Our evidence
standard.
Housing and mortgage rules move. So every guide tells you which nation it applies to, when it was last reviewed, when it is next due, and where each fact came from.
A rule set by government or written into legislation.
The Lifetime ISA government bonus is 25% of what you pay in, up to £1,000 a year. Source: GOV.UK.
A rule set by a regulator, such as the FCA or the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
A firm giving regulated mortgage advice must be authorised by the FCA and appear on the Financial Services Register.
What lenders, developers or agents actually do. Not a rule, and it can change without notice.
A small number of lenders offer 100% mortgages to borrowers who meet specific criteria. Source: the lender.
Our own reading of the position, clearly separated from the facts above.
If you have only a 5% deposit, compare the total cost of buying now against waiting a year to reach 10%.
What every guide shows you
- Applies to: England. Our guidance is written for renters in England. Where Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland work differently, we say so rather than blurring the four nations together.
- Last reviewed. The date a real person checked the guide against primary sources.
- Next review. Guides are on a quarterly review cycle, and sooner when a rule changes.
- Sources. Listed at the foot of each guide, each carrying one of the four labels above.
- Announced but not in force. Where a change has been announced and is not yet law, we show current rules and proposed changes separately, and say which one applies to you today.
What we do not do
We are not a mortgage adviser, a financial adviser or a law firm. We explain how the route works and help you prepare for conversations with regulated professionals. We do not recommend a specific mortgage, give legal advice, or guarantee that a lender will approve you.
Related: our editorial standards and the guide library.