Expert articles, simple advice, and step-by-step guides for buying property in the UK.
You can get a mortgage with a CCJ, but it usually depends on the level of risk. A CCJ (County Court Judgment) indicates to lenders that you have previously defaulted on a debt and the matter was taken to court. Consequently, the lender may request a larger deposit, offer products at a higher interest rate […]
26.01.2026
A let-to-buy mortgage allows you to move homes without selling your current property. You refinance your current home as a rental property, then take out a new residential mortgage on the home you plan moving to. Below is a practical, jargon-free breakdown of how let-to-buy mortgages work, who they suit, and what lenders look for. […]
22.01.2026
When you took out your mortgage, you probably locked into a fixed rate, typically for two, five, or even ten years. At the time of the fixed rate ending, if you did nothing, your lender will usually move your mortgage onto a standard variable rate (SVR). This is often at a much higher rate than […]
13.11.2025
Bad credit can feel like a dead end. But it’s not the end of the road. At Smart City Mortgages, we speak to people every week who think their credit history has shut the door on buying a home to discover that they actually still have options. Yes, it may take more time, and the […]
11.11.2025
Your mortgage isn’t something you set and forget. Just like your phone contract or car insurance, it’s worth checking in on – especially when your fixed rate is about to end. But many homeowners don’t realise: the best time to remortgage can be months before your deal actually finishes. Let’s look at how it works, […]
10.11.2025
If you’re living in the UK on a spousal visa or have limited leave to remain, getting a mortgage might feel out of reach. The rules can seem unclear, and many banks don’t exactly go out of their way to explain them. But here’s the good news: being on a temporary visa doesn’t automatically mean […]
07.11.2025
You’ve got the mortgage, the keys, and moved in. And it all seems like it’s done. But it’s not quite yet. At Smart City Mortgages, we believe mortgage advice shouldn’t end once the deal is approved. In fact, some of the biggest savings happen after your mortgage is in place. That’s why our support doesn’t […]
03.11.2025
Whether you’re exploring buy-to-let as a long-term investment, or you’ve unexpectedly become a landlord due to life circumstances, one thing’s for sure: it’s not as simple as “buy a property and rent it out”. There are important decisions to make before you even apply for a mortgage. For example: 1. Personal vs Ltd company: what’s […]
16.10.2025
Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of people move into homes they love: from first-time buyers to growing families, self-employed creatives, and even those who thought they had no chance. And while every mortgage journey is different, we’ve noticed something interesting: the happiest clients tended to do the same few things. So here’s what they […]
07.10.2025
Let’s face it: getting a mortgage isn’t just about how much you earn. We talk to clients every day who seem like perfect candidates on paper (stable jobs, decent income, no wild spending) and still, their mortgage applications get declined or delayed. Why? Because behind every “No” is a detail you weren’t told to check. […]
01.10.2025
Getting declined by a lender can feel like a dead end. Especially when you’ve already found the home you love. But here’s the truth: you’re far from alone, and in most cases, being declined by one bank doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage at all. In fact, we often help clients across the UK […]
15.09.2025
Porting your mortgage can sound easier than starting over. But is it always the best move? Moving house is already a big job. Boxes, contracts, viewings, and on top of that, figuring out your mortgage again? If you already have a mortgage, the idea of just taking it with you might feel like a shortcut. […]
08.09.2025
Looking for a mortgage? You’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I go straight to my bank, or use an adviser instead?”.
01.09.2025
Thinking about getting a mortgage, but not sure what paperwork you need? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common (and confusing) questions we hear from clients. In this article, we’ll break it down into a clear, simple checklist: whether you’re employed, self-employed, buying with family, or new to the UK. 1. What […]
22.08.2025
If you’re thinking about buying your first home in the UK, one of the first (and biggest) questions is: how much deposit do I need? The short answer: at least 5 %. But the full picture depends on your situation — and how soon you want to get your keys. In this article, we’ll break […]
18.07.2025
If you’re self-employed, recently moved to the UK, or don’t have a perfect credit history — you might be wondering: Can I still get a mortgage? The short answer is: yes. But you’ll need the right advice, the right documents, and sometimes — a bit more guidance. At Smart City Mortgages, we’ve helped hundreds of […]
17.07.2025
Buying a home in the UK is already complicated. Finding the right mortgage advice shouldn’t be. That’s why we’ve completely redesigned the Smart City Mortgages website — to make it faster, clearer, and more helpful. Here’s a quick overview of what’s new — and how it can help you. 1. A website that speaks your […]
16.07.2025
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