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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You can save up to £20,000 a year in Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) without paying a penny of tax on your interest, but how do you withdraw money from a Cash ISA and are there any penalties?
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An ISA - Individual Savings Account - is a type of savings account that lets you save or invest for the future without paying tax on your interest or profits. So how do you open one? And which type of ISA is right for you?
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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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Buying or selling property is a major personal decision, influenced by your financial situation and life goals. However, understanding what the property market landscape could look like in 2026 can help you make an informed choice. Here, we outline key factors to consider when deciding if you should buy or sell a house in 2026.
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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 Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has announced its decision to hold the UK's base rate at its current level of 4%. This move was widely anticipated by economists and aligns with the central bank's cautious approach as it navigates sticky inflation with a sluggish economy. While a stable base rate offers a degree of predictability, it has significant implications for household finances. From mortgages to savings, the decision affects millions. Keep reading as we dive into what this means for homebuyers, those looking to remortgage, and savers.
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Recent research has provided valuable insights into how people are using the Lifetime ISA (LISA), including ways it could be improved for savers. The findings show that while the LISA is helping many on their journey to homeownership, there are opportunities to make the product even better. At Tembo, we're passionate about empowering first-time buyers. That's why we've dug into the key findings from the research for you. So you can keep your finger on the pulse and understand how this impacts you, all from one place!
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If you've been saving for your first home or planning a move up the property ladder, you might have seen recent headlines about potential changes to stamp duty. While nothing is set in stone yet, these rumoured reforms could significantly impact how much you pay when buying your next home. Let's break down what's being discussed, what it could mean for your homebuying journey, and how you can prepare for whatever comes next.
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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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Interest rates have fallen to their lowest levels in nearly 11 months, creating a significant shift in the property market. The average 5-year fixed rate mortgage has dipped below the 5% mark for the first time since May 2023, while the lowest rate offered by our panel of over 100 lenders sits at 3.85%*. This downward trend is more than just a number; it’s a potential turning point for housing affordability and market confidence. For anyone who has been waiting on the sidelines, this could be the opportunity you've been hoping for. Let's get into what this means for first-time buyers, remortgagers, and home movers, and how you can navigate this changing landscape to your advantage.
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House hunting can be quite like swiping through Tinder. Everyone’s trying to look their best with carefully staged photos and creative descriptions. It’s easy to get swept up imagining your future together, but in reality, they might not be the right one for you. To help you avoid heartbreak (and wasted time), here are some of the types of houses to consider giving a miss - or watch out for when you start house hunting.
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You may have the full intention of saving more money. You might even go as far as making a budget or even setting up a standing order. But then payday hits, a few days go by, and somehow your balance is back in the danger zone. If this sounds familiar, the problem might not be your willpower. It could be your money triggers. These are the subconscious cues that cause you to spend, stress, or avoid your finances altogether. Most people have them, but few realise how much they affect day-to-day decisions - especially when you’re trying to save for something big like a deposit.
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We’ve all heard of dating icks, like loud chewing, being rude to a waiter, or texting 100 times a day, but when it comes to money, the red flags aren’t always as obvious. Enter: the financial ick. It’s that moment when someone casually admits to thinking overdrafts are free money. It’s not about how much you earn. It’s about whether you’ve got your financial act together. And if you’re planning to buy a home one day, those habits might not just turn off potential partners. They could also put off potential lenders. So… are you a financial green flag? Or are your money habits quietly holding you back?
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If you've been waiting for the perfect moment to buy your first home, remortgage, or are watching your savings with growing concern, you may think July's inflation figures have thrown a curveball into your plans. UK inflation jumped to 3.8% in July - nearly double the Bank of England's 2% target and the highest since January 2024. Let's break down what these numbers really mean for your money when it comes to mortgage rates and savings.
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If you’d like to buy a home and you can’t afford to pay for it in cash, you may need a mortgage. But how do mortgages work? And what can stop you from getting one? Find out in this guide.
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When you’re old and wrinkly and looking back on life, you’re unlikely to regret going on holidays or spending a little too much on takeaways. You might however, regret not saving for the future or avoiding complicated money conversations. That’s because when it comes to deathbed regrets, we’re much more likely to regret the things we didn’t do, rather than the things we did, according to Daniel Pink, author of The Power of Regret. Of course, everyone is different and some people have no regrets at all (not even a dodgy tattoo), but here are the money mistakes that could keep you awake at night in future, and how to turn things around.
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If you’ve ever checked your bank balance and wondered where all your money went, you’re not alone. Most of us overspend now and then, but it’s probably not because you’re bad with money, lazy, or addicted to takeaways. In fact, research in behavioural science suggests that overspending has less to do with willpower and more to do with how our brains are wired. Let’s look at what’s really going on.
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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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There’s a lot of outdated advice floating around when it comes to buying your first home. One of the most common is that you’ll need to save a 20% deposit before you can even think about applying for a mortgage. But here’s the truth: while a 20% deposit could unlock better mortgage rates, it’s not essential. In fact, there are plenty of ways to get on the ladder with far less — and some buyers don’t need to save a deposit at all! Here’s everything you need to know.
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If your friends have bought a house in their 20s, you might be wondering how on Earth they’ve done it — especially if they bought in an expensive area and you have a feeling their salary isn’t that different to yours. You’re happy for them (mostly), but it’s hard not to compare. You’ve been cutting back, building up your savings, and checking your credit report religiously, yet homeownership still feels out of reach. But before you go blaming yourself or living like a student again, here are five unfiltered truths about what it really takes to buy in your 20s, and why you’re probably doing better than you think.
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The Bank of England has cut its base interest rate from 4.25% to 4.0%. This widely expected move comes as the UK battles weak economic growth. And experts are predicting another rate cut before the end of the year - even as inflation hit 3.6% in June, nearly twice the Bank of England’s 2% target. What does this mean for you? We’ve covered all you need to know, including how this impacts mortgage affordability and saving rates.
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If you’re saving a deposit for your first home, you’ve probably been inundated with advice from well-meaning family members who just want to help. Some of their tips might be valuable, such as viewing houses in person or paying for a survey. Other suggestions, like cancelling your subscriptions and giving up takeaways, can be frustrating to say the least - especially if your family members bought their first home in the 80s, 90s, or earlier. Back then, house prices were lower, and saving a deposit didn’t require a five-year strategy. So although your loved ones might have the best intentions, their pearls of wisdom may be less effective in today’s housing market. Let’s take a look at the biggest lies about buying a house, and what your parents got wrong.
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If you're hoping to buy a home in 2025, your chosen city can make or break your chances for getting on the ladder. The average buyer in London needs to earn over £101,000 a year and save more than £53,000 for a 10% deposit, for example. Over in Liverpool however, you could potentially buy with an income of just £32,600 and a deposit of around £16,300. With so much variation between different cities, let’s take a look at what it actually takes to buy a home where you want to live.
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Are you thinking of renting out a property for the first time? Whether you’re renting a flat to complete strangers or buying an affordable home for your child to live in at university, here’s our guide to getting a mortgage as a first time landlord.
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If you’re a skilled worker with a Tier 2 or skilled worker or skilled worker visa, it’s possible to buy a home or investment property in the UK. Wondering where to start and how to boost your chances? Here’s our guide to getting a mortgage if you have a Tier 2 or skilled worker or skilled worker visa.
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