


Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Payment Holidays in the UK
Last Updated: 10 October 2025 A mortgage payment holiday is an agreement with your lender that allows you to pause or reduce your...
Oct 106 min read


Can First-Time Buyers Get on the Property Ladder in 2025 Without Relying on Parents?
Last updated: 9 October 2025 Yes, many first-time buyers can still get on the property ladder in 2025 without relying on parents, but it often requires careful planning, access to government schemes, and sometimes specialist mortgage solutions. While house prices remain high compared to average incomes, more lenders are offering longer mortgage terms, higher income multiples, and products tailored to first-time buyers. Government-backed initiatives such as Shared Ownership,
Oct 95 min read


Mortgage Options for Self-Employed Individuals in 2025: What You Need to Know
Last Updated: 08 October 2025 If you are self-employed and asking “Can I get a mortgage in the UK?” the answer is yes, but the process...
Oct 85 min read


Do lenders check your bank statements for a mortgage?
Last Updated: 07 October 2025 Yes, lenders will usually request your most recent bank statements, typically covering 3-6 months, to...
Oct 75 min read


Strategies to Save on Your Mortgage Amid Rising Costs
Last Updated: 6 October 2025 With mortgage bills rising and household budgets under pressure, homeowners across the UK are searching for...
Oct 66 min read


Top Buy-to-Let Hotspots in the UK for 2025: Where to Invest for High Rental Yields
Updated: 24 September 2025 If you are asking “Where should I invest in buy-to-let property in the UK in 2025?” the quick answer is that the strongest opportunities lie in major regional cities and growing towns where rental demand is high and yields remain competitive. Areas such as Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Bristol, Coventry, and Sunderland are among the standouts, each offering a mix of affordable purchase prices, solid ren
Sep 247 min read


Can You Get a Mortgage If You Have Late Payments?
Updated: 24 September 2025 Yes, it is often possible to get a mortgage even if you have late payments on your credit history. While some mainstream lenders may be cautious, many specialist mortgage providers are open to applications where there is evidence of stable income, affordability, and responsible financial behaviour since the late payments occurred. What you can expect is more scrutiny around when the late payments happened, how many accounts were affected, and whethe
Sep 246 min read


Leasehold vs Freehold: What’s the Difference for First-Time Buyers?
Updated: 17 September 2025 As a first-time buyer in the UK you will need to choose between purchasing a freehold or a leasehold property....
Sep 174 min read


Mortgage vs Rent: When Will Buying Actually Save You Money?
Updated: 15 September 2025 In many cases buying a property with a mortgage can save you money compared with renting, but the point where...
Sep 154 min read


Check Your Credit Report Before a Mortgage: Common Errors That Could Hurt Your Approval
Applying for a mortgage is exciting, but don’t let easily fixable credit report mistakes ruin your chances of approval. Your credit...
Aug 45 min read


Should You Close Credit Cards Before Applying for a Mortgage?
Applying for a mortgage is one of the biggest financial steps you’ll take, and how you manage your existing credit accounts can have a...
Aug 45 min read
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