Best Mortgage Deals UK 2026
Whether you're a first-time buyer, remortgaging or moving home, the right mortgage can save you tens of thousands over the life of the loan. We've curated the leading UK comparison route to find the cheapest rate you'll actually qualify for.
What you get
- See live rates from 90+ UK lenders side-by-side
- Fee-free, whole-of-market broker — no obligation
- Soft search — checking doesn't affect your credit score
- Specialists for self-employed, contractor and adverse credit
- Free advice on product fees, ERCs and overpayments
How to choose
Fix or tracker?
Fixes lock in certainty for 2, 5 or 10 years. Trackers move with the Bank of England base rate — cheaper today but exposed to hikes. If you'd lose sleep over a 1% rise, fix. If you have headroom and expect cuts, track.
Watch the total cost, not just the headline rate
A 4.19% deal with a £1,499 fee can be more expensive than a 4.45% fee-free deal on smaller loans. Always compare the APRC and the cash cost over the deal period — our mortgage calculator does this in seconds.
Mind the LTV bands
Rates step down sharply at 90%, 85%, 75% and 60% LTV. Putting down an extra £2,000 to drop a band can save £40+ per month.
Check overpayment limits
Most fixed deals allow 10% per year penalty-free. If you plan to throw bonuses at the mortgage, this matters more than a 0.05% rate difference.
What to compare
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Maximum LTV | 95% for first-time buyers; 60–75% for the very best rates |
| Fixed period | 2, 3, 5 or 10 years — match to how long you'll stay |
| Product fee | £0–£1,999 — factor into total cost |
| Overpayment allowance | Usually 10% per year without ERC |
| Early repayment charge | Steps down each year; check the schedule |
| Standard variable rate | What you revert to — often 8%+ |
FAQs
- How much can I borrow?
- Most UK lenders cap borrowing at 4.5× your gross annual income, though some go to 5.5× for higher earners or specific schemes. Our affordability calculator gives a realistic estimate in seconds.
- How much deposit do I need?
- 5% is the minimum for most lenders; 10% unlocks much better rates; 25%+ gets you the cheapest deals on the market.
- Should I use a broker?
- Yes — a fee-free, whole-of-market broker has access to deals not advertised direct and handles the paperwork. Cost to you: zero (they're paid by the lender).
- Will checking affect my credit score?
- No. Initial comparisons use a soft search that isn't visible to other lenders. A hard search only happens once you submit a full application.